How to use nucleic acid characterization of giant cells in cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment, and recurrence.

Abstract

Disclosed is the characterization of nucleic acids obtained from cancer-associated cells circulating in the blood of a subject, and the use of such characterization in the screening, diagnosis, treatment, and recurrence of cancer. [Selection diagram] Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the characterization of nucleic acids obtained from cancer-related cells circulating in a subject's blood, and the use of such characterization in cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment, and recurrence.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, cancer driver mutations, which are defined as mutations within genes that confer the advantage of selective growth to cells and thus promote cancer progression, are typically found through the analysis of tumor tissue. For the analysis of mutations, many available molecular techniques (i.e., PCR, sequencing, in situ hybridization, etc.) can be used.

[0003] Driver mutations can be difficult to study due to the presence of cellular heterogeneity and resistance within subpopulations. In the case of tumor heterogeneity, different cell populations with different mutations exist spatially within the tumor. Therefore, when using small pieces of tumor tissue for the analysis of mutations, the mutations may be only a small fraction of the mutations that actually exist in the entire tumor population. In the case of resistant subpopulations, over time and after treatment, a subpopulation of tumor cells with drug-resistant mutations begins to grow within the tumor region. Since resistance occurs over time, the original tissue that was examined for mutations may not have the resistant mutations, which appear later in the progression of the disease.

[0004] Multiple methods can be used to test for heterogeneity and to test resistant tumor subpopulations over time.

[0005] Firstly, tumor tissue can be obtained from a biopsy or from a tumor surgically removed after surgery. The advantage of obtaining tumor tissue is that it provides a sufficient number of tumor cells from which accurate mutational analysis can be obtained. However, there are many potential problems. The tumor may change after the tissue is taken. Obtaining a tumor biopsy can be difficult, impossible, dangerous, expensive, and painful. Furthermore, in repeat biopsies, only a single subpopulation may be isolated despite the presence of numerous heterogeneous populations. Tissue samples cannot cover the entire area of ​​the tumor.

[0006] Secondly, circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is fragmented DNA of tumor origin found in the bloodstream and not associated with cells. ctDNA is only a small fraction of the free DNA (cfDNA) found in the blood, which consists of all DNA in the blood and is not limited to tumor-derived DNA. Currently, numerous studies, developments, and commercial efforts are being made using ctDNA for clinical applications.

[0007] Plasma is used as a source of ctDNA for tumor analysis. The advantage of ctDNA is that plasma can be obtained in real time. However, there are many disadvantages. ctDNA analysis can often misidentify non-malignant background mutations that are not associated with tumors and may fail to identify rarer tumor mutations in more common background nucleic acids derived from normal tissues. As a person ages, non-tumor-related mutations begin to occur naturally in the body, and these will be misidentified in ctDNA. Another cause for concern with using ctDNA is that its concentration is low compared to DNA from other cells in the body.

[0008] An early release of the excellent paper by Merker, JD et al., "Circulating Tumor DNA Analysis in Patients with Cancer, American Society of Clinical Oncology and College of American Pathologists Joint Review, 2018 (doi:10.5858 / arpa.2018-0901-SA)," discusses the challenges of ctDNA-based applications. Currently, their conclusions regarding ctDNA in solid tumors and the analysis of DNA sequence or copy number variants are as follows: Some ctDNA assays have shown clinical validity and usefulness in certain types of advanced cancer. However, the majority of ctDNA assays in advanced cancer lack sufficient evidence of clinical validity and usefulness. The evidence shows inconsistencies between ctDNA assay results and genotyping results of tumor specimens, supporting genotyping of tumor tissue to confirm results that are not detected by ctDNA testing. There is no evidence of clinical usefulness, and little evidence of clinical validity, for ctDNA assays in early cancer, treatment monitoring, or residual disease detection. Outside of clinical trials, there is no evidence of clinical validity or clinical utility suggesting that ctDNA assays are useful for cancer screening.

[0009] Thirdly, a generally recognized potential source of tumor-associated cell samples is circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the blood of patients with solid tumors. However, CTCs can only provide real-time tumor samples if a sufficient number are collected. Currently, there is a recommendation from commercial companies and researchers for sequencing analysis from single cells. The advantage of sequencing CTCs is that it can provide real-time mutation analysis. Again, there are also many disadvantages: (i) In the vast majority of solid tumors, CTCs are not found in patients. Cancers with a large number of CTCs are mainly limited to breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colorectal cancer. (ii) Even in these three types of cancer, CTCs are mainly found in patients in later stages and are rarely found in early stages. Even in stage 4 patients, CTCs are found with a probability of only about 50%. (iii) The accuracy of mutation analysis depends on the number of CTCs and the sequencing method. The number of CTCs required for accurate analysis of numerous cancer mutations is 5-50. (iv) There is a lack of criteria for accurately identifying CTCs.

[0010] Therefore, it is clear that further means are needed for obtaining and using nucleic acids from cancer-associated cells. The development of such means would provide new, less invasive methods for cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment, and recurrence. The present invention, along with other relevant objectives, is directed toward such means. [Overview of the project]

[0011] As will be described in detail below, the present invention is generally directed toward collecting and analyzing nucleic acids obtained from cancer-related cells isolated from the blood of a test subject, subjecting those nucleic acids to molecular analysis, and using the data obtained from the analysis for cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment, and recurrence. Epigenetic modifications of cancer-related cells can be analyzed in conjunction with nucleic acid analysis.

[0012] Nucleic acids are collected from circulating cancer cells, cancer stromal cells, and giant cells isolated from the blood of subjects, such as cancer patients. Naked nuclei produced by such cells are also isolated and collected from the blood of subjects. This invention describes (i) methods, tools, and reagents for collecting such cells along with their naked nuclei, as found in blood, lymphatic circulation, serum, bone marrow, urine, saliva, cerebrospinal fluid, and other bodily fluids; (ii) assay methods for obtaining molecular information from such cells and naked nuclei; (iii) advantages of obtaining molecular information from such cells and naked nuclei over other methods; and (iv) uses of the molecular information.

[0013] Methods for collecting cells and naked nuclei are based on the use of size-based separation techniques such as filtration and size selection, along with the use of cell-specific antigens, which can also be used for molecular characterization and mutational analysis of cells. Cells can be isolated from the subject's tissues, blood, and other bodily fluids, where they contain molecular changes associated with primary / secondary tumors, or molecular changes unrelated to tumors but still of clinical interest. Typically, these mutations are used to determine information for early detection, prognosis, diagnosis, or prediction of cancer. The ability to detect molecular changes found in cells such as giant cells, which are directly related to tumor growth, progression, and expansion, would be directly correlated with treatment. Cells and naked nuclei can be purified from blood in most solid malignancies, non-solid tumors, and precancerous conditions so that the cells and naked nuclei can be molecularly characterized.

