Resistance to BRAF inhibition explored through single circulating tumour cell molecular profiling in BRAF-mutant non-small-cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: Resistance mechanisms to combination therapy with dabrafenib plus trametinib remain poorly understood in patients with BRAFV600E-mutant advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We examined resistance to BRAF inhibition by single CTC sequencing in BRAFV600E-mutant NSCLC. METHODS: CTCs and cfDNA were examined in seven BRAFV600E-mutant NSCLC patients at failure to treatment. Matched tumour tissue was available for four patients. Single CTCs were isolated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting following enrichment and immunofluorescence (Hoechst 33342/CD45/pan-cytokeratins) and sequenced for mutation and copy number-alteration (CNA) analyses. RESULTS: BRAFV600E was found in 4/4 tumour biopsies and 5/7 cfDNA samples. CTC mutations were mostly found in MAPK-independent pathways and only 1/26 CTCs were BRAFV600E mutated. CTC profiles encompassed the majority of matched tumour biopsy CNAs but 72.5% to 84.5% of CTC CNAs were exclusive to CTCs. Extensive diversity, involving MAPK, MAPK-related, cell cycle, DNA repair and immune response pathways, was observed in CTCs and missed by analyses on tumour biopsies and cfDNA. Driver alterations in clinically relevant genes were recurrent in CTCs. CONCLUSIONS: Resistance was not driven by BRAFV600E-mutant CTCs. Extensive tumour genomic heterogeneity was found in CTCs compared to tumour biopsies and cfDNA at failure to BRAF inhibition, in BRAFV600E-mutant NSCLC, including relevant alterations that may represent potential treatment opportunities.

Proficiency Testing to Assess Technical Performance for CTC-Processing and Detection Methods in CANCER-ID.

BACKGROUND: Multiple technologies are available for detection of circulating tumor cells (CTCs), but standards to evaluate their technical performance are still lacking. This limits the applicability of CTC analysis in clinic routine. Therefore, in the context of the CANCER-ID consortium, we established a platform to assess technical validity of CTC detection methods in a European multi-center setting using non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) as a model. METHODS: We characterized multiple NSCLC cell lines to define cellular models distinct in their phenotype and molecular characteristics. Standardized tumor-cell-bearing blood samples were prepared at a central laboratory and sent to multiple European laboratories for processing according to standard operating procedures. The data were submitted via an online tool and centrally evaluated. Five CTC-enrichment technologies were tested. RESULTS: We could identify 2 cytokeratin expressing cell lines with distinct levels of EpCAM expression: NCI-H441 (EpCAMhigh, CKpos) and NCI-H1563 (EpCAMlow, CKpos). Both spiked tumor cell lines were detected by all technologies except for the CellSearch system that failed to enrich EpCAMlow NCI-H1563 cells. Mean recovery rates ranged between 49% and 75% for NCI-H411 and 32% and 76% for NCI-H1563 and significant differences were observed between the tested methods. CONCLUSIONS: This multi-national proficiency testing of CTC-enrichment technologies has importance in the establishment of guidelines for clinically applicable (pre)analytical workflows and the definition of minimal performance qualification requirements prior to clinical validation of technologies. It will remain in operation beyond the funding period of CANCER-ID in the context of the European Liquid Biopsy Society (ELBS).

Toward a real liquid biopsy in metastatic breast and prostate cancer: Diagnostic LeukApheresis increases CTC yields in a European prospective multicenter study (CTCTrap).

