1
|
Adams A, Jakob T, Huth A, Monsef I, Ernst M, Kopp M, Caro-Valenzuela J, Wöckel A, Skoetz N. Bone-modifying agents for reducing bone loss in women with early and locally advanced breast cancer: a network meta-analysis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2024; 7:CD013451. [PMID: 38979716 PMCID: PMC11232105 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd013451.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bisphosphonates and receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL)-inhibitors are amongst the bone-modifying agents used as supportive treatment in women with breast cancer who do not have bone metastases. These agents aim to reduce bone loss and the risk of fractures. Bisphosphonates have demonstrated survival benefits, particularly in postmenopausal women. OBJECTIVES To assess and compare the effects of different bone-modifying agents as supportive treatment to reduce bone mineral density loss and osteoporotic fractures in women with breast cancer without bone metastases and generate a ranking of treatment options using network meta-analyses (NMAs). SEARCH METHODS We identified studies by electronically searching CENTRAL, MEDLINE and Embase until January 2023. We searched various trial registries and screened abstracts of conference proceedings and reference lists of identified trials. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials comparing different bisphosphonates and RANKL-inihibitors with each other or against no further treatment or placebo for women with breast cancer without bone metastases. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of included studies and certainty of evidence using GRADE. Outcomes were bone mineral density, quality of life, overall fractures, overall survival and adverse events. We conducted NMAs and generated treatment rankings. MAIN RESULTS Forty-seven trials (35,163 participants) fulfilled our inclusion criteria; 34 trials (33,793 participants) could be considered in the NMA (8 different treatment options). Bone mineral density We estimated that the bone mineral density of participants with no treatment/placebo measured as total T-score was -1.34. Evidence from the NMA (9 trials; 1166 participants) suggests that treatment with ibandronate (T-score -0.77; MD 0.57, 95% CI -0.05 to 1.19) may slightly increase bone mineral density (low certainty) and treatment with zoledronic acid (T-score -0.45; MD 0.89, 95% CI 0.62 to 1.16) probably slightly increases bone mineral density compared to no treatment/placebo (moderate certainty). Risedronate (T-score -1.08; MD 0.26, 95% CI -0.32 to 0.84) may result in little to no difference compared to no treatment/placebo (low certainty). We are uncertain whether alendronate (T-score 2.36; MD 3.70, 95% CI -2.01 to 9.41) increases bone mineral density compared to no treatment/placebo (very low certainty). Quality of life No quantitative analyses could be performed for quality of life, as only three studies reported this outcome. All three studies showed only minimal differences between the respective interventions examined. Overall fracture rate We estimated that 70 of 1000 participants with no treatment/placebo had fractures. Evidence from the NMA (16 trials; 19,492 participants) indicates that treatment with clodronate or ibandronate (42 of 1000; RR 0.60, 95% CI 0.39 to 0.92; 40 of 1000; RR 0.57, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.86, respectively) decreases the number of fractures compared to no treatment/placebo (high certainty). Denosumab or zoledronic acid (51 of 1000; RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.52 to 1.01; 55 of 1000; RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.56 to 1.11, respectively) probably slightly decreases the number of fractures; and risedronate (39 of 1000; RR 0.56, 95% CI 0.15 to 2.16) probably decreases the number of fractures compared to no treatment/placebo (moderate certainty). Pamidronate (106 of 1000; RR 1.52, 95% CI 0.75 to 3.06) probably increases the number of fractures compared to no treatment/placebo (moderate certainty). Overall survival We estimated that 920 of 1000 participants with no treatment/placebo survived overall. Evidence from the NMA (17 trials; 30,991 participants) suggests that clodronate (924 of 1000; HR 0.95, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.17), denosumab (927 of 1000; HR 0.91, 95% CI 0.69 to 1.21), ibandronate (915 of 1000; HR 1.06, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.34) and zoledronic acid (925 of 1000; HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.14) may result in little to no difference regarding overall survival compared to no treatment/placebo (low certainty). Additionally, we are uncertain whether pamidronate (905 of 1000; HR 1.20, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.78) decreases overall survival compared to no treatment/placebo (very low certainty). Osteonecrosis of the jaw We estimated that 1 of 1000 participants with no treatment/placebo developed osteonecrosis of the jaw. Evidence from the NMA (12 trials; 23,527 participants) suggests that denosumab (25 of 1000; RR 24.70, 95% CI 9.56 to 63.83), ibandronate (6 of 1000; RR 5.77, 95% CI 2.04 to 16.35) and zoledronic acid (9 of 1000; RR 9.41, 95% CI 3.54 to 24.99) probably increases the occurrence of osteonecrosis of the jaw compared to no treatment/placebo (moderate certainty). Additionally, clodronate (3 of 1000; RR 2.65, 95% CI 0.83 to 8.50) may increase the occurrence of osteonecrosis of the jaw compared to no treatment/placebo (low certainty). Renal impairment We estimated that 14 of 1000 participants with no treatment/placebo developed renal impairment. Evidence from the NMA (12 trials; 22,469 participants) suggests that ibandronate (28 of 1000; RR 1.98, 95% CI 1.01 to 3.88) probably increases the occurrence of renal impairment compared to no treatment/placebo (moderate certainty). Zoledronic acid (21 of 1000; RR 1.49, 95% CI 0.87 to 2.58) probably increases the occurrence of renal impairment while clodronate (12 of 1000; RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.55 to 1.39) and denosumab (11 of 1000; RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.54 to 1.19) probably results in little to no difference regarding the occurrence of renal impairment compared to no treatment/placebo (moderate certainty). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS When considering bone-modifying agents for managing bone loss in women with early or locally advanced breast cancer, one has to balance between efficacy and safety. Our findings suggest that bisphosphonates (excluding alendronate and pamidronate) or denosumab compared to no treatment or placebo likely results in increased bone mineral density and reduced fracture rates. Our survival analysis that included pre and postmenopausal women showed little to no difference regarding overall survival. These treatments may lead to more adverse events. Therefore, forming an overall judgement of the best ranked bone-modifying agent is challenging. More head-to-head comparisons, especially comparing denosumab with any bisphosphonate, are needed to address gaps and validate the findings of this review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne Adams
- Institute of Medical Statistics and Computational Biology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Tina Jakob
- Cochrane Haematology, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Alessandra Huth
- Cochrane Haematology, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ina Monsef
- Cochrane Haematology, Institute of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Moritz Ernst
- Cochrane Haematology, Institute of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Marco Kopp
- Cochrane Haematology, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Julia Caro-Valenzuela
- Cochrane Haematology, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Achim Wöckel
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Nicole Skoetz
- Cochrane Haematology, Institute of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Cani AK, Hayes DF. Breast Cancer Circulating Tumor Cells: Current Clinical Applications and Future Prospects. Clin Chem 2024; 70:68-80. [PMID: 38175590 DOI: 10.1093/clinchem/hvad191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identification and characterization of circulating tumor markers, designated as "liquid biopsies," have greatly impacted the care of cancer patients. Although more recently referring to circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), the term liquid biopsy initially was coined to refer to any blood-borne biomarker related to malignancy, including circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in blood. In this manuscript, we review the specific state of the art of CTCs in breast cancer. CONTENT Liquid biopsies might play a clinical role across the entire spectrum of breast cancer, from risk assessment, prevention, screening, and treatment. CTC counts have been shown to carry clear, independent prognostic information in the latter situation. However, the clinical utility of CTCs in breast cancer remains to be determined. Nonetheless, in addition to CTC enumeration, analyses of CTCs provide tumor molecular information representing the entire, often-heterogeneous disease, relatively noninvasively and longitudinally. Technological advances have allowed the interrogation of CTC-derived information, providing renewed hope for a clinical role in disease monitoring and precision oncology. SUMMARY This narrative review examines CTCs, their clinical validity, and current prospects of clinical utility in breast cancer with the goal of improving patient outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andi K Cani
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Daniel F Hayes
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Prognostic and predictive markers for adjuvant therapy. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2021; 32:100-105. [PMID: 31833940 DOI: 10.1097/gco.0000000000000594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To avoid both overtreatment and undertreatment accurate risk assessment is mandatory. The present review gives an overview of recently published articles covering prognostic and predictive factors for adjuvant therapy in early breast cancer. RECENT FINDINGS Gene expression signatures enhance prognostic accuracy with a high level of evidence. These signatures can be further improved by incorporating traditional pathological factors like tumor size. Newer genomic techniques like next-generation sequencing lead to a deeper understanding of the relationship between somatic mutations and prognosis or prediction of therapeutic efficacy. Furthermore, circulating tumor cells, and circulating cell-free or tumor DNA can lead to a better estimation of the risk of recurrence in early breast cancer. In addition, recent results underscore the prognostic and predictive importance of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and subtyping of immune cell infiltrates especially in triple-negative breast cancer. SUMMARY The current review highlights recent studies improving prognostication and prediction of therapeutic efficacy in early breast cancer. These advances should lead to a better risk stratification and thereby to an improved tailoring of therapies.
