The ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group in the US has demonstrated a new method of measuring circulating tumour cells (CTCs) in the blood for predicting high or low risk of a breast cancer relapse.
In a proof-of-concept study, the researchers analysed CTCs from samples of 547 patients who were cancer-free five years after diagnosis, followed by related CTC with a later recurrence.
ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group vice-chair Joseph Sparano said: “Late recurrence five or more years after surgery accounts for at least one-half of recurrences of breast cancer, and there are no tests that identify who is at highest risk.