Frequently, the number of circulating tumor cells (CTC) isolated in 7.5 mL of blood is too small to reliably determine tumor heterogeneity and to be representative as a "liquid biopsy". In the EU FP7 program CTCTrap, we aimed to validate and optimize the recently introduced Diagnostic LeukApheresis (DLA) to screen liters of blood. Here we present the results obtained from 34 metastatic cancer patients subjected to DLA in the participating institutions. About 7.5 mL blood processed with CellSearch® was used as "gold standard" reference. DLAs were obtained from 22 metastatic prostate and 12 metastatic breast cancer patients at four different institutions without any noticeable side effects. DLA samples were prepared and processed with different analysis techniques. Processing DLA using CellSearch resulted in a 0-32 fold increase in CTC yield compared to processing 7.5 mL blood. Filtration of DLA through 5 µm pores microsieves was accompanied by large CTC losses. Leukocyte depletion of 18 mL followed by CellSearch yielded an increase of the number of CTC but a relative decrease in yield (37%) versus CellSearch DLA. In four out of seven patients with 0 CTC detected in 7.5 mL of blood, CTC were detected in DLA (range 1-4 CTC). The CTC obtained through DLA enables molecular characterization of the tumor. CTC enrichment technologies however still need to be improved to isolate all the CTC present in the DLA.

Detection of Gene Rearrangements in Circulating Tumor Cells: Examples of ALK-, ROS1-, RET-Rearrangements in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer and ERG-Rearrangements in Prostate Cancer.

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) hold promise as biomarkers to aid in patient treatment stratification and disease monitoring. Because the number of cells is a critical parameter for exploiting CTCs for predictive biomarker's detection, we developed a FISH (fluorescent in situ hybridization) method for CTCs enriched on filters (filter-adapted FISH [FA-FISH]) that was optimized for high cell recovery. To increase the feasibility and reliability of the analyses, we combined fluorescent staining and FA-FISH and developed a semi-automated microscopy method for optimal FISH signal identification in filtration-enriched CTCs . Here we present these methods and their use for the detection and characterization of ALK-, ROS1-, RET-rearrangement in CTCs from non-small-cell lung cancer and ERG-rearrangements in CTCs from prostate cancer patients.

Method for semi-automated microscopy of filtration-enriched circulating tumor cells.

BACKGROUND: Circulating tumor cell (CTC)-filtration methods capture high numbers of CTCs in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and metastatic prostate cancer (mPCa) patients, and hold promise as a non-invasive technique for treatment selection and disease monitoring. However filters have drawbacks that make the automation of microscopy challenging. We report the semi-automated microscopy method we developed to analyze filtration-enriched CTCs from NSCLC and mPCa patients. METHODS: Spiked cell lines in normal blood and CTCs were enriched by ISET (isolation by size of epithelial tumor cells). Fluorescent staining was carried out using epithelial (pan-cytokeratins, EpCAM), mesenchymal (vimentin, N-cadherin), leukocyte (CD45) markers and DAPI. Cytomorphological staining was carried out with Mayer-Hemalun or Diff-Quik. ALK-, ROS1-, ERG-rearrangement were detected by filter-adapted-FISH (FA-FISH). Microscopy was carried out using an Ariol scanner. RESULTS: Two combined assays were developed. The first assay sequentially combined four-color fluorescent staining, scanning, automated selection of CD45(-) cells, cytomorphological staining, then scanning and analysis of CD45(-) cell phenotypical and cytomorphological characteristics. CD45(-) cell selection was based on DAPI and CD45 intensity, and a nuclear area >55 µm(2). The second assay sequentially combined fluorescent staining, automated selection of CD45(-) cells, FISH scanning on CD45(-) cells, then analysis of CD45(-) cell FISH signals. Specific scanning parameters were developed to deal with the uneven surface of filters and CTC characteristics. Thirty z-stacks spaced 0.6 µm apart were defined as the optimal setting, scanning 82 %, 91 %, and 95 % of CTCs in ALK-, ROS1-, and ERG-rearranged patients respectively. A multi-exposure protocol consisting of three separate exposure times for green and red fluorochromes was optimized to analyze the intensity, size and thickness of FISH signals. CONCLUSIONS: The semi-automated microscopy method reported here increases the feasibility and reliability of filtration-enriched CTC assays and can help progress towards their validation and translation to the clinic.

Circulating tumor cells in lung cancer.

