Sarcomas are a group of rare malignant tumors arising from soft tissues such as fibrous tissue, fat, muscle, synovium, and connective tissues. They account for ~1% of all malignant tumors and mainly affect adults aged 20 to 60.
Epidemiology:
• U.S.: ~12,000 new cases annually
• Taiwan: ~500 new cases per year
• Common sites:
• Upper & lower limbs (~50%)
• Retroperitoneum & trunk (~40%)
• Head & neck (~10%)
• Special subtype: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) originate from interstitial cells of Cajal, affecting the stomach, small intestine, colon, and rectum.
Causes and Risk Factors
• Unknown etiology in most cases
• Certain cases linked to trauma or prior radiation exposure
• Some linked to familial genetic syndromes and hereditary mutations
Clinical Presentation
• Extremity sarcomas: often present as painless subcutaneous masses
• Intra-abdominal sarcomas: frequently asymptomatic until tumors grow large enough to compress surrounding organs, nerves, or vessels
• Thoracic sarcomas: may cause respiratory discomfort
Patterns of Spread
• Direct invasion into surrounding tissues
• Hematogenous metastasis — most commonly to lungs and liver
• Lymphatic spread — extremely rare
CTC Analysis: A New Frontier in Sarcoma Diagnosis
Sarcoma’s heterogeneity and deep-seated tumor sites make early detection and treatment monitoring challenging. Traditional imaging may fail to identify micrometastases or detect early tumor spread.
Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) — cancer cells shed into the bloodstream — provide a real-time, minimally invasive diagnostic alternative.
Applications in Sarcoma Care:
• Early detection & staging → Detect potential metastasis before imaging
• Therapy monitoring → Assess treatment response dynamically
• Personalized medicine → Enable genomic profiling of CTCs to guide therapy
• Research insights → Study tumor heterogeneity, resistance, and progression patterns
Future Integration with Digital Health and AI
Combining CTC detection with AI-driven image analysis and multi-omic profiling enhances sensitivity and accuracy, particularly in rare cancers like sarcoma. This approach offers clinicians better tools for staging, monitoring, and optimizing personalized therapies.
GBC’s Commitment to Innovation
At GBC, we recognize the transformative potential of CTC analysis in sarcoma research and precision oncology. Our R&D ecosystem — spanning liquid biopsy, molecular diagnostics, and AI integration — is aligned with advancing non-invasive, real-time insights to support earlier detection and improved patient care.
Epidemiology:
• U.S.: ~12,000 new cases annually
• Taiwan: ~500 new cases per year
• Common sites:
• Upper & lower limbs (~50%)
• Retroperitoneum & trunk (~40%)
• Head & neck (~10%)
• Special subtype: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) originate from interstitial cells of Cajal, affecting the stomach, small intestine, colon, and rectum.
Causes and Risk Factors
• Unknown etiology in most cases
• Certain cases linked to trauma or prior radiation exposure
• Some linked to familial genetic syndromes and hereditary mutations
Clinical Presentation
• Extremity sarcomas: often present as painless subcutaneous masses
• Intra-abdominal sarcomas: frequently asymptomatic until tumors grow large enough to compress surrounding organs, nerves, or vessels
• Thoracic sarcomas: may cause respiratory discomfort
Patterns of Spread
• Direct invasion into surrounding tissues
• Hematogenous metastasis — most commonly to lungs and liver
• Lymphatic spread — extremely rare
CTC Analysis: A New Frontier in Sarcoma Diagnosis
Sarcoma’s heterogeneity and deep-seated tumor sites make early detection and treatment monitoring challenging. Traditional imaging may fail to identify micrometastases or detect early tumor spread.
Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) — cancer cells shed into the bloodstream — provide a real-time, minimally invasive diagnostic alternative.
Applications in Sarcoma Care:
• Early detection & staging → Detect potential metastasis before imaging
• Therapy monitoring → Assess treatment response dynamically
• Personalized medicine → Enable genomic profiling of CTCs to guide therapy
• Research insights → Study tumor heterogeneity, resistance, and progression patterns
Future Integration with Digital Health and AI
Combining CTC detection with AI-driven image analysis and multi-omic profiling enhances sensitivity and accuracy, particularly in rare cancers like sarcoma. This approach offers clinicians better tools for staging, monitoring, and optimizing personalized therapies.
GBC’s Commitment to Innovation
At GBC, we recognize the transformative potential of CTC analysis in sarcoma research and precision oncology. Our R&D ecosystem — spanning liquid biopsy, molecular diagnostics, and AI integration — is aligned with advancing non-invasive, real-time insights to support earlier detection and improved patient care.
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