SOX17 Promoter Methylation in Circulating Tumor Cells and Matched Cell-Free DNA Isolated from Plasma of Patients with Breast Cancer

Abstract

The SOX17 promoter is highly methylated in primary breast tumors, in CTCs isolated from patients with breast cancer, and in corresponding cfDNA samples. Our findings indicate a direct connection between the presence of CTCs and cfDNA in patients with operable breast cancer, after surgical removal of the primary tumor.