Profiling of Invasive Breast Carcinoma Circulating Tumour Cells-Are We Ready for the 'Liquid' Revolution?

摘要: As dissemination through blood and lymph is the critical step of metastatic cascade, circulating tumour cells (CTCs) have attracted wide attention as a potential surrogate marker to monitor progression into disease response therapy. In patients with invasive breast carcinoma (IBC), CTCs are being considered nowadays valid counterpart for assessment known prognostic predictive factors. Molecular characterization using protein detection, genomic transcriptomic panels allows depict IBC biology. Such molecular profiling increased abilities appears be essential, especially after resection, well in advanced disseminated disease, when information crucial identification therapeutic targets becomes unobtainable from primary site. If truly representative tumours metastases, profile this easily accessible ‘biopsy’ might prime importance clinical practice patients. This review summarizes available data on feasibility documented benefits monitoring essential biological features CTCs, special reference multifactorial proteomic, genomic, or value.