By applying label-free microfluidic approaches,12 our group recently demonstrated how previously developed prognostic index,96,97 and the resulting prognostication, can be refined with single-CTC-derived gene signatures while accounting for cellular heterogeneity.76 Expression of a subset of matrisome genes, including MMP1 and MMP12, in tumor tissues and CTCs was consistently associated with metastatic spread and early recurrence of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), respectively. This evidence concerns the gene MMP12 and non-small cell lung carcinoma.