09/07/2025
I love when patients do OncoMetabolic Testing and I have the privilege of creating protocols, giving them hope.
When combined with traditional oncology approaches, it works synergistically to prevent metastasis, kill stems cells, block growth factors, reduce tumor signaling, block angiogenesis, and has cytotoxic effects.
Patients that combine the two have optimal results across all stages, and I believe it supports the best possible outcomes. 🤩
Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) in Liquid Biopsy: Roles and Applications👇
✅CTCs as Liquid Biopsy Markers
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are cancer cells that detach from the primary tumor and enter the bloodstream. They serve as important biomarkers in liquid biopsy due to their direct origin from solid tumors. CTCs can provide valuable information about tumor biology, genetic alterations, and metastatic potential.
✅CTCs and Metastasis
CTCs play a critical role in cancer metastasis. Once in circulation, they can travel through the bloodstream to distant organs, where they may form secondary tumors. The presence and number of CTCs are often correlated with metastatic risk and disease severity. Studying CTCs can help in understanding the mechanisms behind cancer spread.
✅Separation and Detection of CTCs
Detecting CTCs is challenging due to their low abundance in blood. Advanced technologies like immunomagnetic separation, microfluidic devices, and size-based filtration are used to isolate CTCs. Detection methods often involve immunostaining, PCR, or genomic sequencing to analyze their characteristics and mutations.
✅Clinical Applications of CTCs
CTCs have various clinical applications, including early detection of cancer, prognosis assessment, and monitoring treatment response. In patients undergoing therapy, changes in CTC count can indicate how well a treatment is working or signal disease progression. They are also used to detect relapse and help guide personalized therapeutic strategies.
💡Ma, L., Guo, H., Zhao, Y. et al. Liquid biopsy in cancer: current status, challenges and future prospects. Sig Transduct Target Ther 9, 336 (2024).