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have emerged as potential biomarkers in several cancers such as colon, prostate, and breast carcinomas, with a correlation between CTC number and patient prognosis being established by independent research groups. The detection and enumeration of CTCs, however, is still a developing field, with no universal method of detection suitable for all types of cancer. CTC detection in lung cancer in particular has proven difficult to perform, as CTCs in this type of cancer often present with nonepithelial characteristics. Moreover, as many detection methods rely on the use of epithelial markers to identify CTCs, the loss of these markers during epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in certain metastatic cancers can render these methods ineffective. The development of personalized medicine has led to an increase in the advancement of molecular characterization of CTCs. The application of techniques such as FISH and RT-PCR to detect EGFR, HER2, and KRAS abnormalities in lung, breast, and colon cancer, for example, could be used to characterize CTCs in real time. The use of CTCs as a 'liquid biopsy' is therefore an exciting possibility providing information on patient prognosis and treatment efficacy. This review summarizes the state of CTC detection today, with particular emphasis on lung cancer, and discusses the future applications of CTCs in helping the clinician to develop new strategies in patient treatment.

Targeting genome integrity dysfunctions impedes metastatic potency in non-small cell lung cancer circulating tumor cell-derived explants.

DNA damage and genomic instability contribute to non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) etiology and progression. However, their therapeutic exploitation is disappointing. CTC-derived explants (CDX) offer systems for mechanistic investigation of CTC metastatic potency and may provide rationale for biology-driven therapeutics. Four CDX models and 3 CDX-derived cell lines were established from NSCLC CTCs and recapitulated patient tumor histology and response to platinum-based chemotherapy. CDX (GR-CDXL1, GR-CDXL2, GR-CDXL3, GR-CDXL4) demonstrated considerable mutational landscape similarity with patient tumor biopsy and/or single CTCs. Truncal alterations in key DNA damage response (DDR) and genome integrity-related genes were prevalent across models and assessed as therapeutic targets in vitro, in ovo, and in vivo. GR-CDXL1 presented homologous recombination deficiency linked to biallelic BRCA2 mutation and FANCA deletion, unrepaired DNA lesions after mitosis, and olaparib sensitivity, despite resistance to chemotherapy. SLFN11 overexpression in GR-CDXL4 led to olaparib sensitivity and was in coherence with neuroendocrine marker expression in patient tumor biopsy, suggesting a predictive value of SLFN11 in NSCLC histological transformation into small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Centrosome clustering promoted targetable chromosomal instability in GR-CDXL3 cells. These CDX unravel DDR and genome integrity-related defects as a central mechanism underpinning metastatic potency of CTCs and provide rationale for their therapeutic targeting in metastatic NSCLC.

Tumor Evolution and Therapeutic Choice Seen through a Prism of Circulating Tumor Cell Genomic Instability.

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) provide an accessible tool for investigating tumor heterogeneity and cell populations with metastatic potential. Although an in-depth molecular investigation is limited by the extremely low CTC count in circulation, significant progress has been made recently in single-cell analytical processes. Indeed, CTC monitoring through molecular and functional characterization may provide an understanding of genomic instability (GI) molecular mechanisms, which contribute to tumor evolution and emergence of resistant clones. In this review, we discuss the sources and consequences of GI seen through single-cell analysis of CTCs in different types of tumors. We present a detailed overview of chromosomal instability (CIN) in CTCs assessed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and we reveal utility of CTC single-cell sequencing in identifying copy number alterations (CNA) oncogenic drivers. We highlight the role of CIN in CTC-driven metastatic progression and acquired resistance, and we comment on the technical obstacles and challenges encountered during single CTC analysis. We focus on the DNA damage response and depict DNA-repair-related dynamic biomarkers reported to date in CTCs and their role in predicting response to genotoxic treatment. In summary, the suggested relationship between genomic aberrations in CTCs and prognosis strongly supports the potential utility of GI monitoring in CTCs in clinical risk assessment and therapeutic choice.

Circulating tumor cell copy-number heterogeneity in ALK-rearranged non-small-cell lung cancer resistant to ALK inhibitors.

