A groundbreaking research development at the University of Basel's Cancer Metastasis Laboratory has revealed a promising new approach to preventing cancer metastasis using Angle's Parsortix liquid biopsy system. The findings, published in Cell, demonstrate a novel method for identifying and targeting circulating tumor cell (CTC) clusters that drive cancer spread.
Breakthrough in CTC Cluster Detection
The Parsortix system has successfully overcome longstanding technical challenges in capturing intact metastatic CTC clusters from patient blood samples. Using a specialized protocol, researchers achieved over 99% isolation rate of these cell clusters through a simple blood test. This technical achievement represents a significant advance in studying these crucial mediators of cancer spread.
Understanding Cancer Spread Mechanisms
CTC clusters, which consist of cancer cells and other cellular components traveling as a single mass through the bloodstream, play a critical role in cancer metastasis. This process is responsible for more than 90% of cancer-related deaths, making it a crucial target for intervention. The research team, led by Professor Nicola Aceto, identified previously unknown mutations within these clusters that contribute to their high metastatic potential.
Novel Treatment Approach
In a comprehensive screening of approximately 2,500 FDA-approved compounds, researchers identified several drugs capable of disrupting CTC clusters. When tested in mouse models, treated animals showed remarkable results:
- 80-fold reduction in metastasis compared to untreated subjects
- Virtual elimination of cancer spread in treated animals
- No development of drug-resistant cell populations
- Absence of typical chemotherapy side effects
Clinical Implementation Plans
The research team has initiated steps toward clinical application, seeking ethics approval for trials beginning in 2019. The initial focus will be on breast cancer patients, with Parsortix serving as a companion diagnostic tool to identify candidates for cluster-disrupting therapy.
"CTC clusters are extraordinarily important mediators of breast cancer metastasis, and discovering the first anti-cluster therapy may provide a new powerful tool to help treat millions of women currently living with this potentially fatal disease," stated Professor Aceto.
Therapeutic Advantages
A key advantage of this approach lies in the nature of the identified drugs, which are already FDA-approved for non-cancer indications. These medications avoid the harsh side effects typically associated with conventional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy, while maintaining effectiveness against cluster formation.
