Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics 2024, Vol.12, No.5, 254-269 http://medscipublisher.com/index.php/cge 265 9 Concluding Remarks This study emphasizes the significant role of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the non-invasive diagnosis of colon cancer. CTCs, which shed from primary tumors into the bloodstream, have been identified as potential biomarkers for cancer prognosis, progression, and recurrence. Multiple studies have demonstrated the utility of CTC enumeration and characterization in predicting cancer incidence and monitoring therapeutic responses. Additionally, the detection of cancer stem cells (CSCs) among CTCs has shown promise in predicting relapse and metastatic potential. The advancements in CTC detection technologies have also been highlighted, improving the sensitivity and specificity of these biomarkers. Studies have shown that CTCs can serve as a valuable tool for the early detection and monitoring of colon cancer. The non-invasive nature of CTC detection through blood samples offers significant advantages over traditional biopsy methods, reducing patient discomfort and risk. Detecting CTCs and CSCs in peripheral blood can help identify patients at high risk of relapse or metastasis, enabling timely intervention and personalized treatment strategies. Additionally, integrating CTC analysis into routine clinical practice can enhance the accuracy of colon cancer diagnosis and improve patient outcomes. The potential of CTCs in non-invasive colon cancer diagnosis is promising, yet several challenges remain. Future research should focus on standardizing CTC detection methods and validating their clinical utility in larger, multi-center studies. Additionally, exploring the molecular characteristics of CTCs and their interactions with the tumor microenvironment could provide deeper insights into the mechanisms of metastasis and resistance to therapy. As technological advancements continue to evolve, the integration of CTC analysis with other liquid biopsy components, such as circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and microRNAs, may offer a comprehensive approach to cancer diagnosis and management. Overall, the continued exploration and application of CTCs hold great potential for transforming the landscape of non-invasive cancer diagnostics and personalized medicine. Acknowledgments Sincere thanks to the peer reviewers for their valuable feedback on the initial draft of this manuscript. Conflict of Interest Disclosure The author affirms that this research was conducted without any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. References Alese O.B., Cook N., Ortega-Franco A., Ulanja M.B., Tan L., and Tie J., 2022, Circulating tumor DNA: an emerging tool in gastrointestinal cancers, American Society of Clinical Oncology Educational Book, American Society of Clinical Oncology, Annual Meeting, 42: 1-20. https://doi.org/10.1200/EDBK_349143 Arnold M., Sierra M.S., Laversanne M., Soerjomataram I., Jemal A., and Bray F., 2017, Global patterns and trends in colorectal cancer incidence and mortality, Gut, 66(4): 683-691. https://doi.org/10.1136/gutjnl-2015-310912 Arya S.K., Lim B., and Rahman A.R.A., 2013, Enrichment, detection and clinical significance of circulating tumor cells, Lab Chip, 13(11): 1995-2027. https://doi.org/10.1039/c3lc00009e Benson A.B., Venook A.P., Al-Hawary M.M., Cederquist L., Chen Y.J., Ciombor K.K., Cohen S., Cooper H.S., Deming D., Engstrom P.F., Garrido-Laguna I., Grem J.L., Grothey A., Hochster H.S., Hoffe S., Hunt S., Kamel A., Kirilcuk N., Krishnamurthi S., Messersmith W.A., Meyerhardt J., Miller E.D., Mulcahy M.F., Murphy J.D., Nurkin S., Saltz L., Sharma S., Shibata D., Skibber J.M., Sofocleous C.T., Stoffel E.M., Eden Stotsky-Himelfarb E., Christopher G Willett C.G., Wuthrick E., Gregory K.M., and Freedman-Cass D.A., 2018, NCCN Guidelines Insights: Colon Cancer, Version 2.2018, Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, 16(4): 359-369. https://doi.org/10.6004/jnccn.2018.0021 PMID: 29632055 PMCID: PMC10184502 Broersen L.H.A., van Pelt G.W., Tollenaar R..A.E.M., and Mesker W.E., 2013, Clinical application of circulating tumor cells in breast cancer, Cellular Oncology, 37(1): 9-15. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13402-013-0160-6 Cabel L., Proudhon C., Gortais, H., Loirat D., Coussy F., Pierga J.Y., and Bidard F., 2017, Circulating tumor cells: clinical validity and utility, International Journal of Clinical Oncology, 22(3): 421-430. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10147-017-1105-2 PMID: 28238187
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