Presence or absence of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in a breast cancer patient's blood samples can now predict the recurrence of breast cancer later on life
Highlights
- A simple blood test that detects tumor cells circulating in the blood can now predict high or low risk of a breast cancer relapse
- The use of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) blood test has now been approved for physicians use to monitor response to treatment in advanced breast, colon or prostate cancer patients
- Positive CTC test was associated with a 35 percent increase in breast cancer recurrence





"More importantly", Dr. Sparano continued, "we also found that a positive test was associated with a 35 percent recurrence risk after two years, compared with only 2 percent for those with a negative CTC test."
The concept is to explore the use of the CTC blood test in a new way. Currently, the test is FDA-approved for use by physicians to monitor response to treatment in patients with advanced breast, colon or prostate cancer, but not early stage cancer.
A rise in the number of circulating tumor cells in the blood in patients with advanced disease may indicate trouble before it shows up on a scan. In this study, the research team evaluated this test in a different setting individuals alive and cancer-free about five years after their diagnosis and potentially cured, but still at risk for having a recurrence of their disease.
"Our ultimate goal is to use blood tests like this to tailor treatment in a way that minimizes recurrence risk for those at high risk, and spare treatment for those at low risk who may be unlikely to benefit from it," Dr. Sparano said. "The findings of this analysis provide strong evidence to further evaluate this new risk assessment approach using CTC and other blood-based tests in this setting".
Many women in E5103 remain cancer free and are being followed for their breast cancer status as part of standard care. Dr. Sparano and colleagues set up a biobank and invited these patients to contribute additional specimens for future research into the reasons for late recurrence.
Reference
Blood Test May Predict Breast Cancer Recurrence - (http://ecog-acrin.org/news-and-info/press-releases/joseph-sparano-circulating-tumor-cells-may-predict-breast-cancer-recurrence)
Source-Eurekalert