[0014] In a first embodiment, the present invention includes a method for collecting intact or undegraded nucleic acids from patient samples having solid tumors, comprising a method for collecting giant cells and giant naked nuclei by size exclusion. In one aspect, the present invention is directed toward a method for collecting giant cells, giant naked nuclei, or both from a biological sample, comprising subjecting a biological sample obtained from a subject to size exclusion to collect giant cells, giant naked nuclei, or both from the biological sample. In several aspects, the present invention may further include separating intact or undegraded nucleic acids from giant cells, giant naked nuclei, or both. In several aspects, the present invention may also further include analyzing cancer-related molecular changes in intact or undegraded nucleic acids from giant cells, giant naked nuclei, or both. In several aspects, the present invention may further include analyzing the collected giant cells for epigenetic modifications, along with the analysis of the nucleic acids of the collected giant cells.

[0015] In a second embodiment, the present invention includes a method for collecting intact or undegraded nucleic acids from a patient sample having a solid tumor, comprising a method for collecting giant cells and giant naked nuclei using analyte capture elements based on surface markers and / or analyte capture elements based on intracellular markers. In one aspect, the present invention is directed toward a method for collecting giant cells, giant naked nuclei, or both from a biological sample, comprising subjecting a biological sample obtained from a subject to an analyte capture method using surface markers for giant cells and / or giant naked nuclei, thereby collecting giant cells, giant naked nuclei, or both from the biological sample. In several aspects, the present invention may further include separating intact or undegraded nucleic acids from giant cells, giant naked nuclei, or both. In several aspects, the present invention may also further include analyzing cancer-related molecular changes in intact or undegraded nucleic acids from giant cells, giant naked nuclei, or both. In several aspects, the present invention may further include analyzing the collected giant cells for epigenetic modifications, in addition to analyzing the nucleic acids from the collected giant cells.

[0016] In a third embodiment, the present invention includes a method for collecting intact or undegraded nucleic acids from patient samples having solid tumors, comprising a method for collecting giant cells and giant naked nuclei by erythrolysis and leukocyte depletion. Erythrolysis can dissolve certain CAML. Leukocyte lysis can remove certain CAML. In one aspect, the present invention is directed toward a method for collecting giant cells, giant naked nuclei, or both from a biological sample, comprising subjecting a biological sample obtained from a subject to erythrolysis, leukocyte depletion, or both, thereby collecting giant cells, giant naked nuclei, or both from the biological sample. In one aspect, the present invention may further include separating intact or undegraded nucleic acids from giant cells, giant naked nuclei, or both. In one aspect, the present invention may also further include analyzing cancer-related molecular changes in intact or undegraded nucleic acids from giant cells, giant naked nuclei, or both. In certain aspects, the present invention may further include, in addition to analyzing nucleic acids from collected giant cells, analyzing the collected giant cells for epigenetic modifications.

[0017] In another embodiment, the present invention includes a method for analyzing intact nucleic acids for cancer-related molecular changes. Analysis can be performed on a single giant cell, a group of giant cells, a single giant naked nucleus, a group of giant naked nuclei, and a giant cell having a giant naked nucleus. Similarly, in some first to third embodiments of the present invention, and in those aspects, the analysis of intact or undegraded nucleic acids from giant cells and / or giant naked nuclei may be the analysis of nucleic acids from a single giant cell, a group of giant cells, a single giant naked nucleus, a group of giant naked nuclei, or both giant cells and giant naked nuclei. In some aspects of the present invention, the analysis of intact or undegraded nucleic acids will be limited to the analysis of intact or undegraded nucleic acids from giant cells and / or giant naked nuclei. In other aspects of the present invention, intact or undegraded nucleic acids from other non-cancer-related cells, also captured when giant cells and / or giant naked nuclei are isolated, will be included in the analysis as background or contaminated nucleic acids. Such other cells include, but are not limited to, leukocytes. In certain aspects, the present invention may further include analyzing giant cells for epigenetic modifications, in addition to analyzing nucleic acids from giant cells.

[0018] In another aspect, the present invention includes methods for analyzing intact nucleic acids for cancer-related molecular changes. Giant cells and giant naked nuclei can be analyzed together with circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and giant cells, CTCs and giant naked nuclei, CTCs, circulating endothelial cells (CECs), epithelial-mesenchymal transition cells (EMTs), clusters, and other cells. Similarly, in some first to third embodiments of the present invention and in those aspects, the analysis of intact or undegraded nucleic acids from giant cells and / or giant naked nuclei may further include the analysis of intact or undegraded nucleic acids from one or more CTCs, CECs, and EMTs, along with the analysis of nucleic acids from a single giant cell, a group of giant cells, a single giant naked nucleus, a group of giant naked nuclei, or both giant cells and giant naked nuclei. In some aspects of the present invention, the analysis of intact or undegraded nucleic acids will be limited to the analysis of intact or undegraded nucleic acids from giant cells, CTCs, CECs, and EMTs, and / or giant naked nuclei. In other aspects of the present invention, intact or undegraded nucleic acids from giant cells, CTCs, CECs, and EMTs, and / or other non-cancer-related cells that are also captured when giant naked nuclei are isolated, may be included in the analysis as background or contaminated nucleic acids. Such other cells include, but are not limited to, leukocytes. In some aspects, the present invention may further include, in addition to the analysis of nucleic acids from cells (e.g., giant cells, CTCs, CECs, EMTs, etc.), the analysis of such cells for epigenetic modifications.

[0019] In another embodiment, the present invention includes a method for analyzing nucleic acids from all cells captured by size exclusion for molecular changes. Similarly, in some of the first to third embodiments of the present invention, and in that aspect, the analysis of intact or undegraded nucleic acids from giant cells and / or giant naked nuclei may further include the analysis of intact or undegraded nucleic acids from all cells captured by size exclusion, along with the analysis of nucleic acids from a single giant cell, a group of giant cells, a single giant naked nucleus, a group of giant naked nuclei, or both giant cells and giant naked nuclei. Such cells include, but are not limited to, non-cancer-associated cells such as CTCs, CECs, EMTs, and leukocytes. In a certain aspect, the present invention may further include, in addition to the analysis of nucleic acids from all collected cells, the analysis of such cells for epigenetic modifications.

