Sample Preparation Solutions for Cancer Research

Solutions to accelerate your path from discovery to clinical translation

Resources to inspire your cancer research 

Cancer research continues to evolve, with new tools and techniques available to labs around the world. Molecular profiling has become an essential tool in cancer research over the recent years. Targeted analysis methods are now commonplace in cancer research, tailored to genetic or protein biomarkers that may drive a patient's tumor growth metastasis, treatment resistance, and recurrence.

A step-by-step guide to molecular profiling of tumors for cancer researchers

Webinars exploring cancer research

Watch our engaging cancer research webinars featuring esteemed cancer research scientists and Thermo Fisher Scientific staff scientists, where they will share their expertise, latest findings, and innovative approaches in the field of oncology, providing valuable insights and fostering collaboration in advancing cancer research. Explore a diverse range of topics, from automation workflows to cutting-edge new research, and stay up to date with our latest advancements. 

Enumeration and Molecular Profiling of Circulating Tumor Cells

Join Dr. Pravin D. Potdar and learn about methods for the enumeration, isolation, and molecular profiling of CTCs for the research of metastatic cancers.

Applications in Cancer Research: RNA Isolation from Organoids and Spheroids

In this webinar, Laura Chapman and others share their expertise on new RNA extraction methods and workflows for cancer research 3D cell culture. 

Potential of Liquid Biopsy to Enhance Tumor Profiling Research Capabilities

Join research fellow Dr. Karen Page and learn more about molecular analysis workflows for breast cancer research.

Advancing cancer research with tools for liquid biopsy

Join our webinar with Dr. Laure Jobert as she discusses the essential methods for biomarker enrichment in the research sample preparation process. 

Sample collection

The first step in PCR- or NGS-based molecular profiling is sample collection. In cancer research, DNA or RNA extraction from tissue biopsies or solid tumors is standard. Liquid biopsies—which can detect circulating tumor-specific biomarkers in blood, plasma, or serum—have emerged as a promising, non-invasive alternative sample type for tumor molecular profiling. They also enable researchers to take multiple samples over time, allowing longitudinal tracking of cancer evolution. 

Solid tumor samples

Formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) solid tumor samples are tissue specimens that consist of abnormal growths of cells, forming a mass or lump, and are commonly used in cancer research to study the characteristics, genetic alterations, and treatment responses of solid tumors.

Liquid biopsy samples

Liquid biopsy samples refer to non-invasive specimens, such as blood or other bodily fluids, that contain biomarkers such as circulating tumor cells, cell-free nucleic acid, exosomes, or other biomarkers shed by tumors, providing valuable insights into cancer detection, monitoring, and treatment response without the need for invasive procedures.

Liquid biopsy

Liquid biopsies are conducted on blood samples to examine biomarkers released by tumors, such as cancer cells or fragments of tumor DNA. Compared to collecting tissue samples, liquid biopsies are less invasive, and the data can be used alongside or in place of traditional surgical biopsies. 

How does a liquid biopsy work?

Tumors release biomolecules into the bloodstream that can be collected and detected using a blood sample where the plasma is separated out and studied. The circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and intact circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are two of the markers targeted during a liquid biopsy. 

Accelerating the future of liquid biopsy

Liquid biopsy is an emerging area of cancer clinical research. As a minimally invasive complementary or alternative approach to tissue biopsies, liquid biopsies are less risky, painful, and costly. Learn about ultra-low mutation detection solutions from sample prep to data analysis.

Cell-free (cfDNA) in cancer research

Cell-free DNA plays a crucial role in cancer research due to its potential as a non-invasive biomarker for cancer detection, monitoring, and treatment. By analyzing the genetic alterations present in cfDNA, researchers can gain insights into the genetic landscape of tumors and identify specific mutations or alterations associated with different types of cancer.  

What is cell-free DNA?

Cell-free DNA refers to all non-encapsulated DNA in the blood stream. cfDNA are nucleic acid fragments that enter the bloodstream during apoptosis or necrosis. In a normal healthy system, these fragments are cleaned up by microphages, but scientists are finding that the overproduction of cancer cells leaves more of cfDNA behind. 

