Changes of HER2 status in circulating tumor cells compared with the primary tumor during treatment for advanced breast cancer
Background HER2/neu status of tumor cells at metastatic sites in patients with advanced
disease may differ from that of the primary tumor. Assessing the presence of target antigens
on circulating tumor cells (CTCs) might affect treatment choice. Patients and Methods From
June 2007 to October 2008, we collected 23 mL of blood from each of the 76 consecutive
patients before and during chemotherapy to determine CTC numbers and HER2
overexpression. CTCs were isolated with the CellSearch System®(Veridex, LLC; Raritan …
disease may differ from that of the primary tumor. Assessing the presence of target antigens
on circulating tumor cells (CTCs) might affect treatment choice. Patients and Methods From
June 2007 to October 2008, we collected 23 mL of blood from each of the 76 consecutive
patients before and during chemotherapy to determine CTC numbers and HER2
overexpression. CTCs were isolated with the CellSearch System®(Veridex, LLC; Raritan …