[0020] In another embodiment, the present invention includes performing molecular analysis at different stages after collecting cells and / or naked nuclei, such as giant cells and / or giant naked nuclei, from a sample: (i) direct molecular analysis, (ii) molecular analysis after cells have been stained with a fluorescent antibody or colorimetric stain, or (iii) molecular analysis after cells have been placed on a microscope slide glass by adding a liquid and stored in a refrigerator at 4°C. Similarly, in some first to third embodiments of the present invention and in those aspects, analysis of intact or undegraded nucleic acids from cells and / or naked nuclei, such as giant cells and / or giant naked nuclei, may be performed (i) after cells and / or naked nuclei have been collected from a biological sample, (ii) after the collection in (i) and after the cells and / or naked nuclei have been stained with a fluorescent antibody or colorimetric stain, or (iii) after the collection in (i) and optionally after the staining in (ii) and after the cells and / or naked nuclei have been placed on a microscope slide and optionally stored at 4°C. In certain aspects, the present invention may further include analyzing such cells for epigenetic modifications, in addition to analyzing nucleic acids from the collected cells.

[0021] In another embodiment, the present invention includes a method for early detection of cancer by obtaining cancer-related molecular changes obtained from intact nucleic acids obtained from cells such as giant cells and / or giant naked nuclei and / or naked nuclei in a patient sample. Similarly, in some first to third embodiments of the present invention, and in those aspects, when analysis of intact or undegraded nucleic acids obtained from cells such as giant cells and / or giant naked nuclei and / or naked nuclei reveals cancer-related molecular changes in those nucleic acids, the subject is diagnosed with cancer. In some aspects, the present invention may further include, in addition to the analysis of nucleic acids from such cells, the analysis of those cells for epigenetic modifications.

[0022] In another embodiment, the present invention includes a method for determining resistance to cancer treatment by obtaining novel cancer-related molecular alterations obtained from collecting intact nucleic acids from cells such as giant cells and / or giant naked nuclei and / or naked nuclei in a patient sample. Similarly, in some first to third embodiments of the present invention, and in those aspects, a subject is determined to be resistant to the cancer treatment when analysis of intact or undegraded nucleic acids from cells such as giant cells and / or giant naked nuclei and / or naked nuclei reveals a second set of cancer-related molecular alterations in nucleic acids that differ from a first set of cancer-related molecular alterations in nucleic acids obtained from similar biological samples collected from the subject before cancer treatment. In some aspects, the present invention may further include, in addition to the analysis of nucleic acids from such cells, analysis of the cells for epigenetic modifications.

[0023] In another embodiment, the present invention includes a method for providing cancer prognosis by obtaining the number of cancer-related molecular alterations obtained from collecting intact nucleic acids from cells such as giant cells and / or giant naked nuclei and / or naked nuclei in a patient sample. Similarly, in some first to third embodiments of the present invention, and in those aspects, the method may further include determining cancer prognosis based on the number of cancer-related molecular alterations in the nucleic acids of cells such as giant cells and / or giant naked nuclei and / or naked nuclei. In some aspects, the present invention may further include analyzing such cells for epigenetic modifications in addition to analyzing the nucleic acids from those cells.

[0024] In another embodiment, the present invention includes a method for predicting a response to cancer treatment by obtaining a change in the number of cancer-related molecular changes obtained from collecting intact nucleic acids from cells and / or naked nuclei, such as giant cells and / or giant naked nuclei, in a patient sample. Similarly, in some first to third embodiments of the present invention, and in those aspects, a prediction of the subject's response to cancer treatment is made when a change in the number of cancer-related molecular changes in nucleic acids is detected between nucleic acids from a first sample of cells and / or naked nuclei, such as giant cells and / or giant naked nuclei, and nucleic acids from a second sample of cells and / or naked nuclei. In one aspect, the subject receives cancer treatment between the time points in which the first and second samples of cells and / or naked nuclei are obtained from the subject. In one aspect, the present invention may further include analyzing the cells for epigenetic modifications in addition to analyzing the nucleic acids from such cells.

[0025] In another embodiment, the present invention includes a method for detecting residual cancer by determining the presence of known cancer-associated molecular alterations obtained from collecting intact nucleic acids obtained from cells such as giant cells and / or giant naked nuclei and / or naked nuclei in a patient sample. Similarly, in some first to third embodiments of the present invention, and in those aspects, residual cancer in the subject is detected when it is found that the uniqueness of the set of cancer-associated molecular alterations in nucleic acids from samples of cells such as giant cells and / or giant naked nuclei and / or naked nuclei is the same as the uniqueness of the set of cancer-associated molecular alterations in nucleic acids from samples of cells such as giant cells and / or giant naked nuclei and / or naked nuclei obtained earlier from similar biological samples from the subject. In one aspect, the subject undergoes cancer treatment between the time when the first and second samples of cells and / or naked nuclei are obtained from the subject. In one aspect, the present invention may further include analyzing the cells for epigenetic modifications in addition to analyzing the nucleic acids from such cells.

[0026] In another embodiment, the present invention includes a method for detecting cancer recurrence by determining the recurrence of known cancer-associated molecular alterations obtained from collecting intact nucleic acids obtained from cells and / or naked nuclei, such as giant cells and / or giant naked nuclei, in a patient sample. Similarly, in some first to third embodiments of the present invention, and in those aspects, cancer recurrence is detected in the subject when it is found that the uniqueness of the set of cancer-associated molecular alterations in nucleic acids from samples of cells and / or naked nuclei, such as giant cells and / or giant naked nuclei, is the same as the uniqueness of the set of cancer-associated molecular alterations in nucleic acids from samples of cells and / or naked nuclei, such as giant cells and / or giant naked nuclei, obtained earlier from similar biological samples from the subject. In one aspect, the subject receives cancer treatment between the time when the first and second samples of cells and / or naked nuclei are obtained from the subject. In one aspect, the present invention may further include analyzing the cells for epigenetic modifications in addition to analyzing the nucleic acids from such cells.

[0027] In another embodiment, the present invention includes a method for determining a new cancer in a cancer patient in remission by obtaining new cancer-related molecular changes obtained from collecting intact nucleic acids from cells and / or naked nuclei such as macrophages and / or large naked nuclei in a patient sample. Similarly, in some of the first to third embodiments of the present invention, and aspects thereof, the subject may be a cancer patient in remission, and the set of cancer-related molecular changes is different from the set of cancer-related molecular changes corresponding to the cancer, and thus the patient is in remission. In some aspects, the present invention may further include analyzing the cells for epigenetic modifications in addition to analyzing the nucleic acids from such cells.

