The Biology and Clinical Utility of Circulating Tumor Cells

Peripheral blood and other biological fluids were historically investigated to detect and track cancer and metastatic processes. Traditionally, the studies focus on malignant circulant tumour cells (CTCs) and their molecular fingerprint to evaluate disease status and response to treatments. Liquid biopsy is an immature field of research with an enormous potential to facilitate the diagnosis, anticipate the treatment response and improve the final health care of the cancer patient. Currently, liquid biopsy has a myriad of limitations that should be addressed, such as the quantity and quality of material, the correlation of genetic signatures and patient outcomes, and the optimization of the markers collection and analysis. This Special Issue aims to showcase studies and reviews that engage key issues in liquid biopsy/CTC research, gaps in technology, protocols optimization and normalization, comparison of different markers, and correlation with traditional non-liquid biopsy monitoring. The current Special Issue aims to cover novel research trends in the use of CTC assays/liquid biopsy. We welcome the submission of Original Research, Review, Mini Review, Methods, Clinical Trial Perspective, and Opinion articles in the biology of CTCs and their clinical utility in all cancer types and settings.

Submission deadline: 02/06/2024