Gatekeeper mutations are identified in only 50% of the cases at resistance to Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK)-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are relevant tools to identify additional resistance mechanisms and can be sequenced at the single-cell level. Here, we provide in-depth investigation of copy number alteration (CNA) heterogeneity in phenotypically characterized CTCs at resistance to ALK-TKIs in ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer. Single CTC isolation and phenotyping were performed by DEPArray or fluorescence-activated cell sorting following enrichment and immunofluorescence staining (ALK/cytokeratins/CD45/Hoechst). CNA heterogeneity was evaluated in six ALK-rearranged patients harboring ≥ 10 CTCs/20 mL blood at resistance to 1st and 3rd ALK-TKIs and one presented gatekeeper mutations. Out of 82 CTCs isolated by FACS, 30 (37%) were ALK+/cytokeratins-, 46 (56%) ALK-/cytokeratins+ and 4 (5%) ALK+/cytokeratins+. Sequencing of 43 CTCs showed highly altered CNA profiles and high levels of chromosomal instability (CIN). Half of CTCs displayed a ploidy >2n and 32% experienced whole-genome doubling. Hierarchical clustering showed significant intra-patient and wide inter-patient CTC diversity. Classification of 121 oncogenic drivers revealed the predominant activation of cell cycle and DNA repair pathways and of RTK/RAS and PI3K to a lower frequency. CTCs showed wide CNA heterogeneity and elevated CIN at resistance to ALK-TKIs. The emergence of epithelial ALK-negative CTCs may drive resistance through activation of bypass signaling pathways, while ALK-rearranged CTCs showed epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition characteristics potentially contributing to ALK-TKI resistance. Comprehensive analysis of CTCs could be of great help to clinicians for precision medicine and resistance to ALK-targeted therapies.

Genetic characterization of a unique neuroendocrine transdifferentiation prostate circulating tumor cell-derived eXplant model.

Transformation of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) into an aggressive neuroendocrine disease (CRPC-NE) represents a major clinical challenge and experimental models are lacking. A CTC-derived eXplant (CDX) and a CDX-derived cell line are established using circulating tumor cells (CTCs) obtained by diagnostic leukapheresis from a CRPC patient resistant to enzalutamide. The CDX and the derived-cell line conserve 16% of primary tumor (PT) and 56% of CTC mutations, as well as 83% of PT copy-number aberrations including clonal TMPRSS2-ERG fusion and NKX3.1 loss. Both harbor an androgen receptor-null neuroendocrine phenotype, TP53, PTEN and RB1 loss. While PTEN and RB1 loss are acquired in CTCs, evolutionary analysis suggest that a PT subclone harboring TP53 loss is the driver of the metastatic event leading to the CDX. This CDX model provides insights on the sequential acquisition of key drivers of neuroendocrine transdifferentiation and offers a unique tool for effective drug screening in CRPC-NE management.

An Accessible and Unique Insight into Metastasis Mutational Content Through Whole-exome Sequencing of Circulating Tumor Cells in Metastatic Prostate Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Genomic analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) could provide a unique and accessible representation of tumor diversity but remains hindered by technical challenges associated with CTC rarity and heterogeneity. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate CTCs as surrogate samples for genomic analyses in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Three isolation strategies (filter laser-capture microdissection, self-seeding microwell chips, and fluorescence-activated cell sorting) were developed to capture CTCs with various epithelial and mesenchymal phenotypes and isolate them at the single-cell level. Whole-genome amplification (WGA) and WGA quality control were performed on 179 CTC samples, matched metastasis biopsies, and negative controls from 11 patients. All patients but one were pretreated with enzalutamide or abiraterone. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) of 34 CTC samples, metastasis biopsies, and negative controls were performed for seven patients. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: WES of CTCs was rigorously qualified in terms of percentage coverage at 10× depth, allelic dropout, and uncovered regions. Shared somatic mutations between CTCs and matched metastasis biopsies were identified. A customized approach based on determination of mutation rates for CTC samples was developed for identification of CTC-exclusive mutations. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Shared mutations were mostly detected in epithelial CTCs and were recurrent. For two patients for whom a deeper analysis was performed, a few CTCs were sufficient to represent half to one-third of the mutations in the matched metastasis biopsy. CTC-exclusive mutations were identified in both epithelial and nonepithelial CTCs and affected cytoskeleton, invasion, DNA repair, and cancer-driver genes. Some 41% of CTC-exclusive mutations had a predicted deleterious impact on protein function. Phylogenic relationships between CTCs with distinct phenotypes were evidenced. CONCLUSIONS: CTCs can provide unique insight into metastasis mutational diversity and reveal undiagnosed genomic aberrations in matched metastasis biopsies. PATIENT SUMMARY: Our results demonstrate the clinical potential of circulating tumor cells to provide insight into metastatic events that could be critical to target using precision medicine.