[0028] In another embodiment, the present invention includes a method for detecting a treatable pre-cancerous state by obtaining cancer-related molecular change information obtained from collecting intact nucleic acids from cells and / or naked nuclei such as macrophages and / or large naked nuclei in a patient sample. Similarly, in some of the first to third embodiments of the present invention, and aspects thereof, the cancer is a treatable pre-cancerous state. In some aspects, the present invention may further include analyzing the cells for epigenetic modifications in addition to analyzing the nucleic acids from such cells.

[0029] Macrophages and / or large naked nuclei can be used to evaluate a single molecular change or multiple molecular changes in a cancer patient. In each of the first to third embodiments of the present invention, and aspects thereof, the cancer-related molecular changes can be a single molecular change, 2 - 5, 6 - 10, 11 - 15, 16 - 20, or more than 20 molecular changes.

[0030] Macrophages and / or large naked nuclei can be individually picked out for molecular analysis. In each of the first to third embodiments of the present invention, and aspects thereof, the analysis may be performed on a single macrophage or a single large naked nucleus.

[0031] All giant cells and giant naked nuclei on the filter can be simultaneously analyzed for molecular changes. In each of the first to third embodiments of the present invention, and in aspects thereof, the analysis may be performed on each giant cell or each giant naked nucleus in a single sample.

[0032] Molecular analysis of cancer can be obtained in real time (sequential time points) by analyzing giant cells and large naked nuclei. In each of the first to third embodiments of the present invention, and in aspects thereof, the analysis may be repeated for two or more similar biological samples from the subject.

[0033] Molecular changes detected in giant cells and large naked nuclei can be used as a basis for treatment decisions if there are suitable drugs to treat the cancer. Similarly, some of the first to third embodiments of the present invention, and in those aspects, the methods further include determining the treatment of a subject based on the analytical results.

[0034] Giant cells have been found in the blood of patients infected with active viruses. Sequencing of giant cells in these patients can provide information about viral activity and the patient's condition. Similarly, in some first to third embodiments of the present invention, and in those aspects, the method further includes detecting and / or sequencing viral nucleic acids in giant cells and / or giant naked nuclei.

[0035] Giant cells have also been found in the blood of patients with sepsis. Molecular assays or sequencing can provide various information about the infection. Similarly, in some first to third embodiments of the present invention, and in those aspects, the method further includes detecting and / or sequencing the nucleic acids of bacteria in cells and / or giant naked nuclei. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0036] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows images of four different CAMLs (A-D) with different cytoplasmic morphologies, illustrating the nucleus and cytoplasm. [Figure 2]Figure 2 shows images of the cytoplasm of a CAML that has lost its nucleus, and the extruded nucleus located next to it. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows images of two different giant naked nuclei (A-B) with very little cytoplasm on the surface of the nucleus. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows the relationship between CAML size and the number of CEP17 dots per cell. [Figure 5A] Figure 5A shows how to plot the number of mutations against CAML size for the same data. [Figure 5B] Figure 5B shows a different approach to plotting the number of mutations against CAML size for the same data, compared to Figure 5A. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows that patients with more mutations in CAML nucleic acid, as determined by sequencing, have a significantly shorter progression-free survival period than patients with fewer mutations. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0037] definition The term "molecular change" as used here refers to one or more mutations and one or more epigenetic modifications in nucleic acids.

[0038] As used herein, the term "mutation" refers to a permanent change in the nucleotide sequence of the subject's genome. A mutation can be one or more of the following: amplification, substitution, insertion, deletion, fusion, translocation, chromosomal inversion, loss of heterozygosity, or a combination thereof.

[0039] The term "epigenetic modification" as used here refers to DNA methylation, histone modification, and combinations thereof.

[0040] Molecular techniques and methods that can be used to analyze mutations in nucleic acids (including those from giant cells and giant naked nuclei) as used herein include nucleic acid sequencing, PCR, expression cloning, gel electrophoresis, DNA microarrays, DNA chips, microsatellite enrichment, Western blotting, FISH, ddPCR, and other suitable techniques and methods that will be known to those skilled in the art. Other techniques and methods suitable for the analysis of epigenetic changes include restriction endonucleases, bisulfite sequencing, single-molecule real-time sequencing, and other suitable techniques and methods that will be known to those skilled in the art.

[0041] Circulating CAMLs are cancer-associated stromal cells found in the blood of subjects with cancer. The term “cancer-associated macrophage-like cells (CAMLs)” refers to polyploid giant cells in the blood of cancer patients. CAMLs are typically 25–300 μm in size. CAMLs contain nucleic acids that encode cancer mutations and / or exhibit epigenetic modifications, as they phagocytose tumor cells and tumor debris. They are multinucleated because they phagocytose tumor cells. CAMLs contain more nuclei than a single tumor cell. CAMLs are associated with all solid tumors examined and all stages of cancer. Due to their size, CAMLs are also referred to here as giant. CAMLs can be either CD45(-) or CD45(+) and can express CD11c, CD14, and CD31, which confirms their myeloid origin. They are often found in the process of phagocytosis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and cellular debris [1–7]. Unlike ctDNA, each CAML provides not only high-quality nucleic acids but also multiple copies of individual nucleic acids.

[0042] The term "giant cells" used here refers to CAML. These are larger than red and white blood cells. Many diseases produce giant cells in a patient's blood. CAML refers to giant cells found in the blood of patients with solid tumors.

[0043] The term "naked nucleus" as used here refers to a nucleus that has been isolated and detached from a cell. The term "giant naked nucleus" as used here refers to a naked nucleus that has been isolated and detached from a giant cell. Giant naked nuclei are larger than the nucleus of a single CTC that lacks cytoplasm. Their size ranges from 10 to 70 μm. Giant naked nuclei extruded from CAML are also frequently found in the blood of cancer patients. Naked nuclei include both naturally occurring naked nuclei found in biological samples isolated from subjects, such as blood, regardless of the cells from which they are isolated, and naked nuclei prepared from cells in vitro.

