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Circulating tumour cells in gastrointestinal cancers: food for thought?

Authors :
Asawa S
Nüesch M
Gvozdenovic A
Aceto N
Source :
British journal of cancer [Br J Cancer] 2023 Jun; Vol. 128 (11), pp. 1981-1990. Date of Electronic Publication: 2023 Mar 17.
Publication Year :
2023

Abstract

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers account for 35% of cancer-related deaths, predominantly due to their ability to spread and generate drug-tolerant metastases. Arising from different locations in the GI system, the majority of metastatic GI malignancies colonise the liver and the lungs. In this context, circulating tumour cells (CTCs) are playing a critical role in the formation of new metastases, and their presence in the blood of patients has been correlated with a poor outcome. In addition to their prognostic utility, prospective targeting of CTCs may represent a novel, yet ambitious strategy in the fight against metastasis. A better understanding of CTC biology, mechanistic underpinnings and weaknesses may facilitate the development of previously underappreciated anti-metastasis approaches. Here, along with related clinical studies, we outline a selection of the literature describing biological features of CTCs with an impact on their metastasis forming ability in different GI cancers.<br /> (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1532-1827
Volume :
128
Issue :
11
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
British journal of cancer
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
36932192
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41416-023-02228-8