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CTCs Biomarkers for Pancreatic Cancer

CTCs Biomarkers for Pancreatic Cancer

At Alfa Cytology, we specialize in the preclinical development of diagnostic tools for pancreatic cancer, with a focus on circulating tumor cells (CTCs) as biomarkers. Our services are designed to support the identification and validation of CTCs, offering an innovative approach to early detection and monitoring of pancreatic cancer. Our comprehensive services include CTC isolation, characterization, and biomarker validation, tailored to meet the needs of researchers and pharmaceutical companies.

Overview of Circulating Tumor Cells

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers, largely due to its asymptomatic nature in the early stages and the lack of reliable diagnostic markers. CTCs, which are shed from the primary tumor into the bloodstream, present a promising option for non-invasive cancer diagnosis. These cells offer crucial insights into tumor biology, disease progression, and patient prognosis.

CTCs are rare and found at very low concentrations in the bloodstream, making their detection and characterization difficult. However, recent advancements in CTC isolation technologies have enabled the capture and analysis of these cells, providing valuable molecular information about pancreatic cancer. CTCs hold potential not only for early diagnosis but also for monitoring disease progression, evaluating treatment efficacy, and detecting metastasis.

Fig. 1 Multistep process of cancer metastasis.Fig. 1 Multistep process of cancer metastasis. (Lin D, et al., 2021)

The analysis of CTCs involves examining their genetic, epigenetic, and proteomic profiles to identify specific biomarkers associated with pancreatic cancer. These biomarkers can differentiate cancerous cells from normal cells, offering a non-invasive method for early detection. Moreover, CTCs can provide real-time information about the tumor's genetic makeup, helping to guide personalized treatment strategies.

Epithelial markers Mesenchymal markers
  • CK8
  • CK18
  • Vimentin257,333–335
  • Twist334
  • KLF8335

Our Services

CTCs may be the more accessible equivalent to tissue biopsy sampling. In addition, CTC analysis has the unique advantage that CTC can be used for functional analysis such as drug testing. CTC isolation and detection may serve as a crucial tool to complement other biomarkers for pancreatic cancer diagnosis and treatment monitoring. With experienced scientists and advanced technologies, Alfa Cytology helps to greatly advance the development of CTCs as biomarkers for pancreatic cancer diagnosis.

CTC Enrichment and Isolation

The focus of CTC enrichment strategies is to increase the yield of captured tumor cells and to obtain CTCs with the highest possible purity. Since the rarity of CTCs in blood, our team of experts is utilizing new technologies and devices (such as microfluidic-and immunomagnetic-based strategies) to achieve CTC enrichment and isolation in a highly sensitive manner.

CTC Identification

The main advantage of CTCs over other liquid biopsy techniques is detecting whole tumor cells. After enrichment and isolation, these cells must be validated. Beyond counting, we use methods like FISH, IF staining, RT-PANCREATIC CANCERR, targeted, and single-cell sequencing for identification. Advances in single-cell technologies offer deeper insights into CTC biology, metastasis, and tumor heterogeneity.

Biomarker Discovery

We apply advanced genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic techniques to discover novel biomarkers from CTCs. These biomarkers are analyzed for their potential to serve as early indicators of pancreatic cancer or to provide insights into tumor heterogeneity and treatment resistance.

Custom Assay Development

We develop tailored assays for the detection and quantification of CTC-derived biomarkers. These assays are designed to be highly sensitive and specific, suitable for both research and potential clinical applications.

Why Choose Us?

Scientific Experience

Professional team of scientists and more than ten years of experience in pancreatic cancer

Customized Service

Tailored services dedicated to ensuring customer satisfaction

Data Security

Strictly keep confidential the client's project information and experimental data

Quick Reply

Our customer service representatives are available 24 hours a day from Monday to Sunday

Alfa Cytology is a leader in the field of CTC-based diagnostics, providing innovative solutions that push the boundaries of pancreatic cancer detection and monitoring. Our commitment to excellence, combined with state-of-the-art technology and a team of expert scientists, ensures that we deliver reliable and actionable data to advance your research. Whether you are exploring new diagnostic approaches or seeking to validate existing biomarkers, Alfa Cytology is your trusted partner in pancreatic cancer diagnostics. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your CTC-based research and development initiatives.

Reference

  1. Lin D, Shen L, Luo M, Zhang K, Li J, Yang Q, Zhu F, Zhou D, Zheng S, Chen Y, Zhou J. Circulating tumor cells: biology and clinical significance. Signal Transduct Target Ther. 2021 Nov 22;6(1):404.
All of our services are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.