A complete next-generation sequencing workflow for circulating cfDNA isolation and analysis

In this study, a complete targeted sequencing workflow is presented for mutation detection from cfDNA, involving the isolation of cfDNA from plasma, followed by molecular characterization using Ion AmpliSeq technology and the Ion PGM System.

Extraction and analysis of circulating cfDNA from plasma samples for lung cancer research

In this study, we describe a method for extracting cfDNA from plasma samples of healthy donors and lung cancer patients using the Applied Biosystems™ MagMAX Cell-Free DNA Isolation Kit, followed by digital PCR and next-generation sequencing analysis, which saves compared to traditional methods.

Circulating tumor cells (CTC) in cancer research

Circulating tumor cell tests, also referred to as CTC tests, are liquid biopsy tests which look for whole tumor cells found in the bloodstream. These cells work as metastasis agents that can lead to the growth of additional tumors in sites other than that of the primary tumor and serve as a potential biomarker for cancer detection. CTC tests offer a non-invasive approach to study tumor dynamic, enabling early detection, improved understanding of metastasis, and the potential for targeted therapies.

What are circulating tumor cells (CTCs)?

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are cancer cells that have detached from the primary tumor and entered the bloodstream. They can be used as biomarkers for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment monitoring, as their presence and characteristics provide valuable information about the progression and metastasis of the disease.

Isolation of circulating tumor cells using Dynabeads magnetic beads

Invitrogen Dynabeads magnetic beads provide an automation-friendly tool for isolation of circulating biomarkers. Here we evaluate Dynabeads magnetic beads for feasibility in both positive and negative CTC isolation workflows.

Evaluation of ctDNA extraction methods and amplifiable copy number yield

In this study, we use a full process ctDNA quality control material in true human plasma to demonstrate the variability of extraction yield between different ctDNA extraction kits. We also examine the correlation between the amplifiable copy number and DNA concentration post-extraction. 

Exosomes for cancer research

Exosomes are integral to intercellular communication through their ability to transport and transfer biomolecules including proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids, between cells.  This makes exosomes a potential disseminator of cancer-related factors, making them valuable for diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic purposes. Their unique properties make them promising targets for developing novel diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies in the field of oncology.

What are exosomes?

Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles that are released by various cells, including cancer cells. They are derived from the endosomal compartment of cells and are involved in intercellular communication. Exosomes contain a diverse cargo of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.

Rapid bead-based isolation of exosomes for multiomic research

Here we present a method for generic exosome isolation within 10 minutes using Invitrogen Dynabeads Intact Virus Enrichment magnetic beads. A panel of different methods was used to identify the isolated exosomes. Measurements of vesicle size and concentration were done by microfluidic resistive pulse sensing analysis. 

Exosomes—the next small thing

Learn more about exosomes, vesicles that are constantly produced by all cells in vitro and in vivo, which contain complex RNA and protein cargo. Scientists explain how exosomes are changing research due to their capability of intercellular communication and signaling within the body in episode 1 of our 6-part mini documentary series. 

Solid tumor biopsy

A tumor biopsy is a medical procedure in which a small sample of tissue is taken from a suspicious mass or tumor in the body. This tissue sample is then analyzed to determine the presence of cancer cells and provide valuable information about the type, grade, and stage of the tumor

Techniques used to analyze a solid tumor biopsy

To analyze solid tumor cancer using FFPE samples, several techniques are employed. These include histopathological examination, immunohistochemistry (IHC), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), next-generation sequencing (NGS), and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). These techniques allow for the detection of specific genetic alterations, such as mutations, gene amplifications, or chromosomal rearrangements.

Solid tumor studies

High-throughput FFPE solution

The application note presents a technical guide on automating the FFPE workflow using a high-throughput integrated solution, offering increased efficiency and productivity in processing FFPE samples for downstream analysis.

A convenient, solvent-free deparaffinization method

The application note provides a detailed protocol for a solvent-free deparaffinization method in FFPE sample preparation, offering a more efficient and environmentally friendly approach for downstream analysis.

Sequential workflow for large RNA volumes

The application note highlights the potential risk of contamination when working with large RNA volumes in MagMAX FFPE DNA/RNA Ultra sample preparation, providing insights and recommendations to mitigate contamination issues and ensure reliable results.

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.