We reviewed the literature for the biologic, prognostic, and predictive significance of circulating prostate cancer tumor cells (CTCs), and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in the blood of metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer patients (mCRPC). CTCs demonstrate robust prognostic value independent of PSA in predicting overall survival. The CTC androgen receptor variant receptor 7 (AR-V7) phenotype predicts resistance to androgen receptor synthesis inhibitors and sensitivity to taxane based chemotherapy in mCRPC patients who are candidates for second line therapy. Research is rapidly pivoting toward ctDNA analysis because the approach is sensitive, prognostic, cost-effective, and it can elucidate mechanisms of systemic therapy.
Urology. 2019 Jun 14 [Epub ahead of print]
Jose G Moreno, Leonard G Gomella
Department of Urology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA; MidLantic Urology, LLC, Pottstown, Pennsylvania., Department of Urology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA. Electronic address: .