[0044] The term "ctDNA" used here refers to circulating tumor DNA. ctDNA is fragmented, tumor-derived DNA in the bloodstream that is not associated with cells. ctDNA should not be confused with free DNA (cfDNA). Free DNA is a broader term that describes DNA that circulates freely in the bloodstream but is not necessarily of tumor origin. cfDNA includes both normal DNA and ctDNA. There is a need for a blood test that can provide the same diagnostic information as a tissue biopsy. Blood sampling is potentially more convenient, less risky, and less expensive than a tissue biopsy. Blood can be collected in a continuous manner. It is desirable that ctDNA can play this role and provide many clinical benefits. As mentioned above, the applications of ctDNA are currently limited. The main reasons are that the amount of ctDNA within cfDNA is limited, and ctDNA is usually fragmented.

[0045] The term "analyte" as used herein refers to any substance or chemical component being analyzed.

[0046] As used herein, the term “analyte capture element” refers to a binding portion that recognizes and binds to an analyte. Analyte capture elements may include antibodies, antibiotics, antigen targets of antibody analytes, cell receptor proteins, avidin, NeutrAvidin®, biotin, nucleic acids, or nucleic acid-related substances (e.g., oligonucleotides, in situ hybridization, DNA, cDNA, microRNA, mRNA, and RNA), riboprobes, polysaccharides, monosaccharides, oligosaccharides, poly-L-lysine, polymyxin B, daunomycin, acridine, spermine, aptamers, Vectabond®, amino-ccylsilane, Superfrost Plus®, Maple's, NaOH / poly-L-lysine, bozymes, enzymes, ligands, cells, and cell fragments, as well as other biological particles.

[0047] The terms “sample,” “biological sample,” and “patient sample” as used herein are synonymous and are intended to mean a sample obtained from a subject, which may contain cells or nucleic acids. Such samples are primarily liquid. The most useful patient sample is blood, but suitable samples also include lymphoid tissue, lymphatic circulation, serum, bone marrow, urine, saliva, amniotic fluid, bile, sputum, ascites, pleural fluid, cervical vaginal fluid, ovarian cystic fluid, endometrial fluid, uterine lavage fluid, lymphedema, cerebrospinal fluid, and other bodily fluids that contain or may contain cells such as giant cells and / or nucleic acids such as giant naked nuclei. A sample may also be a growth medium mixed with proliferating cells such as giant cells. The appropriate sample volume to be analyzed using the method of the present invention is influenced by the specificity of the sample on which the method is performed and the means used to perform the method. However, if the sample is blood, the appropriate volume will generally be in the range of 1 to 100 ml. In one case, the volume will be in the range of 3 to 50 ml. Particularly suitable capacities, though not limited to these, would likely be 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10 ml, or more.

[0048] The term “subject” as used herein refers to, but is not limited to, humans, apes, dogs, cats, horses, cattle, sheep, and other mammals, or fish. The term “patient” as used herein refers to a subject who has cancer, a subject who previously had cancer such as a subject in remission, or a subject suspected of having cancer but who has not yet been diagnosed with cancer.

[0049] Currently, there is a need to identify blood analytes that can be consistently generated from tumor sites and used for the analysis of molecular changes in tumors, as well as methods for collecting such analytes. The currently widely used method for obtaining mutational information from blood for cancer screening and diagnostic purposes is ctDNA, which has many limitations. Changes in DNA methylation (i.e., epigenetic modifications) have also been used to detect cancer in blood and stool. CTCs have been widely used for PCR and mutational analysis. However, CTCs are mainly found in the late stages of breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers, but not in the early stages of these cancers, and are rarely found in other solid tumors. In all cases, stromal cell-related mutations are not part of the analysis.

[0050] Thus, the ability to easily and reproducibly analyze molecular changes in cancer cell-associated nucleic acids, particularly over time, can serve as a basis for new methods of cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment, and recurrence. This invention is directed toward such objectives. In particular, the use of nucleic acids from giant cells and giant naked nuclei from bodily fluids in methods related to cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment, and recurrence is described herein.

[0051] Giant cells (e.g., CAML), identified by Daniel Adams[1-7], are purified from primary tumor sites and are known to be present primarily as a result of the presence of cancer. Giant cells are known to phagocytose proteins, nucleic acids, and intact tumor cells. They possess a large number of tumor-specific markers, which have been described as being consistent with primary tumor markers. Purification and identification of molecular alterations in giant cells can be applied to prognosis assessment and predictive drug therapy.

[0052] Figures 1A–1D show four typical CAMLs. They are much larger than red blood cells, white blood cells, and CTCs. Although they have different morphologies, they all have polyploid nuclei, along with one or more enlarged fusion nuclei and / or scattered individual nuclei. The size of the fusion nuclei can be 10–70 μm. Marker expression in CAML may vary depending on the cancer and the patient.

[0053] Figure 2 shows that the nucleus of CAML can sometimes be displaced. Figure 2 shows a CAML with only cytoplasm and an adjacent giant naked nucleus [4], a rare observation in which both are seen in the same image. However, when CAML is found, a naked nucleus is generally found. Figures 3A–3B show that some cytoplasm is present around the surface of the nucleus, but not enough to identify them as cells.

[0054] Figures 1–3 suggest that the large nuclei in CAML are related to the inclusion of DNA from multiple cells. CAML is evaluated by the number of chromosome probe 17 (CEP17) dots, which is an indicator of the number of phagocytosed nuclei. Figure 4 plots CAML size against CEP17, showing that large CAML obtains DNA from many cells. Figure 4 shows that CAML larger than 50 μm has more CEP17 dots than CAML between 25 and 50 μm in size.

[0055] As described above, the present invention provides nucleic acids from CAML containing multiple copies of intact nuclear DNA for blood-test analysis of all major solid tumors at all stages of cancer, including Stage I and many precancerous states. The present invention also provides epigenetic analysis of RNA and nucleic acids. Described herein are methods for collecting sufficient amounts of nucleic acids for DNA, RNA, and epigenetic analysis. Also described herein are clinical applications based on nuclear material.

[0056] CAML is ideal for real-time molecular analysis of cancer patients. CAML has been found in the blood of all 16 solid tumors evaluated to date: breast cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), sarcoma, kidney cancer, bladder cancer, colorectal cancer, uterine sarcoma, neuroblastoma, esophageal cancer, ovarian cancer, melanoma, and liver cancer. Therefore, cancers referred to in relation to each method of the present invention include one or more of these cancers. CAML is also expected to be found in association with other solid tumors. CAML is found at all stages of cancer, including even stage I, in most 7.5 mL of blood. CAML can be isolated by collecting, for example, 3–50 mL of blood. 50 mL is the acceptable volume for separating cells. Since single CAML cells are polyploid, they will be precisely sequenced.