Collapse
|
4
|
Chemi F, Mohan S, Guevara T, Clipson A, Rothwell DG, Dive C. Early Dissemination of Circulating Tumor Cells: Biological and Clinical Insights. Front Oncol 2021; 11:672195. [PMID: 34026650 PMCID: PMC8138033 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.672195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) play a causal role in the development of metastasis, the major cause of cancer-associated mortality worldwide. In the past decade, the development of powerful cellular and molecular technologies has led to a better understanding of the molecular characteristics and timing of dissemination of CTCs during cancer progression. For instance, genotypic and phenotypic characterization of CTCs, at the single cell level, has shown that CTCs are heterogenous, disseminate early and could represent only a minor subpopulation of the primary tumor responsible for disease relapse. While the impact of molecular profiling of CTCs has not yet been translated to the clinic, CTC enumeration has been widely used as a prognostic biomarker to monitor treatment response and to predict disease relapse. However, previous studies have revealed a major challenge: the low abundance of CTCs in the bloodstream of patients with cancer, especially in early stage disease where the identification and characterization of subsequently "lethal" cells has potentially the greatest clinical relevance. The CTC field is rapidly evolving with development of new technologies to improve the sensitivity of CTC detection, enumeration, isolation, and molecular profiling. Here we examine the technical and analytical validity of CTC technologies, we summarize current data on the biology of CTCs that disseminate early and review CTC-based clinical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Chemi
- Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute Cancer Biomarker Centre, University of Manchester, Macclesfield, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | - Caroline Dive
- Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute Cancer Biomarker Centre, University of Manchester, Macclesfield, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wang YF, Wang XJ, Lu Z, Liu SR, Jiang Y, Wan XQ, Cheng CC, Shi LH, Wang LH, Ding Y. Overexpression of Stat3 increases circulating cfDNA in breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2021; 187:69-80. [PMID: 33630196 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-021-06142-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Current studies on circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) have been focusing on its potential as biomarkers in liquid biopsy by detecting its content or genetic and epigenetic changes for the evaluation of tumor burden and therapeutic efficacy. However, the regulatory mechanism of cfDNA release remains unclear. Stat3 has been documented as an oncogene for the development and metastasis of breast cancer cells. In this study, we investigated whether Stat3 affects the release of cfDNA into blood and its association with the number of circulating tumor cells (CTCs). METHODS The cfDNA level in plasma of patients with breast cancer and healthy volunteers were determined by quantitative real-time PCR. Three mouse breast cancer models with different Stat3 expression were generated and used to established three breast cancer orthotopic animal models to examine the effect of Stat3 on cfDNA release in vivo. Stat3 mediated Epithelial-mesenchymal phenotype transition of CTCs was determined by immunofluorescence assay and Western blot assay. RESULTS The data showed that Stat3 increased circulating cfDNA, which is correlated with the increased volume of primary tumors and number of CTCs, accompanied with the dynamic EMT changes regulated by Snail induction. Furthermore, the high level of total circulating cfDNA and Stat3-cfDNA in patients with breast cancer were detected by quantitative real-time PCR using GAPDH and Stat3 primers. CONCLUSION Our results suggested that Stat3 increases the circulating cfDNA and CTCs in breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Fei Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Weifang Medical College, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China.,Affiliated Hospital, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China
| | - Xue-Jian Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Weifang Medical College, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China.,Key Laboratory of Applied Pharmacology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China
| | - Zhong Lu
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Weifang Medical College, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China.,Affiliated Hospital, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China
| | - Shu-Rong Liu
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Weifang Medical College, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China.,Affiliated Hospital, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China
| | - Yu Jiang
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Weifang Medical College, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China.,Affiliated Hospital, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China
| | - Xiao-Qing Wan
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Weifang Medical College, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China
| | - Cong-Cong Cheng
