Circulating Breast Tumor Cells
| Title: | Circulating Breast Tumor Cells |
|---|---|
| Description: |
This cluster of circulating tumor cells (CTCs, shown in red) and white blood cells (shown in green) originated from the blood of a breast cancer patient. CTCs are an important focus of cancer research because they provide a key target for new treatments. By identifying the molecular adaptations and genetic mutations that allow CTCs to metastasize, or establish new deadly tumors throughout the body, researchers hope to facilitate the development of strategies for blocking metastatic cancer on a patient-by-patient basis, ultimately saving lives. This image was originally submitted as part of the 2016 NCI Cancer Close Up project and selected for exhibit. |
| Topics/Categories: |
Cancer Types -- Breast Cancer Cells or Tissue -- Abnormal Cells or Tissue |
| Type: | Color, Photo (JPEG format) |
| Source: | National Cancer Institute \ USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center |
| Creator: | Min Yu (Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at USC) |
| Date Created: | April 26, 2012 |
| Date Added: | April 11, 2016 |
| Reuse Restrictions: | None - This image is in the public domain and can be freely reused. Please credit the source and, where possible, the creator listed above. |