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) for the noninvasive monitoring and personalization of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) therapies.

Growing evidences for tumor heterogeneity confirm that single-tumor biopsies frequently fail to reveal the widespread mutagenic profile of tumor. Repeated biopsies are in most cases unfeasible, especially in advanced cancers. We describe here how circulating tumor cells (CTCs) isolated from minimally invasive blood sample might inform us about intratumor heterogeneity, tumor evolution and treatment resistance. We also discuss the advances of CTCs research, most notably in molecularly selected non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, highlighting challenges and opportunities related to personalized therapy.

CTC-Derived Models: A Window into the Seeding Capacity of Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs).

Metastasis is the main cause of cancer-related death owing to the blood-borne dissemination of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) early in the process. A rare fraction of CTCs harboring a stem cell profile and tumor initiation capacities is thought to possess the clonogenic potential to seed new lesions. The highest plasticity has been generally attributed to CTCs with a partial epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype, demonstrating a large heterogeneity among these cells. Therefore, detection and functional characterization of these subclones may offer insight into mechanisms underlying CTC tumorigenicity and inform on the complex biology behind metastatic spread. Although an in-depth mechanistic investigation is limited by the extremely low CTC count in circulation, significant progress has been made over the past few years to establish relevant systems from patient CTCs. CTC-derived xenograft (CDX) models and CTC-derived ex vivo cultures have emerged as tractable systems to explore tumor-initiating cells (TICs) and uncover new therapeutic targets. Here, we introduce basic knowledge of CTC biology, including CTC clusters and evidence for EMT/cancer stem cell (CSC) hybrid phenotypes. We report and evaluate the CTC-derived models generated to date in different types of cancer and shed a light on challenges and key findings associated with these novel assays.

Acquired Resistance Mutations to ALK Inhibitors Identified by Single Circulating Tumor Cell Sequencing in ALK-Rearranged Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer.

PURPOSE: Patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-rearranged non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) inevitably develop resistance to ALK inhibitors. New diagnostic strategies are needed to assess resistance mechanisms and provide patients with the most effective therapy. We asked whether single circulating tumor cell (CTC) sequencing can inform on resistance mutations to ALK inhibitors and underlying tumor heterogeneity in ALK-rearranged NSCLC. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Resistance mutations were investigated in CTCs isolated at the single-cell level from patients at disease progression on crizotinib (n = 14) or lorlatinib (n = 3). Three strategies including filter laser-capture microdissection, fluorescence activated cell sorting, and the DEPArray were used. One hundred twenty-six CTC pools and 56 single CTCs were isolated and sequenced. Hotspot regions over 48 cancer-related genes and 14 ALK mutations were examined to identify ALK-independent and ALK-dependent resistance mechanisms. RESULTS: Multiple mutations in various genes in ALK-independent pathways were predominantly identified in CTCs of crizotinib-resistant patients. The RTK-KRAS (EGFR, KRAS, BRAF genes) and TP53 pathways were recurrently mutated. In one lorlatinib-resistant patient, two single CTCs out of 12 harbored ALK compound mutations. CTC-1 harbored the ALK G1202R/F1174C compound mutation virtually similar to ALK G1202R/F1174L present in the corresponding tumor biopsy. CTC-10 harbored a second ALK G1202R/T1151M compound mutation not detected in the tumor biopsy. By copy-number analysis, CTC-1 and the tumor biopsy had similar profiles, whereas CTC-10 harbored multiple copy-number alterations and whole-genome duplication. CONCLUSIONS: Our results highlight the genetic heterogeneity and clinical utility of CTCs to identify therapeutic resistance mutations in ALK-rearranged patients. Single CTC sequencing may be a unique tool to assess heterogeneous resistance mechanisms and help clinicians for treatment personalization and resistance options to ALK-targeted therapies.