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Weifang Medical College, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China.,Affiliated Hospital, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China
| | - Li-Hong Shi
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Weifang Medical College, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China.,Key Laboratory of Applied Pharmacology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China
| | - Li-Hua Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Weifang Medical College, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China.,Affiliated Hospital, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China
| | - Yi Ding
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Weifang Medical College, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China. .,Key Laboratory of Applied Pharmacology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
The Role of Circulating Tumor Cells in Breast Cancer and Implications for Radiation Treatment Decisions. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2020; 109:44-59. [PMID: 32882354 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2020.08.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Tumor biomarkers are used routinely in oncology to assign risk categorization, screen and assist in diagnosis of malignancy, allow for prognostication and prediction of outcomes and treatment response, and allow for monitoring of patients after treatment completion. Although tissue-based biomarkers have a long history of use, the emergence of liquid-based biomarkers, including circulating tumor cells (CTCs), may soon revolutionize the management of patients with cancer. Here, we review the discovery of CTCs and their role as prognostic and predictive biomarkers, with an emphasis on breast cancer. We discuss the platforms for CTC enumeration and focus on studies using the only US Food and Drug Administration-approved platform for CTC enumeration (CellSearch). In addition, we examine the role of CTCs in women with metastatic, inflammatory, and nonmetastatic breast cancer, as well as the clinical evidence for their use as a surrogate for radiation treatment response as well as surveillance after treatment. Finally, we conclude by investigating ongoing clinical studies assessing CTCs as radiation response predictors and discuss unanswered questions.
Collapse
|
7
|
Thery L, Meddis A, Cabel L, Proudhon C, Latouche A, Pierga JY, Bidard FC. Circulating Tumor Cells in Early Breast Cancer. JNCI Cancer Spectr 2019; 3:pkz026. [PMID: 31360902 PMCID: PMC6649836 DOI: 10.1093/jncics/pkz026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Revised: 02/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are particularly rare in non-metastatic breast cancer, and the clinical validity of CTC detection in that clinical setting was initially not well recognized. A cytological CTC detection device (CellSearch) fulfilling the CLIA requirements for analytical validity was subsequently developed and, in 2008, we reported the first study (REMAGUS02) showing that distant metastasis-free survival was shorter in early breast cancer patients with one or more CTCs. In the past 10 years, other clinical studies and meta-analyses have established CTC detection as a level-of-evidence 1 prognostic biomarker for local relapses, distant relapses, and overall survival. This review summarizes available data on CTC detection and the promises of this proliferation- and subtype-independent metastasis-associated biomarker in early breast cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Thery
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Curie, Paris and Saint Cloud, France
| | | | - Luc Cabel
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Curie, Paris and Saint Cloud, France.,Circulating Tumor Biomarkers Laboratory, Institut Curie, Inserm CIC 1428, PSL Research University, Paris, France.,UVSQ, Paris Saclay University, Saint Cloud, France
| | - Charlotte Proudhon
- Circulating Tumor Biomarkers Laboratory, Institut Curie, Inserm CIC 1428, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Aurelien Latouche
- Inserm U900, Institut Curie, Saint Cloud, France.,Conservatoire national des arts et métiers, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Yves Pierga
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Curie, Paris and Saint Cloud, France.,Circulating Tumor Biomarkers Laboratory, Institut Curie, Inserm CIC 1428, PSL Research University, Paris, France.,Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Francois-Clement Bidard
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Curie, Paris and Saint Cloud, France.,Circulating Tumor Biomarkers Laboratory, Institut Curie, Inserm CIC 1428, PSL Research University, Paris, France.,UVSQ, Paris Saclay University, Saint Cloud, France
