Abstract :
[en] Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transitions (EMTs) generate hybrid phenotypes with enhanced ability to adapt to diverse microenvironments encountered during the metastatic spread. EMTs accordingly play crucial role in the biology of Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) and contribute to their heterogeneity. We here review major EMT-driven properties that may help hybrid E/M CTCs to survive in the bloodstream and accomplish early phases of metastatic colonization. We then discuss how interrogating EMT in CTCs as a companion biomarker could help refine cancer patient management, supporting further the relevance of CTCs in personalized medicine.
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