Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) play a crucial role in metastatic cascade, tumor dissemination, and progression. CTCs represent a unique biomarker, as they are cancer cells and sampling of a patient's tumor. CTCs are a heterogeneous cell population of tumor cells with different phenotypes and biological values, with established prognostic impact in primary and metastatic breast cancer. Detection and molecular profiling of CTCs could represent a valuable prognostic and predictive factor, a tool for tumor ‘liquid’ biopsy in real time and for personalized anticancer treatment. Several trials are ongoing aimed to demonstrate clinical utility of CTCs detection and profiling to facilitate rational treatment decisions for breast cancer patients. Therapeutic targeting of CTCs might be a promising strategy to interfere with metastatic cascade and tumor dissemination.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