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Lianidou E, Pantel K. Liquid biopsies. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2019; 58:219-232. [PMID: 30382599 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.22695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Revised: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liquid biopsy is based on minimally invasive blood tests and has a high potential to significantly change the therapeutic strategy in cancer patients, providing an extremely powerful and reliable noninvasive clinical tool for the individual molecular profiling of patients in real time. Liquid biopsy approaches include the analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs), circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), circulating miRNAs, and tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) that are shed from primary tumors and their metastatic sites into peripheral blood. The major advantage of liquid biopsy analysis is that it is minimally invasive, and can be serially repeated, thus allowing extracting information from the tumor in real time. Moreover, the identification of predictive biomarkers in peripheral blood that can monitor response to therapy in real time holds a very strong potential for novel approaches in the therapeutic management of cancer patients. In this review, we summarize recent knowledge on CTCs and ctDNA and discuss future trends in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evi Lianidou
- Analysis of Circulating Tumor Cells Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Klaus Pantel
- Department of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Abalde-Cela S, Piairo P, Diéguez L. The Significance of Circulating Tumour Cells in the Clinic. Acta Cytol 2019; 63:466-478. [PMID: 30820013 DOI: 10.1159/000495417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the hype about circulating tumour cells (CTCs) in the early 2000s and their potential in the diagnosis of metastasis, in recent years, the hope for personalised cancer management relies more on circulating tumour (ct)DNA that has entered the clinic in a much more efficient way. So far, approved methods for CTCs in the clinic only provide the counting of CTCs, which enables monitoring of the progression of metastatic breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer patients with therapy. Approved methods for ctDNA facilitate the analysis of specific mutations in lung cancer, thereby providing indications for potentially successful treatments. This situation inclined the balance towards molecular analysis in liquid biopsy, leveraged by new technologies and companies providing broader mutation and gene expression analysis towards the early diagnosis of cancer. STUDY DESIGN We conducted a search for the studies published to date that provide details about the significance of CTCs in the clinic. RESULTS Many studies and clinical trials have demonstrated the potential of CTCs in patient screening, early diagnosis, therapy resistance, and patient prognosis. CONCLUSIONS Large multi-centre studies are still needed to formally validate the clinical relevance of CTCs. Meticulous design of the clinical trials is a crucial point to achieve this long-sought objective.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Abalde-Cela
- Medical Devices Research Group, Department of Life Sciences, INL - International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, Braga, Portugal
| | - Paulina Piairo
- Medical Devices Research Group, Department of Life Sciences, INL - International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, Braga, Portugal
- iMM- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Lorena Diéguez
- Medical Devices Research Group, Department of Life Sciences, INL - International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, Braga, Portugal,
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Arkadius P, Volkmar M, Jens H, Wolfgang J, Tanja F. Circulating tumor cells in metastatic breast cancer: clinical relevance and biological potential. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2019; 31:76-81. [PMID: 30540583 DOI: 10.1097/gco.0000000000000514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The possibility of tumor dissemination through the blood system has been known for years. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are detectable in the peripheral blood of patients with early as well as metastatic breast cancer. The prognostic relevance of this biomarker has already been described. By the use of repeated blood sampling along the course of disease, CTCs can be monitored in terms of a regular 'liquid biopsy'. This review aims to summarize recent research findings and actual ongoing clinical studies to demonstrate the actual and future relevance of CTCs in daily clinical routine. RECENT FINDINGS Recent research results show that additional molecular analysis of CTCs might be helpful in gaining information about tumor characteristics, tumor heterogeneity and possible therapy resistance. Repetitive invasive core biopsies might be avoided. SUMMARY The assessment of molecular attributes may be indispensable for obtaining an optimized and personalized therapy aiming at extended survival and/or improved quality of life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Polasik Arkadius
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm
| | - Müller Volkmar
- Department of Gynecology, Hamburg-Eppendorf University Medical Center, Hamburg
| | - Huober Jens
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm
| | - Janni Wolfgang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm
| | - Fehm Tanja
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Düsseldorf University Hospital, Düsseldorf, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Richman J, Dowsett M. Beyond 5 years: enduring risk of recurrence in oestrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2018; 16:296-311. [DOI: 10.1038/s41571-018-0145-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
|