[0057] Patients with late-stage breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer often have circulating tumor cells (CTCs), which are mononuclear unless they are in mitosis [8-17]. CTC clusters can be seen in stage IV patients with these three types of cancer. CTCs are not common in the early stages and are not common in other types of solid tumors.

[0058] Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) cells are often found in the blood of cancer patients, usually in clusters. EMTs carry cancer markers and cancer DNA.

[0059] Cancer-associated vascular endothelial cells (CAVEs), a subtype of circulating endothelial cells (CECs), also have the same cancer-associated mutations.

[16]

[0060] method Size exclusion methods, which remove all red blood cells and most white blood cells and retain cells larger than 8 microns, are suitable for collecting giant cells and giant naked nuclei. There are many suitable size exclusion methods. If the sole purpose is to obtain nucleic acids, the type of size exclusion method is not important as long as the method does not lose some giant cells or giant naked nuclei. Therefore, the size exclusion methods used in the methods of the present invention generally retain cells larger than 5 microns in size. The size exclusion methods particularly used in the methods of the present invention retain cells of size 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, or larger.

[0061] If it is also desirable to obtain marker information, cell count, and size measurement information for giant cells isolated from patient samples before cell lysis and nucleic acid analysis, then the use of filtration technology to capture giant cells is a preferred size exclusion platform. The patient sample passes through the filter. Most white blood cells (WBCs) and red blood cells (RBCs) pass through the pores of the filter, while giant cells are captured by the filter.

[0062] Giant cells, large naked nuclei, and other cells such as CTCs, EMTs, and CAVEs, as well as cell clusters, can all be retained on a filter, then visualized and counted. If cells are stained with a fluorescently labeled antibody targeting CAML markers, or stained with colorimetric staining, the staining intensity can be measured and their size determined. The filter can be placed on a microscope slide, and the cells can be imaged. The filter on the slide can also be stored at 4°C for later analysis.

[0063] Some size exclusion methods release captured cells into a solution. Other methods retain cells on a filter or tip. If it is not necessary to characterize giant cells, the cells can be lysed for nucleic acid analysis immediately after capture.

[0064] A more detailed explanation of blood filtration techniques requiring cellular information is provided below. The process begins with placing the filter in a filter holder. Biological samples from a subject, such as blood, are collected in a CellSave® tube or similar if blood is the sample. The blood is pre-fixed in a mild pre-fixation buffer to slightly stiffen the cells and prevent them from being forced into the filter pores or lysed. The pre-fixed blood is passed through the filter again under negative pressure to reduce cell lysis. The cells are washed over the filter with PBS. If cellular information is not required, cell lysis can be performed immediately, and the nucleic acids can be subjected to molecular analysis for mutations and / or epigenetic modifications.

[0065] If cell information is needed, post-fixation can be performed and then washed with PBS. The cell membrane can be subjected to permeabilization and then washed with PBS. Cell staining can be performed and then washed again with PBS. The filter can be placed on a glass slide using mounting solution and a coverslip. The cells can then be imaged on the filter. After imaging, the cells can be stored at 4°C and lysed at any time within several years for molecular analysis.

[0066] Giant cells can also be collected directly from subjects by filtration using the apparatus described and shown in Figure 28 of the international patent application publication number WO13 / 078409 entitled "Polymer microfiltration apparatus, method for manufacturing the same, and use of the microfiltration apparatus." Molecular analysis of giant cells can be performed immediately after cell capture or antibody staining.

[0067] Giant cells can also be collected by erythrolysis. However, caution is necessary because the number of WBCs may overwhelm the number of giant cells and large naked nuclei in the sample.

[0068] Giant cells can also be obtained through the depletion of white blood cells. However, caution is necessary again, as some giant cells may be lost due to this depletion.

[0069] Giant cells can also be collected by analyte capture elements (as defined above) that target markers on the cell surface, such as CD14, CD31, and / or other markers in giant cells. Capture elements, such as antibodies, can be coated onto magnetic beads, magnetic nanoparticles, and various other particles. The particles are mixed with the sample. Collecting the particles enriches the giant cells. This technique is particularly suitable for separating cells from a sample and performing direct molecular analysis of the cellular nucleic acids without further characterizing the cells. This method does not capture giant naked nuclei.

[0070] Analyte capture elements can be coated onto surfaces, columns, and other structures. The sample flows around the surface, column, or structure coated with the capture element.

[0071] As suggested above, molecular analysis of cells and / or naked nuclei can be performed on a single cell, multiple cells, a single naked nucleus, or multiple naked nuclei. Typically, the cells are giant cells, but certain capture methods capture cells in addition to giant cells, so this can include WBCs, CTCs, CAVES, EMTs, etc. These cells may be considered "contaminated" cells because they may not contain the desired mutations or epigenetic modifications. This is the case with WBCs, but their presence in the sample will usually not interfere with molecular analysis of nucleic acids from giant cells. Similarly, giant naked nuclei usually originate from giant cells, but can also originate from other cells such as WBCs, CTCs, CAVES, EMTs, etc.

[0072] Depending on the cancer, giant cells may contain nucleic acids, mitochondrial DNA, proteins, bacteria, viruses, spores, spores, cells, cell fragments, receptors, oligonucleotides, antibodies, enzymes, antibiotics, peptides, carbohydrates, hormones, toxins, disease markers, DNA, cDNA, miRNA, mRNA, RNA, natural organic compounds, synthetic organic compounds such as insecticides, pharmaceuticals, food additives, dyes, and inorganic compounds.

[0073] Giant cells can be captured and cultured to amplify analytes. Giant cell proliferation has been found to amplify tumor molecular changes within giant cells. Some viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens can proliferate within giant cells as they grow during culture, which may also be interesting.

[0074] tool The invention of a tool that enables the method described above is a filter of various sizes, coated or not coated with a capture element recognition element, through which a sample passes using a syringe, pump, vacuum aspiration, manually, semi-manually, or with automated instruments. [Examples]

[0075] Experiments were conducted to detect molecular mutations in the nucleic acids of giant cells isolated from the blood of nine cancer patients, including three with colon cancer, three with breast cancer, and three with lung cancer. Giant cells were collected, lysed, and their nucleic acids were sequenced for cancer mutations. Furthermore, giant cell nucleic acids from three patients were transiently analyzed at two time points to determine the stability of the identified mutations. Whole blood was pre-fixed and filtered. After filtration, cells on the filter were post-fixed, permeabilized, and stained for the biomarkers DAPI, CD45, and cytokeratin to confirm the uniqueness of the giant cells. Experiment 1 - Filtered samples from nine patients with giant cells were lysed, and nucleic acids were analyzed against a 50-gene tumor panel (Table 1). Cancer mutations were found in each of the nine samples examined. Experiment 2: Blood samples were taken from three patients at two time points (3-4 week intervals), giant cells were lysed, and nucleic acids were analyzed against a 50-gene panel (Table 1) to compare mutations. The same mutations were found in the same patient samples at both time points.

