Open Access: View PDF

DOI:

Abstract

In this review, we will discuss the usage of flow cytometry as a diagnostic and prognostic tool for cancer. Flow cytometry analysis can help in selecting distinct therapies. Flow cytometry can be used to differentiate the typical immunophenotype of malignancies, recognition of tumor cell DNA aneuploidy and measurement of cell DNA content. Flow cytometry enables objective explanation of tumor cell heterogeneity with the help of probes that differentiate tumor and normal cells and evaluate all tumor cell properties. The cell fraction in the S phase (SPF) of cell cycle is a common parameter deduced from DNA histograms incurred by flow cytometry. Flow cytometry is a powerful tool for fast analysis of cells for marker expression, cell cycle position, apoptosis, proliferation and measurements of cell kinetics and the potential doubling time (Tpot). Tpot evaluation is helpful in speculating local control in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. Analysis of cellular RNA content by Flow Cytometry is helpful for the objective differentiation of acute leukemia and of multiple myeloma. Various studies have been conducted to identify hematopoietic stem cells using flow cytometry. The cancer stem cell which may be responsible for the recurrence of a tumor are identified and effectively isolated by multiparametric flow cytometry. The number of Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) which have separated from the primary tumor and run into the blood or lymphatic circulation forming a secondary tumor could be a prognostic marker for cancer progression. Researchers have developed several assays to detect CTCs for cancer diagnosis.

 

Keywords: Cancer; Flow Cytometry; Neoplasms; DNA Content; Markers; DNA Analysis; Cancer Stem Cells; Circulating Tumor Cells. 

Corresponding Author : Abhay Shanker Rana, Post Graduation M.Tech, Department of Biotechnology, IMS Engineering College (Dr. A.P.J, Abdul Kalam Technical University), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201009, India.