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Mapping breast cancer therapy with circulating tumor cells: The expert perspective

  • 0Department of Medical Oncology, CRO Aviano, National Cancer Institute, IRCCS, Aviano, Italy; Department of Medicine, University of Udine, Udine, Italy.
Foot (edinburgh, Scotland) +

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April 6, 2025

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April 6, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are vital prognostic biomarkers in metastatic breast cancer. Enumeration and molecular characterization of CTCs guide personalized treatment strategies, improving patient outcomes.

Area Of Science

  • Oncology
  • Biomarkers
  • Liquid Biopsy

Background

  • Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are established prognostic biomarkers in breast cancer, particularly in metastatic disease.
  • CTC enumeration (≥5 cells/7.5 mL blood) correlates with aggressive Stage IV disease and poorer survival.
  • Molecular characterization of CTCs offers real-time insights into tumor biology and variability.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To review the role of CTC enumeration and phenotyping in breast cancer management.
  • To explore how CTC-guided strategies can enhance treatment tailoring and patient outcomes.
  • To examine the integration of CTCs with other biomarkers like circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) for personalized medicine.

Main Methods

  • Review of existing literature on CTC enumeration and molecular characterization in breast cancer.
  • Analysis of clinical trial data (e.g., STIC trial) demonstrating CTC-guided treatment adjustments.
  • Exploration of combined biomarker strategies involving CTCs and ctDNA.

Main Results

  • CTC counts reliably stratify metastatic breast cancer into aggressive and indolent subtypes.
  • Molecular profiling of CTCs provides dynamic insights into tumor heterogeneity.
  • CTC-guided therapy has the potential to optimize treatment intensity and efficacy.

Conclusions

  • CTCs are crucial for prognostication and guiding therapy in metastatic breast cancer.
  • Integrating CTC enumeration and phenotyping with other biomarkers like ctDNA can advance personalized treatment.
  • Biomarker-driven clinical trial designs are essential for optimizing patient care through advanced liquid biopsy techniques.

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