Abstract

Dissemination of tumour cells and the development of solid metastases occurs via blood vessels and lymphatics. Circulating tumour cells (CTCs) and circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) can be detected in venous blood in patients with early and metastatic breast cancer, and their prognostic relevance has been demonstrated on numerous occasions. Repeated testing for CTCs and ctDNA, or regular so-called “liquid biopsy”, can be performed easily at any stage during the course of disease. Additional molecular analysis allows definition of tumour characteristics and heterogeneity that may be associated with treatment resistance. This in turn makes personalised, targeted treatments possible that may achieve both improved overall survival and quality of life.

Highlights

  • Thanks to numerous new treatment concepts and drugs the management of metastatic breast carcinoma (MBC) is in a state of continuous further development

  • Circulating tumour cells (CTCs) and circulating tumour DNA can be detected in venous blood in patients with early and metastatic breast cancer, and their prognostic relevance has been demonstrated on numerous occasions

  • Current treatment regimens are tailored to tumour phenotype characteristics such as hormone receptor (HR) or HER2 status, which are usually determined at primary diagnosis

Read more

Summary

Introduction

Thanks to numerous new treatment concepts and drugs the management of metastatic breast carcinoma (MBC) is in a state of continuous further development. Circulating tumour cells (CTCs) and circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) can be detected in venous blood in patients with early and metastatic breast cancer, and their prognostic relevance has been demonstrated on numerous occasions.

Results
Conclusion
Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call