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Ultrashort Cell-Free DNA Fragments and Vimentin-Positive Circulating Tumor Cells for Predicting Early Recurrence in Patients with Biliary Tract Cancer

  • 0Division of Gastroenterology, Biomedical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan 49241, Republic of Korea.
Diagnostics (basel, Switzerland) +

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November 9, 2024

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November 9, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Predicting early recurrence in biliary tract cancer (BTC) is crucial. Combining cell-free DNA (cfDNA), circulating tumor cells (CTCs), and CA 19-9 shows promise for improving recurrence prediction after surgery.

Area Of Science

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Diagnostics
  • Surgical Oncology

Background

  • Biliary tract cancer (BTC) is an aggressive malignancy with high postoperative recurrence rates.
  • Limited reliable predictors exist for early recurrence after curative surgery and adjuvant therapy.
  • Accurate prediction of recurrence is essential for timely intervention and improved patient outcomes.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To investigate the efficacy of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in predicting early recurrence in BTC patients.
  • To evaluate the combined predictive value of cfDNA, CTCs, and carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9 levels.
  • To assess the potential of these biomarkers for enhancing early recurrence detection post-treatment.

Main Methods

  • Prospective study of 24 BTC patients undergoing R0/R1 resection and adjuvant therapy.
  • Categorization into early recurrence (ER) and non-ER groups based on a one-year recurrence cutoff.
  • Analysis of ultrashort cfDNA fragments, vimentin-positive CTCs, and CA 19-9 levels.

Main Results

  • A combination score of cfDNA, vimentin-positive CTCs, and CA 19-9 significantly differentiated between ER and non-ER groups (p < 0.001).
  • The combination score achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.891 in predicting recurrence.
  • CA 19-9 alone had an AUC of 0.750, indicating the added value of cfDNA and CTCs.

Conclusions

  • cfDNA and CTCs, when combined with CA 19-9, show potential for improving the accuracy of predicting postoperative recurrence in BTC.
  • These biomarkers may offer a non-invasive method for early detection of recurrence.
  • Further research is warranted to validate these findings and explore clinical implementation.

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