abstract : Circulating tumor cells predict progression free survival and overall survival in patients with relapsed/recurrent advanced ovarian cancer - multinational trial

Objective

Serial circulating tumor cell (CTC) counts have demonstrated predictive and prognostic value in patients with metastatic breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer.
In a phase III study of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) with trabectedin vs. PLD for relapsed ovarian cancer, we evaluated the correlation, if any, between numbers of CTCs and progression free survival, (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

Conclusions
Results from this study indicate that elevated numbers of CTCs impart an unfavorable prognosis for ovarian cancer patients.

Research highlights

► Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are prognostic during ovarian cancer therapy.
► Ovarian cancer patients with baseline ≥ 2 CTCs had shorter overall survival time.
► Patients with baseline ≥ 2 CTCs had shorter time to disease progression.