Circulating Tumor Cells and [¹⁸F]Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography for Outcome Prediction in Metastatic Breast Cancer

Abstract

Detection of five or more CTCs during therapeutic monitoring can accurately predict prognosis in MBC beyond metabolic response. FDG-PET/CT deserves a role in patients who have fewer than five CTCs at midtherapy. Prospective trials should evaluate the most sensitive and cost-effective modality for therapeutic monitoring in MBC.