Single-cell analysis of circulating tumour cells: enabling technologies and clinical applications

Multimodal analysis of circulating tumour cells (CTCs) has the potential to provide remarkable insight for cancer development and metastasis. CTCs and CTC clusters investigation using single-cell analysis, enables researchers to gain crucial information on metastatic mechanisms and the genomic alterations responsible for drug resistance, empowering treatment, and management of cancer. Despite a plethora of CTC isolation technologies, careful attention to the strengths and weaknesses of each method should be considered in order to isolate these rare cells. Here, we provide an overview of cutting-edge technologies used for single -cell isolation and analysis of CTCs. Additionally, we highlight the biological features, clinical application, and the therapeutic potential of CTCs and CTC clusters using single-cell analysis platforms for cancer management.

Automated summary

Multimodal analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) has the potential to provide significant insights for cancer research, aiding in understanding tumor development and metastasis mechanisms. Investigating CTCs and CTC clusters through single-cell analysis can provide crucial information for cancer treatment and management.