Circulating tumor cells: from new biological insights to clinical practice

The primary reason for high mortality rates among cancer patients is metastasis, where tumor cells migrate through the bloodstream from the original site to other parts of the body. Recent advancements in technology have significantly enhanced our comprehension of the mechanisms behind the bloodborne spread of circulating tumor cells (CTCs). One critical process, DNA methylation, regulates gene expression and chromosome stability, thus maintaining dynamic equilibrium in the body. Global hypomethylation and locus-specific hypermethylation are examples of changes in DNA methylation patterns that are pivotal to carcinogenesis. This comprehensive review first provides an overview of the various processes that…

• SM
  Shanghai Municipal Health Commission

  Award: 2023ZDFC0204
• NN
  National Natural Science Foundation of China

  Awards: 82372155, 21XD1402800
• SP
  Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital

  Award: 21XD1402800
• PO
  Program of Shanghai Academic Research Leader

  Award: 21XD1402800