Prognostic value of circulating tumor cells in metastatic breast cancer: a systemic review and meta-analysis

• Q. Lv ^[1] ; L. Gong ^[2] ; T. Zhang ^[1] ; J. Ye ^[1] ; L. Chai ^[1] ; C. Ni ^[3] ; Y. Mao ^[1]
  1. [1] Zhejiang University

     Zhejiang University

     China

     
  2. [2] Wenzhou Medical College

     Wenzhou Medical College

     China

     
  3. [3] Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital

     Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital

     China

     

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• Localización: Clinical & translational oncology, ISSN 1699-048X, Vol. 18, Nº. 3 (March 2016), 2016, págs. 322-330
• Idioma: inglés
• Texto completo no disponible (Saber más ...)
• Resumen

  • Objective Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) remains the main cause of cancer-related death, and the clinical significance and prognostic role of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in metastatic breast cancer are still controversial. Here, we conducted a meta-analysis to clarify the correlation between CTCs and the clinicopathological features and prognosis of MBC.

    Methods We performed a comprehensive search of Pubmed and the ISI Web of Science through December 2014. Only articles that focused on MBC patients and detected CTCs using the CellSearch system were included. The associations between CTCs and survival rate and clinicopathological parameters, including molecular pattern, metastatic region and treatment response, were evaluated.

    Results This meta-analysis included 24 studies (3701 MBC patients), 13 prospective studies and 11 retrospective studies. We found that CTCs were more frequently detected with HER2 + primary tumors (pooled RR = 0.73, 95 % CI = 0.63–0.84). Additionally, higher CTC numbers indicated a worse treatment response (RR = 0.56, 95 % CI = 0.40–0.79), poorer PFS (RR = 0.64, 95 % CI = 0.56–0.73) and poorer OS (RR = 0.69, 95 % CI = 0.64–0.75) in MBC patients.

    Conclusion Based on these results, we propose that HER2 positivity could be a significant risk factor for the presence of CTCs. Additionally, CTCs have a significant prognostic value for MBC patients. Therefore, CTCs should be continually monitored to guide the treatment of MBC patients, especially those with HER2 + primary tumors.