Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have held great promise as a potential biomarker in oncology. Conceptually, they represent a liquid biopsy: a readily available source material that may offer real-time, and potentially more relevant, insight into a tumor’s genomic architecture. As our technologic capabilities evolve, CTCs may finally realize their potential across oncology. Lung cancer in particular may derive great benefit from these advances. Biopsies of thoracic tumors can be challenging but the reliance on genomic characteristics to guide therapy deems them necessary. CTCs may be a valuable means of procuring cells for various important tests, from genomic analyses, to gene and protein expression, to ex-vivo live cell assays. In this research topic, we highlight research exploring the evolving role and future promise of CTCs in thoracic malignancies.
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have held great promise as a potential biomarker in oncology. Conceptually, they represent a liquid biopsy: a readily available source material that may offer real-time, and potentially more relevant, insight into a tumor’s genomic architecture. As our technologic capabilities evolve, CTCs may finally realize their potential across oncology. Lung cancer in particular may derive great benefit from these advances. Biopsies of thoracic tumors can be challenging but the reliance on genomic characteristics to guide therapy deems them necessary. CTCs may be a valuable means of procuring cells for various important tests, from genomic analyses, to gene and protein expression, to ex-vivo live cell assays. In this research topic, we highlight research exploring the evolving role and future promise of CTCs in thoracic malignancies.
