CTC Antibodies

CTC antibodies target circulating tumor cells (CTCs), which are cancer cells that have detached from a primary tumor and entered the bloodstream. These cells are a key factor in metastasis, as they can travel through the circulatory system to distant organs, establishing secondary tumors. 

Content of CTC Antibodies

CTC antibodies are monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies developed to recognize specific proteins expressed on the surface of CTCs or within them. These antibodies are essential for identifying CTCs using techniques like immunofluorescence (IF), immunohistochemistry (IHC), flow cytometry, and immunomagnetic separation. Key markers include:

• EpCAM: A surface marker widely expressed in epithelial-derived CTCs.
• Cytokeratins: Intermediate filament proteins in epithelial cells, often used to detect CTCs.
• CD45: A leukocyte-specific marker used to exclude hematopoietic cells when isolating CTCs.

Application of CTC Antibodies

• Cancer Diagnosis and Prognosis: CTC antibodies are crucial in cancer diagnostics, where detecting CTCs in blood provides valuable insights into cancer progression, metastatic potential, and treatment outcomes. By identifying and counting CTCs using EpCAM or cytokeratin antibodies, clinicians can assess tumor burden and monitor the efficacy of treatments such as chemotherapy or targeted therapies.
• Metastasis Research: CTC antibodies are extensively used in research focused on understanding the mechanisms of metastasis. Isolating CTCs from blood samples allows researchers to study the genetic and molecular characteristics of these cells, providing insights into how tumor cells acquire metastatic capabilities and evade the immune system.
• CTC Isolation and Enrichment: CTC antibodies are employed in immunomagnetic separation techniques to isolate CTCs from peripheral blood. By targeting surface markers like EpCAM, CTCs can be captured and enriched for further molecular analysis. This is critical for studying tumor heterogeneity, identifying therapeutic targets, and developing personalized treatment strategies.
• Molecular Profiling and Liquid Biopsy: CTC antibodies enable molecular profiling of CTCs through liquid biopsy, a minimally invasive method for detecting cancer biomarkers in the blood. CTC analysis can provide real-time information about tumor mutations, gene expression, and drug resistance, helping guide personalized therapies and monitor disease progression without the need for repeated tissue biopsies.

CTC antibodies are essential tools for advancing cancer diagnostics, monitoring treatment responses, and investigating the molecular mechanisms of metastasis. Their use in detecting and analyzing circulating tumor cells provides valuable insights into tumor dynamics and potential therapeutic targets.