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Updated: May 22, 2026
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Adaptation of Semiautomated Circulating Tumor Cell (CTC) Assays for Clinical and Preclinical Research Applications
Published on: February 28, 2014
CTCs in primary breast cancer (II)
1Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
Summary
Detecting CK19 mRNA-positive circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in early breast cancer patients indicates a worse prognosis. Persistent CTC detection during therapy and follow-up predicts relapse, highlighting CTC monitoring
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biomarkers
Background:
- Early breast cancer management often involves adjuvant therapies like chemotherapy and hormonal treatment.
- Monitoring treatment efficacy and predicting patient outcomes remain critical challenges in oncology.
- Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are emerging as valuable biomarkers for cancer progression and treatment response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical significance of detecting CK19 mRNA-positive circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in early breast cancer patients.
- To assess the prognostic value of CTC detection before, during, and after adjuvant therapies.
- To explore the utility of CTC monitoring for evaluating treatment efficacy and guiding further therapeutic decisions.
Main Methods:
- Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was employed to detect CK19 mRNA.
- Blood samples were collected from early breast cancer patients at various time points: pre-chemotherapy, post-chemotherapy, during hormonal therapy, and during follow-up.
- Correlation between CTC detection status and clinical outcomes, including disease-free survival and overall survival, was analyzed.
Main Results:
- CK19 mRNA-positive CTCs were detectable in early breast cancer patients across different treatment phases.
- Patients with persistent CK19 mRNA-positive CTCs before and after chemotherapy exhibited significantly poorer prognoses.
- Detectable CTCs despite tamoxifen treatment and persistent detection during follow-up were associated with increased risk of late disease relapse.
Conclusions:
- Monitoring CK19 mRNA-positive CTCs provides a valuable tool for assessing the effectiveness of adjuvant chemotherapy and hormonal therapy in early breast cancer.
- Persistent CTC detection is a strong predictor of adverse outcomes, including shorter survival and late relapse.
- CTC monitoring can help identify patients who may benefit from intensified or alternative secondary adjuvant treatments.
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