Metastatic Determinants: Breast Tumour Cells in Circulation

摘要: More than 90 % of deaths from breast cancer are a result metastases, rather the primary tumour. In recent years it has become possible to study occult steps metastasis that have previously been clinically undetectable—single tumour cells disseminated early on and en route distant sites. High-resolution genomic gene analyses these rare show they carry their own unique sets aberrations frequently quite different tumours originated from. They appear be heterogeneous in transitional state, expressing genes necessary allow them passage into circulation as well required see through survival or dormancy blood vessels metastatic niches such bone marrow lymph nodes. possess signatures ranging up-regulation associated with invasiveness expression favourable growth factor receptors facilitate extravasation at secondary Circulating (CTCs) (DTCs) reported strong prognostic relevance by predicting relapse both late stages cancer. emerging promising biomarkers for monitoring response treatment, whereby drop cell numbers is suggestive positive response, but persisting indicate resistance poor prognosis. It apparent not just need targeted, also intermediate transition do necessarily reflect genetics may eventually give rise to. As more markers being consecutively added growing panel, nature becoming evident, paving way systemic approach experimental design treatment regimens. Molecular characterization single bloodstream will help address many questions surrounding development metastasis.