Abstract 1333: A novel and highly efficient biomimetic capture approach for the isolation and characterization of circulating metastatic cancer cell clusters from lung cancer patients

Abstract

Abstract Capture and isolation of circulating metastatic cancer cell clusters (MCCC) is the essential first step to identify novel therapeutic targets focused on this important route of metastasis. We developed a unique biomimetic capture approach that allows selective isolation of these deadly clusters from the whole blood of lung cancer patients. Utilizing a microfluidic platform we developed a versatile smart-coating that combines biomimicry and immuno-capture for a highly efficient and selective isolation of viable MCCCs. Here we show the capture and characterization of multiple MCCCs from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Table 1 shows the count of clusters detected in NSCLC patients based on a stringent criterion confirming their identification. The MCCCs were detected in every patient tested but none were detected in normal blood controls from donors of similar age. Isolated MCCC where characterized by immunofluorescence and submitted for genomic analyses. Metastasis remains one of the leading causes of cancer related deaths worldwide. Insights into how the tumor propagates to pre-metastatic sites is necessary to develop focused therapeutic approaches. Circulating metastatic cancer cell clusters (MCCCs) have been established as a primary entity causing distal metastases. Significant advances have been made linking cluster integrity and viability to increased metastatic potential highlighting the unmet need for cluster focused therapies. Our novel approach allows the rapid and easy capture of MCCCs paving the way for the discovery of novel or unique targets that eventually will bring new anti-metastatic therapies to the clinic. Table 1 Patient Age/Sex Staging/Metastasis #MCCC INMC-044.1 82 M IVB/bone 2 INMC-044.2 53 F IV/bone 1 INMC-044.3 59 F IV/bone, brain 2 INMC-044.4 65 M IV/thoracic cav., lung 1 INMC-044.5 67 M IIIa/none 3 Normal Blood 54 F N/A 0 Normal Blood 68 M N/A 0 Citation Format: Kourosh Kouhmareh, Erika Martin, Darren Finlay, Anukriti Bhadada, Francisco Downey, Jeff A. Allen, Peter Teriete. A novel and highly efficient biomimetic capture approach for the isolation and characterization of circulating metastatic cancer cell clusters from lung cancer patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 1333.