Linking EMT Status of Circulating Tumor Cells to Clinical Outcomes in Lung Cancer

Overview

Journal Cancer Manag Res

Publisher Dove Medical Press

Specialty Oncology

Date 2024 Apr 24

PMID 38654718

Authors

Yun Huangfu

Jianxin Guo

Yang Zhao

Xuexia Cao

Lei Han

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Lung cancer (LC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with its prognosis influenced by complex biological factors.

Objective: This study delves into the clinical relevance of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and their Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) status in LC patients.

Methods: We enrolled 30 newly diagnosed LC patients and utilized the CanPatrol technique for the separation and categorization of CTCs from peripheral blood samples. Immunofluorescent staining identified epithelial (CK8/18/19, EpCAM), mesenchymal (Vimentin, Twist), and leukocyte (CD45) markers in these cells. Fluorescence microscopy analyzed the slides, and RECIST 1.1 criteria assessed treatment response. Spearman's method was used to correlate CTCs' EMT states with their count and clinical characteristics.

Results: Our findings reveal three distinct CTC groups: epithelial (E-CTCs), hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal (E/M-CTCs), and mesenchymal (M-CTCs). Significant statistical differences were observed in stages III-IV vs I-II, tumor sizes T3-T4 vs T1-T2, and in the presence or absence of distant metastasis and lymph node involvement. Notably, the count of E/M-CTCs was positively correlated with TNM staging, tumor size, lymph node, and distant metastasis. Changes in M-CTC count pre- and post-treatment closely mirrored disease progression and control, showing considerable consistency with RECIST criteria.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the EMT status of CTCs, especially E/M-CTCs, holds predictive value for LC staging, tumor size, and metastasis. Dynamic monitoring of M-CTCs can accurately reflect disease progression.

Citing Articles

Circulating Tumor Cells: Pathological, Molecular and Functional Characteristics.

Grzybowska E Int J Mol Sci. 2024; 25(15).

PMID: 39125767 PMC: 11311292. DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158198.

Phenotypic Plasticity and Cancer: A System Biology Perspective.

Subbalakshmi A, Ramisetty S, Mohanty A, Pareek S, Do D, Shrestha S J Clin Med. 2024; 13(15).

PMID: 39124569 PMC: 11313222. DOI: 10.3390/jcm13154302.

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