Differential detection of tumor cells using a combination of cell rolling, multivalent binding, and multiple antibodies.

Effective quantification and in situ identification of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in blood are still elusive because of the extreme rarity and heterogeneity of the cells. In our previous studies, we developed a novel platform that captures tumor cells at significantly improved efficiency in vitro using a unique biomimetic combination of two physiological processes: E-selectin-induced cell rolling and poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimer-mediated strong multivalent binding. Herein, we have engineered a novel multifunctional surface, on the basis of the biomimetic cell capture, through optimized incorporation of multiple antibodies directed to cancer cell-specific surface markers, such as epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2), and prostate specific antigen (PSA).

Direct measurements on CD24-mediated rolling of human breast cancer MCF-7 cells on E-selectin.

Tumor cell rolling on the endothelium plays a key role in the initial steps of cancer metastasis, i.e., extravasation of circulating tumor cells (CTCs).