Cells in motion: model of circulating tumor cells in prostate cancer

Metastasis is responsible for most cancer-related deaths. In patients at risk of distant cancer spread or diagnosed with metastasis, tumor cells are shed into the blood stream and become circulating tumor cells (CTCs). Although most CTCs die in blood circulation, some extravasate and may seed metastatic sites. We noted that CTCs isolated from prostate cancer patients display a specific mechanical phenotype, determined with atomic force microscopy: high softness (elasticity and deformation) and high adhesion.