What is the difference between ccfDNA and CTCs?
Circulating cell-free DNA (ccfDNA), isolated from the plasma portion of a blood draw, can originate from apoptotic and necrotic tumor cells, whereas circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are living cells that have shed from the primary tumor and circulate in the bloodstream. The incidence of CTCs is very rare (1 in 1,000,000), but the tumor component of the ccfDNA can be as high as 10%.
What recent advances have enabled use of CTCs for guiding cancer treatment?
New methods for CTC enrichment enable interrogation of these rare cells. Molecular analysis can provide an invaluable tool for early stage detection of cancer, neoplastic progression, and recurrence monitoring.Why are CTCs of interest in clinical research?
CTCs can lead to subsequent growth of tumors in distant organs. Recent studies have demonstrated that CTCs reflect the molecular features of cells within tumor masses, and could be considered a “liquid biopsy,” providing realtime monitoring of a patient’s disease status. In contrast to ccfDNA, CTCs can be cultured and serve as an unlimited source for clinical research studies.What studies involving ccfDNA and CTCs have been performed on the MassARRAY® System?
Following is a synopsis of key publications in chronological order.
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