Filter-Adapted Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization (FA-FISH) for Filtration-Enriched Circulating Tumor Cells.

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) may represent an easily accessible source of tumor material to assess genetic aberrations such as gene-rearrangements or gene-amplifications and screen cancer patients eligible for targeted therapies. As the number of CTCs is a critical parameter to identify such biomarkers, we developed fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) for CTCs enriched on filters (filter-adapted-FISH, FA-FISH). Here, we describe the FA-FISH protocol, the combination of immunofluorescent staining (DAPI/CD45) and FA-FISH techniques, as well as the semi-automated microscopy method that we developed to improve the feasibility and reliability of FISH analyses in filtration-enriched CTC.

Routine clinical use of circulating tumor cells for diagnosis of mutations and chromosomal rearrangements in non-small cell lung cancer-ready for prime-time?

In non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), diagnosis of predictive biomarkers for targeted therapies is currently done in small tumor biopsies. However, tumor biopsies can be invasive, in some cases associated with risk, and tissue adequacy, both in terms of quantity and quality is often insufficient. The development of efficient and non-invasive methods to identify genetic alterations is a key challenge which circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have the potential to be exploited for. CTCs are extremely rare and phenotypically diverse, two characteristics that impose technical challenges and impact the success of robust molecular analysis. Here we introduce the clinical needs in this disease that mainly consist of the diagnosis of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activating alterations and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangement. We present the proof-of-concept studies that explore the detection of these genetic alterations in CTCs from NSCLC patients. Finally, we discuss steps that are still required before CTCs are routinely used for diagnosis of EGFR-mutations and ALK-rearrangements in this disease.

Circulating Tumor Cells with Aberrant ALK Copy Number Predict Progression-Free Survival during Crizotinib Treatment in ALK-Rearranged Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients.

The duration and magnitude of clinical response are unpredictable in ALK-rearranged non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with crizotinib, although all patients invariably develop resistance. Here, we evaluated whether circulating tumor cells (CTC) with aberrant ALK-FISH patterns [ALK-rearrangement, ALK-copy number gain (ALK-CNG)] monitored on crizotinib could predict progression-free survival (PFS) in a cohort of ALK-rearranged patients. Thirty-nine ALK-rearranged NSCLC patients treated with crizotinib as first ALK inhibitor were recruited prospectively. Blood samples were collected at baseline and at an early time-point (2 months) on crizotinib. Aberrant ALK-FISH patterns were examined in CTCs using immunofluorescence staining combined with filter-adapted FISH after filtration enrichment. CTCs were classified into distinct subsets according to the presence of ALK-rearrangement and/or ALK-CNG signals. No significant association between baseline numbers of ALK-rearranged or ALK-CNG CTCs and PFS was observed. However, we observed a significant association between the decrease in CTC number with ALK-CNG on crizotinib and a longer PFS (likelihood ratio test, P = 0.025). In multivariate analysis, the dynamic change of CTC with ALK-CNG was the strongest factor associated with PFS (HR, 4.485; 95% confidence interval, 1.543-13.030, P = 0.006). Although not dominant, ALK-CNG has been reported to be one of the mechanisms of acquired resistance to crizotinib in tumor biopsies. Our results suggest that the dynamic change in the numbers of CTCs with ALK-CNG may be a predictive biomarker for crizotinib efficacy in ALK-rearranged NSCLC patients. Serial molecular analysis of CTC shows promise for real-time patient monitoring and clinical outcome prediction in this population. Cancer Res; 77(9); 2222-30. ©2017 AACR.

Phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity of tumor tissue and circulating tumor cells in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: A report from the PETRUS prospective study.

