Circulating tumor cell counts/change for outcome prediction in patients with extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer

Future Oncol. 2016 Mar;12(6):789-99. doi: 10.2217/fon.15.346. Epub 2016 Feb 3.

Abstract

Aims: As data on the use of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) to predict patient outcomes in extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) remain inconclusive, we investigated the clinical value of CTC determination in an open-label, multicenter study of 91 patients with newly diagnosed ES-SCLC.

Materials & methods: Blood CTC counts were determined using the CellSearch® system at baseline, after the second cycle of chemotherapy, and on disease progression.

Results & conclusion: Following the second cycle of treatment, CTC numbers and the change in CTCs were strong, significant and independent indicators for both progression-free survival and overall survival in ES-SCLC. The CTC change was associated with both refractory disease (response to initial therapy ≤3 months) and sensitive disease (response to initial therapy >3 months).

Keywords: circulating tumor cells; prognosis; small-cell lung cancer.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Cell Count*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Lung Neoplasms / mortality*
  • Lung Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Neoplastic Cells, Circulating / pathology*
  • Prognosis
  • ROC Curve
  • Risk Factors
  • Small Cell Lung Carcinoma / drug therapy
  • Small Cell Lung Carcinoma / mortality*
  • Small Cell Lung Carcinoma / pathology*