CTCtrap – Circulating Tumor Cells TheRapeutic APheresis: a novel biotechnology enabling personalized therapy for all cancer patients

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) refer to cells that detach from a primary tumor or metastatic site, circulate in the peripheral blood and may form metastasis. CTC represent a 'liquid biopsy' that can be used to tailor treatment for individual patients. CTC are however rare and can only be obtained for further characterization in a small fraction of patients. In the CTCtrap consortium universities, research institutions and SMEs are linked in a common effort, starting from the simple, but innovative view of using Diagnostic Apheresis (DA), as a way to collect CTC from peripheral blood in cancer patient. A new DA column will be developed to capture CTC and then reintroduce the blood devoid of tumor cells back into the body with the promise to obtain CTC in all patients at risk for recurrence or diagnosed with metastatic disease. The molecular characterization of these CTC is expected to gather new knowledge on metastasis' mechanism, provide a risk assessment and the optimal therapy choice during the course of the disease of cancer patients. The new knowledge on CTC heterogeneity within cancer type and within individuals will allow for the tuning of CTC apheresis to specific cancer types. Prospective pilot studies will be setup to investigate the feasibility of the CTC apheresis in the clinic and their potential diagnostic benefit. Success of CTC apheresis will lead to a radical change in the diagnosis and treatment of solid tumors.