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Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Adaptation of Semiautomated Circulating Tumor Cell (CTC) Assays for Clinical and Preclinical Research Applications
Published on: February 28, 2014
Circulating tumor cells in the management of breast cancer
Govardhanan Nagaiah1, Jame Abraham
1Department of General Internal Medicine and Health Care Research, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA.
Abstract:
Most deaths from breast cancer are from metastatic disease. Tests that predict an individual's risk of developing metastatic disease could be useful. There is growing evidence that circulating tumor cells (CTC) could help predict recurrence and effectiveness of therapy. However, there are unresolved issues with CTC detection methods and their implementation in the community. The utility of CTC testing in the management of breast cancer is unclear based on current studies. This article reviews the role of CTC testing in the management of early and metastatic breast cancer.
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