[0076] The detailed experimental procedure is as follows: A 7.5 mL whole blood sample was mixed 1:1 with pre-fixation buffer and incubated for 15 minutes. A CellSieve® filter (Creatv MicroTech, Potomac, MD) was placed in a filter holder and washed with 5 mL of PBS. Blood was ultrafiltered through the filter for 3 minutes, and the filter was washed with 5 mL of PBS. After post-fixing the cells on the CellSieve® filter, they were washed. After permeabilizing the cells on the CellSieve® filter, they were washed. Antibody solutions containing anti-CD45 antibody and anti-cytokeratin 8, 18, and 19 antibodies were added and incubated for 1 hour. The filter was washed with 10 mL of PBST, placed on a microscope slide, and sampled with DAPI and Fluoromount. The filter was analyzed for magnified giant cells (>25 micron in size) often with polyploid nuclear structures. Cells were lysed with microbeads. See below.

[0077] Detection of mutations after analyte capture can take various forms.

[0078] Cells can be directly lysed on a filter for nucleic acid analysis after cell capture. Numerous protocols exist for extracting nucleic acids from cells or pathogens. The following is a description using the Biostic® Bacteremia DNA Isolation Kit (MO Bio Laboratories, Inc.), with a slight modification to the protocol using a filter placed in a microbead tube. The protocol consists of the following: 1. Add the filter and "cell lysis / inhibitor solution" to the microbead tube, then heat and vortex the sample to release the DNA. 2. Remove the supernatant and analyze the DNA.

[0079] (i) DNA from giant cell (CAML) lysates and (ii) DNA from plasma were sequenced, and the findings were compared. As shown above, the three samples were from consecutive time points in time from the same patient (colon cancer-04B and colon cancer-04C; B6A and B6B; NSCLC 12B and NSCLC 12C). The samples were not disclosed to the sequencing company. Sequencing was based on the 50-gene panel shown in Table 1. [Table 1]

[0080] The results are shown in Table 2, with the mutant allele fractions indicated in parentheses. Identical mutations found in consecutive samples from the same patient are an indicator of accuracy. This was the case for CAML (Table 2: bold and underlined). These results confirmed that CAML provides a sufficient amount of DNA for mutation analysis. There were very few cases where plasma ctDNA and CAML mutations matched (Table 2: bold, underlined, and italicized). These results indicate that CAML is a more reliable source of DNA for mutation analysis than plasma ctDNA for this purpose. [Table 2]

[0081] Currently, data is acquired using two or more CAMLs, but without using CTCs on the filter. The good correlation results for sample NSCLC 12B and 12C were obtained using two CAMLs. This demonstrates that accurate results can be provided even with just one CAML.

[0082] The data in Table 2 were obtained by lysing all cells on the filter. Background generated from leukocytes on the filter did not affect accuracy.

[0083] CAML, ctDNA, and tumor tissue sequencing In another experiment to detect cancer mutations, giant cells were isolated from the blood of three cancer patients and subjected to the analysis described above. The discovered mutations were compared to those found in corresponding primary tumor biopsies. In particular, lung biopsies from three lung cancer patients were screened using a 50-gene mutation panel (Table 1). Giant cells and plasma were isolated from the same three lung cancer patients before initiating treatment. Before running blood samples for CAML, plasma was removed from the blood samples and they were sequenced separately. After plasma removal, whole blood was pre-fixed and filtered. After filtration, cells on the filter were post-fixed, permeabilized, and stained for the biomarkers DAPI, CD45, and cytokeratin to confirm the uniqueness of the giant cells. The giant cells were lysed and sequenced. [Table 3]

[0084] The results are shown in Table 3. Here, the mutated allele fraction is shown in parentheses, and the frequency of mutations from biopsies has not been evaluated. Examples of identical mutations found in both biopsies and CAML lysates were found in 15 patients with lung cancer (Table 3: bold and underlined). These results confirm that CAML provides a sufficient amount of DNA for mutation analysis that can match mutations found in tumors of the same patients. There were cases where ctDNA in plasma matched mutations in CAML (Tables 2 and 3: bold and italicized). These results indicate that CAML is a reliable DNA source for mutation analysis that can correspond to mutations from tumor biopsies and / or mutation analysis that can correspond to mutations from plasma.

[0085] Mutation analysis and patient information Data from previous experiments demonstrated that CAML size is an important prognostic indicator. When the largest CAML found in 7.5 ml of peripheral blood was greater than 50 μm, overall survival (OS) was shorter and progression-free survival (PFS) was significantly shorter than when the largest CAML found was less than 50 μm.

[0086] Figure 5A shows an analysis of CAML size relative to the number of cancer mutations found in lysed CAML. The gene panel in Table 1 did not cover all cancer mutations. Smaller CAML tends to have fewer cancer mutations, while larger CAML tends to have more. Figure 5B shows a different method showing the correlation between size and the number of mutations, with the number of mutations plotted based on the 50 μm size information shown in Figure 4. It is clear that larger CAML has more mutations.

[0087] Figure 6 shows an analysis of the number of cancer mutations obtained from sequencing of CAML lysates using a 50-gene panel (Table 1) compared with progression-free survival (PFS) in 30 lung cancer patients. Blood samples were collected before the initiation of treatment. Figure 6 shows that when cancer patients had 4 or more mutations, they progressed at an increased rate compared to patients with 0-3 mutations in their CAML lysates.

[0088] Clinical utility CAML is found in all stages of cancer and in all major cancers. Nucleic acids from sequenced CAML exhibit cancer-related molecular changes. Thus, collecting giant cells and large naked nuclei from patient samples and subsequently performing molecular analysis to detect cancer-related molecular changes indicates the presence of solid tumor cancer. Cancer screening can also be based on a combination of enumeration of giant cells and large naked nuclei and subsequent detection of cancer-related molecular changes.

