Parsortix system helps researchers study genetic diversity in cancer

Published 08/07/2025, 07:16
Parsortix system helps researchers study genetic diversity in cancer

ZURICH - ANGLE plc’s (AIM:AGL) Parsortix system has been used in a new study published in Nature Genetics examining genetic diversity in circulating tumor cell (CTC) clusters, according to a company press release.

The research, conducted by Professor Nicola Aceto’s team at ETH Zurich, Switzerland, investigated how genetic diversity within CTC clusters may contribute to cancer progression and metastasis. The study found evidence of genetic diversity in CTC clusters from breast cancer patient samples and preclinical mouse models.

Researchers discovered that some mutations were exclusive to specific cells within CTC clusters, potentially making them undetectable through traditional tissue biopsies. The study also observed a higher prevalence of CTC clusters in high-complexity tumors, with larger CTC clusters associated with greater genetic diversity.

The findings suggest that CTC clusters may be significant contributors to genetic diversity in metastasis. According to the research, this diversity could enhance metastatic capability by increasing therapy resistance, improving evasion of immune cell attacks, and boosting adaptability at metastatic sites.

CTC clusters are reportedly up to 100 times more metastatic than individual CTCs. With metastatic spread responsible for more than 90% of cancer-related deaths, the researchers identified these clusters as important targets for stopping cancer progression.

The Parsortix system, which is FDA-cleared for harvesting circulating tumor cells from blood samples, allows for downstream analysis including imaging and molecular characterization. The system has been featured in over 100 peer-reviewed publications.

ANGLE’s Chief Scientific Officer Karen Miller stated that the work builds on the Aceto lab’s investigation into understanding CTC clusters and developing targeted therapy to halt cancer spread.

The article was based on a company press release statement.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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