Molecular characterization of cancer samples is hampered by tumor tissue availability in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients. We reported the results of prospective PETRUS study of biomarker assessment in paired primary prostatic tumors, metastatic biopsies and circulating tumor cells (CTCs). Among 54 mCRPC patients enrolled, 38 (70%) had biopsies containing more than 50% tumour cells. 28 (52%) patients were analyzed for both tissue samples and CTCs. FISH for AR-amplification and TMPRSS2-ERG translocation were successful in 54% and 32% in metastatic biopsies and primary tumors, respectively. By comparing CellSearch and filtration (ISET)-enrichment combined to four color immunofluorescent staining, we showed that CellSearch and ISET isolated distinct subpopulations of CTCs: CTCs undergoing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, CTC clusters and large CTCs with cytomorphological characteristics but no detectable markers were isolated using ISET. Epithelial CTCs detected by the CellSearch were mostly lost during the ISET-filtration. AR-amplification was detected in CellSearch-captured CTCs, but not in ISET-enriched CTCs which harbor exclusively AR gain of copies. Eighty-eight percent concordance for ERG-rearrangement was observed between metastatic biopsies and CTCs even if additional ERG-alteration patterns were detected in ISET-enriched CTCs indicating a higher heterogeneity in CTCs.Molecular screening of metastatic biopsies is achievable in a multicenter context. Our data indicate that CTCs detected by the CellSearch and the ISET-filtration systems are not only phenotypically but also genetically different. Close attention must be paid to CTC characterization since neither approach tested here fully reflects the tremendous phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity present in CTCs from mCRPC patients.

The potential diagnostic power of circulating tumor cell analysis for non-small-cell lung cancer.

In non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), genotyping tumor biopsies for targetable somatic alterations has become routine practice. However, serial biopsies have limitations: they may be technically difficult or impossible and could incur serious risks to patients. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) offer an alternative source for tumor analysis that is easily accessible and presents the potential to identify predictive biomarkers to tailor therapies on a personalized basis. Examined here is our current knowledge of CTC detection and characterization in NSCLC and their potential role in EGFR-mutant, ALK-rearranged and ROS1-rearranged patients. This is followed by discussion of the ongoing issues such as the question of CTC partnership as diagnostic tools in NSCLC.

Detection of circulating tumor cells harboring a unique ALK rearrangement in ALK-positive non-small-cell lung cancer.

PURPOSE: The diagnostic test for ALK rearrangement in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) for crizotinib treatment is currently done on tumor biopsies or fine-needle aspirations. We evaluated whether ALK rearrangement diagnosis could be performed by using circulating tumor cells (CTCs). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The presence of an ALK rearrangement was examined in CTCs of 18 ALK-positive and 14 ALK-negative patients by using a filtration enrichment technique and filter-adapted fluorescent in situ hybridization (FA-FISH), a FISH method optimized for filters. ALK-rearrangement patterns were determined in CTCs and compared with those present in tumor biopsies. ALK-rearranged CTCs and tumor specimens were characterized for epithelial (cytokeratins, E-cadherin) and mesenchymal (vimentin, N-cadherin) marker expression. ALK-rearranged CTCs were monitored in five patients treated with crizotinib. RESULTS: All ALK-positive patients had four or more ALK-rearranged CTCs per 1 mL of blood (median, nine CTCs per 1 mL; range, four to 34 CTCs per 1 mL). No or only one ALK-rearranged CTC (median, one per 1 mL; range, zero to one per 1 mL) was detected in ALK-negative patients. ALK-rearranged CTCs harbored a unique (3'5') split pattern, and heterogeneous patterns (3'5', only 3') of splits were present in tumors. ALK-rearranged CTCs expressed a mesenchymal phenotype contrasting with heterogeneous epithelial and mesenchymal marker expressions in tumors. Variations in ALK-rearranged CTC levels were detected in patients being treated with crizotinib. CONCLUSION: ALK rearrangement can be detected in CTCs of patients with ALK-positive NSCLC by using a filtration technique and FA-FISH, enabling both diagnostic testing and monitoring of crizotinib treatment. Our results suggest that CTCs harboring a unique ALK rearrangement and mesenchymal phenotype may arise from clonal selection of tumor cells that have acquired the potential to drive metastatic progression of ALK-positive NSCLC.