Circulating Tumor Cells Predict Response of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Patients with Bladder Cancer: A Preliminary...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Urology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) requires effective treatment strategies.
• Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is a standard treatment for MIBC.
• Predictive markers for NAC response are crucial for personalized treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the presence of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in MIBC patients.
• To evaluate the predictive value of CTCs for NAC response in MIBC.
• To correlate CTC levels with treatment outcomes and pathological staging.

Main Methods:

• Blood samples were collected from 33 MIBC patients.
• CTCs were isolated using cell surface markers and the IsoFlux™ device.
• CTC identification was confirmed by morphology and immunofluorescence.

Main Results:

• CTCs were detected at baseline in all MIBC patients.
• A significant decrease in CTCs was observed in patients responding to NAC (p < 0.0001).
• Post-NAC CTC counts strongly correlated with pathological T stage (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions:

• CTCs show potential as a predictive marker for NAC response in MIBC.
• CTC monitoring can aid in identifying non-responders for timely intervention.
• Early detection of non-responders may prevent disease progression and optimize treatment pathways.