Cell-based diagnostic of bronchial carcinoma: Case study of a diagnostic value of tests of circulating tumor cells and organoid culture

Abstract

Diagnostic based on analysis of living tumor cells is frequently used in oncology. Circulating tumor cells in the blood and cells obtained from a tumor biopsy are used to access their carcinogenic properties and subsequently to predict possible development of the disease. Here we report use of these two tests to assess aggressiveness and metastatic potential of a bronchial adenocarcinoma. The circulating tumor cells test was negative, no circulating cells was observed. It indicates that there was no metastatic spread. However, test with the surgery biopsy showed presence of aggressive cellular clones. The tumor cells from the biopsy proliferated and spread from the cultured tissue. Moreover, the tumor cells formed colonies of cells which lost contact inhibition. This is an indication of aggressive carcinogenic features of the cells in tumor organoids. Combination of both tests showed that the local tumor had an aggressive phenotype, but no detectable spreading of cells. Therefore, these tests support a management plan with removal the primary tumor and regular monitoring, without need of an extensive chemotherapy.