N.A. Shanazarov1, S.V. Zinchenko3, M.U. Ussenbay2
1Hospital of the Medical Center of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Astana, Kazakhstan
2City Polyclinic of the 4th akimat, Astana, Kazakhstan
3Kazan Federal University, Kazan
Zinchenko S.V. — MD, Associate Professor, Head of the Surgery Department
18, Kremlin St., 420008 Kazan, Russian Federation, tel.: +7-903-306-80-83, e-mail: zinchenkos.v@mail.ru, ORCID ID: 0000-0002-9306-3507
Abstract. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are considered a promising non-invasive biomarker reflecting the molecular characteristics and aggressiveness of the tumor process. Their detection in peripheral blood is associated with an increased risk of metastasis, poor prognosis, and reduced patient survival. The present review aims to summarize current knowledge about CTCs, their role in the metastatic process, and to assess the possibilities of their laboratory detection and clinical application in oncological practice.
The review examines the main methods for CTC detection, including immunomagnetic enrichment (CellSearch™ system), microfluidic and filtration technologies (Parsortix™, ISET), immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry, real-time PCR, and next-generation sequencing (NGS). The principles, advantages, and limitations of these approaches are presented. Special attention is given to the molecular profiling of CTCs and the assessment of their clinical significance in various solid tumors, including breast, colorectal, prostate, lung, pancreatic, liver, ovarian, gastric, and esophageal cancers.
The review highlights the importance of CTCs as a key component of liquid biopsy, enabling dynamic monitoring of tumor progression, prediction of treatment efficacy, and the development of personalized approaches in oncology.