[0089] It is well known, based on tissue biopsies, that novel cancer-associated molecular changes are indicators of drug resistance to drug treatment for specific mutations. Changes in the uniqueness and / or number of mutations can be sequentially obtained by collecting giant cells and giant naked nuclei from patient samples and subsequently performing molecular analysis. Thus, the determination of resistance to cancer treatment is obtained by the emergence of novel cancer-associated molecular changes obtained from giant cells and giant naked nuclei from patient samples. Detection of resistance can also be based on a combination of enumeration of giant cells and giant naked nuclei and subsequent detection of cancer-associated molecular changes.

[0090] figure 5 and 6 This study demonstrates that the number of mutations obtained from giant cells and giant naked nuclei in the blood of cancer patients can provide a prognosis for cancer. The prognosis may be based on a combination of giant cell size and the number of mutations detected from giant cells and giant naked nuclei.

[0091] figure 6 As shown, patients with more mutations have shorter PFS. Similarly, it is shown here that patients with increasing CAML size are an indicator of disease progression. In Figure 4, more mutations are found in larger CAML. An increase in the number of cancer-associated molecular changes obtained from giant cells and giant naked nuclei in the blood of cancer patients indicates cancer progression. Disease progression can also be based on a combination of giant cell size and an increase in the number of cancer-associated molecular changes obtained from giant cells and giant naked nuclei in the blood of cancer patients. Complete disappearance of CAML and cancer-associated molecular changes is an indicator of a successful response to treatment.

[0092] For example, when treatment is stopped, such as after surgery, chemoradiotherapy, or other therapies, there is not always a precise method to determine whether residual lesions still remain. CT or MRI cannot always provide information on small residual tumors. If residual disease exists, the cancer will likely recur. If an oncologist is informed of the presence of residual lesions, that oncologist may be able to offer treatment to remove them. Residual cancer can be detected by the presence of known cancer-associated molecular changes obtained from giant cells and large naked nuclei in patient samples. Residual lesions can also be based on a combination of the presence of giant cells and the detection of cancer-associated molecular changes obtained from giant cells and large naked nuclei in patient samples.

[0093] In many cancer patients, the cancer may disappear after treatment. They can be in remission for several months until the end of their life. These patients are very interested in knowing that their cancer remains clear. Detection of cancer-associated molecular changes, obtained by collecting intact nucleic acids from giant cells and giant naked nuclei in a patient's blood sample, is an indicator of cancer. If the molecular changes are the same as the patient's previous cancer-associated molecular changes, the patient has experienced a recurrence of their previous cancer. Detection of recurrence can also be based on a combination of giant cell enumeration and cancer-associated molecular changes detected from giant cells and giant naked nuclei in the patient sample.

[0094] If cancer-related molecular changes detected in patients in remission differ from previous cancer-related molecular changes, the patient has developed a new cancer rather than a relapse. Detection of new cancers in patients in remission can also be based on a combination of giant cell enumeration and cancer-related molecular changes detected from giant cells and large naked nuclei in patient samples.

[0095] Most cancers are associated with a precancerous state of solid tumors that have not yet matured to stage I, such as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in breast cancer. DCIS is unlikely to progress to stage I breast cancer. DCIS has various grades, some of which are likely to progress to stage I. CAML was detected in those patients, as shown in DL Adams' paper [1]. Some of those patients with a precancerous state may want to receive treatment to prevent cancer progression. Detection of a precancerous state of solid tumors may be based on the detection of cancer-associated molecular changes from giant cells and giant naked nuclei from patient samples. Detection of a precancerous state may also be based on a combination of giant cell enumeration and the detection of cancer-associated molecular changes detected from giant cells and giant naked nuclei from patient samples. quotation [Table 4] [Table 5]

Claims

1. A method for assaying giant cells, comprising isolating giant cells from a biological sample of a subject with cancer, determining the size of the giant cells, and determining the number of mutations in the cancer-associated giant cell nucleic acid, wherein if the size of the giant cells is increased compared to giant cells from similar samples previously obtained from the same subject, and the number of mutations in the cancer-associated nucleic acid is increased compared to giant cells from similar samples previously obtained from the same subject, these changes indicate that cancer is progressing in the subject, and giant cells are multinucleated cells with a size of 25–300 μm.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the mutation in cancer-related nucleic acids is a mutation in at least one gene selected from the group consisting of ABL1, AKT1, ALK, APC, ATM, BRAF, CDH1, CDKN2A, CSF1R, CTNNB1, IDH2, JAK2, JAK3, KDR, KIT, KRAS, MET, MLH1, MPL, NOTCH1, FGFR1, FGFR2, FGFR3, FLT3, GNA11, GNAQ, GNAS, HNF1A, HRAS, IDH1, PTEN, RB1, RET, SMAD4, SMARCB1, SMO, SRC, STK11, TP53, VHL, EGFR, ERBB2, ERBB4, EZH2, FBXW7, NPM1, NRAS, PDGFRA, PIK3CA, and PTPN11.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein giant cells are isolated from a biological sample using one or more of the following methods: (i) size exclusion, (ii) analyte capture element, (iii) erythrocyte lysis, and (iv) leukocyte depletion.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the size exclusion method is a filter that retains cells of 8 microns or larger.

5. The method according to claim 3, wherein the analyte capture element is an antibody that recognizes a cell surface or intracellular marker of a giant cell.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising isolating intact nucleic acids, undegraded nucleic acids, or combinations thereof from giant cells.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the analysis is performed on a single giant cell or a group of two or more giant cells.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising assaying for mutations in cancer-related nucleic acids in one or more circulating tumor cells (CTCs), circulating endothelial cells (CECs), and epithelial-mesenchymal transition cells (EMTs), wherein the CTCs, CECs, and EMTs are isolated from the biological sample along with the isolation of giant cells from the biological sample.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising subjecting cells to fluorescent antibody staining and / or colorimetric staining before analysis for mutations in cancer-related nucleic acids.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising counting cells before analyzing mutations in cancer-related nucleic acids.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the mutation in cancer-related nucleic acids is a single molecular change or 2 to 5 molecular changes.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the mutation in cancer-related nucleic acids is a molecular change of 2 to 5.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 and 3 to 8, further comprising at least one additional determination of the size of giant cells and the number of mutations in cancer-related nucleic acids, and comparing the size and the number of mutations, wherein if the giant cell size increases over time and the number of mutations in cancer-related nucleic acids increases, the increases indicate that cancer is progressing in the subject.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the subject has a cancer selected from the group consisting of breast cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, NSCLC, sarcoma, kidney cancer, bladder cancer, colon cancer, colorectal cancer, uterine sarcoma, neuroblastoma, esophageal cancer, ovarian cancer, melanoma, and liver cancer.

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