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Updated: Dec 23, 2025
Adaptation of Semiautomated Circulating Tumor Cell CTC Assays for Clinical and Preclinical Research Applications
Published on: February 28, 2014
Clinical Relevance and Therapeutic Application of CTCs in Advanced Breast Cancer
Juan F Cueva Bañuelos1, Carmela Rodríguez López2, Alexandra Cortegoso Mosquera2
1Medical Oncology Department, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain. jfcueva@gmail.com.
Abstract:
Precision medicine through liquid biopsy represents an emerging approach in the management of cancer. The CTC count in blood samples from patients with advanced breast cancer is a powerful prognostic factor for both progression free and overall survival. Moreover, high levels of CTCs at any time during the treatment can reliably predict progression before imaging studies and/or tumor markers. Furthermore, there are works on the molecular characterization of the CTCs and their potential ability to guide the treatment in a dynamic way. However, their role remains controversial. Detection and enumeration of CTCs is variable among different tumors and is subjected to biases related mainly to their methodology, which is not completely standardized. In addition, they must demonstrate their clinical value to guide the treatment and a translation on patient's survival.
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