The Analysis of Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs): New Insights into the Biology of Cancers

Dear Colleagues,

Tumor cells that allow the primary tumor to enter circulation and finally metastasize are known as circulating tumor cells (CTCs). CTCs have developed ways to survive in the hostile microenvironment of the bloodstream. More specifically, they can alter their genetic and phenotypic characteristics by expressing specific proteins, and hence create beneficial niches, acquire drug resistance, escape immune response, and enhance their invasive abilities. All these genotypic and phenotypic alterations constitute epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and contribute to tumor progression and metastasis. Phenotypic characterization of these cells could give useful information regarding prognosis, response to treatment, and early diagnosis. Subclones of CTCs have been proved to hold stronger prognostic and predictive value for patients than the total number of tumor cells in the bloodstream. Therefore, the phenotypic classification of these cells could be of clinical relevance for targeting metastatic dissemination not just in the early clinical setting but also during evolution of advanced disease. Moreover, the study of CTCs is not only instrumental as a basic research tool but also allows the serial monitoring of tumor genotypes and may therefore provide predictive and prognostic biomarkers for clinicians.

This Special Issue of Cancers focuses on investigations regarding the biology and clinical relevance of circulating tumor cells, encompassing new research articles and timely reviews.

Prof. Dr. Vassilis Georgoulias
Dr. Galatea Kallergi
Dr. Athina N. Markou
Guest Editors

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