circulating tumor cell genomics
Also written as: CTC genomics — circulating tumor cell genomics
Analysis of genetic alterations in intact tumor cells isolated from peripheral blood to characterize tumor biology and monitor disease.
Full Definition
Circulating tumor cell genomics involves the isolation and molecular characterization of intact tumor cells that have entered the bloodstream from primary or metastatic tumor sites. Unlike circulating tumor DNA analysis which examines fragmented genetic material, CTC genomics provides access to whole cells enabling comprehensive genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic analysis. This approach offers unique insights into metastatic biology, tumor heterogeneity, and real-time assessment of genomic evolution. However, the technical challenges of reliably capturing and analyzing the small numbers of CTCs present in blood samples have limited widespread clinical implementation.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from circulating tumor DNA which analyzes cell-free genetic material rather than intact cells.
In Context
- "Circulating tumor cell genomics revealed heterogeneous EGFR mutation patterns that were not detected in the primary tumor biopsy." — Research publication
- "Single-cell sequencing of circulating tumor cell genomics provided insights into metastatic clonal evolution." — Technical methodology paper