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Transitional Subtype of Circulating Tumor Cells in Early Post-Operative Period of 5-Year Survivors Following Resection of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

  • 0Department of Surgery, New York University Langone Hospital, New York City, New York, United States of America.
Annals of Surgery +

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September 3, 2025

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September 3, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) can predict long-term survival (LTS) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Postoperative transitional CTCs (trCTCs) are strong predictors of LTS, improving survival prediction when combined with clinical factors.

Area Of Science

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Biomarkers
  • Surgical Oncology

Background

  • Predictors of long-term survival (LTS) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remain poorly understood.
  • Identifying reliable prognostic markers is crucial for managing PDAC patients.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To assess the predictive ability of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) for LTS in patients undergoing PDAC resection.
  • To evaluate the role of epithelial (eCTCs) and transitional (trCTCs) CTCs in predicting long-term outcomes.

Main Methods

  • Prospective assessment of CTCs in patients undergoing PDAC resection within the CLUSTER Trial.
  • Serial measurement of epithelial (eCTCs) and transitional (trCTCs) CTCs pre- and postoperatively.
  • Analysis of clinicopathological factors and CTC characteristics for association with LTS.

Main Results

  • Postoperative transitional CTCs (trCTCs), perineural invasion (PNI), and nodal disease were independent predictors of LTS.
  • A clinical score based on PNI and nodal disease showed an AUC of 0.79 for LTS prediction.
  • Incorporating postoperative trCTC status into a translational score improved LTS prediction to an AUC of 0.84.

Conclusions

  • Residual postoperative trCTCs indicate a low likelihood of achieving LTS in resected PDAC.
  • trCTCs are significant predictors of LTS, enhancing prognostic accuracy when combined with clinicopathological factors.
  • This study highlights the potential of CTCs as valuable biomarkers for predicting long-term outcomes in PDAC.

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