In cancer patients, mortality is generally associated with metastases. The ability to detect ‘circulating tumor cells’ (CTCs) in blood is crucial if we are to uncover the mechanisms that lead to metastases. Tycho Scholtens researched a technique to detect circulating tumor cells in the blood, and how this detection technique can be optimized. He will defend his dissertation on 3 October. Scholtens carried out his PhD research at the Department of Medical Cell Biophysics (MCBP), part of the University of Twente’s MIRA research institute.
Tycho Scholtens conducted research using the CellTracks TDI, a fluorescence microscope developed by the MCBP Department. Using the CellTracks TDI, it is possible to analyse circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in a patient’s blood sample. However, the concentration of CTCs in the blood is very low, and tumor cells are very similar to white blood cells. This means that detecting CTCs has thus far been an arduous task. Scholtens' research has made the technique more efficient.
Automated classification of cells
The CellTracks TDI is a new prototype of the CellTracks microscope. Scholtens: “The CellTracks TDI has greater sensitivity, resolution and speed than models that are currently on the market. Using this microscope we can create much clearer images of cells and also automatically classify them as, for example, intact tumor cells or necrotic tumor cells. Also, it is much easier to make the distinction between leukocytes and tumor cells.”
In addition to the automated classification of blood cells, Scholtens also improved the technique in two other key areas. First, he developed a special structure for the analysis surface, meaning the cells are closer together, and can therefore be imaged quicker. Additionally, Scholtens devised a method to filter out excess magnetic particles. These magnetic particles are added to the blood sample in order to distinguish the tumor cells from the white blood cells. Excess magnetic particles cause interference during tumor-cell imaging.
Follow-up research
Research into the characterization of circulating tumor cells will continue. Scholtens: “In future research, we will work on improving the microscope’s power to distinguish between cell types. In addition, we will examine whether it is possible to analyse larger blood samples.”
About Tycho Scholtens
Tycho Scholtens carried out his PhD research at the Department of Medical Cell Biophysics (MCBP), part of the University of Twente’s MIRA research institute. His supervisor was Prof. Leon Terstappen. The PhD research was conducted in collaboration with Veridex LLC, a subsidiary of Johnson and Johnson.
