Single circulating tumor cell detection and overall survival in nonmetastatic breast cancer

摘要: Abstract Background Circulation of cancer cells in the blood is a mandatory step for metastasis, but circulating tumor (CTC) have low metastatic efficiency preclinical animal models. In this prospective study, we reported clinical outcome nonmetastatic breast patients according to CTC detection. Patients and methods 115 diagnosed with large operable or locally advanced cancer, prospectively detected using CellSearch system before after neoadjuvant chemotherapy phase II trial (REMAGUS02). Results At baseline, 23% were positive, only 10% had >1 CTC/7.5 ml blood. After median follow-up 36 months, detection was an independent prognostic factor both distant metastasis-free survival [DMFS; P = 0.01, relative risk (RR) = 5.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4–17] overall (OS; P = 0.007, RR = 9, CI 1.8–45). less significance (P = 0.07 0.09, respectively). Moreover, showed interesting characteristics as individual predictive test relapses (sensibility 55%, specificity 81%, global accuracy 77%). Conclusions Detection ≥1 can accurately predict OS. Our findings may change management indicate that could be higher than previously reported.