Semi-automatic PD-L1 Characterization and Enumeration of Circulating Tumor Cells from Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Patients by Immunofluorescence

Based on microfluidic technology, the isolation and characterization of CTCs from normal blood cell do not require the use of specific CTC biomarkers, and is compatible with cell culture. This protocol facilitates a high rate of CTC extraction, and provides an extensive cytological analysis of the CTCs, by evaluating malignant cytomorphological characteristics. PD-L1 expression by CTCs has a predictive value in lung cancer management.

Improvement of its detection using this test could promote a better patient management in the long term. Other application of this protocol include detecting genetic aberrations using FISH, or conducting transcriptomic analysis on CTCs, as well as isolating cells of fetal origin in mothers. Demonstrating the procedure will be Julie Balandier, a technician from our laboratory.