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Circulating tumor cell detection methods in renal cell carcinoma: A systematic review

2021; Elsevier BV; Volume: 161; Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/j.critrevonc.2021.103331

1879-0461

Tito Palmela Leitão, Miguel Miranda, Joana Polido, João Morais, Patrícia Corredeira, Patrícia Alves, T. Oliveira, Ricardo Pereira e Silva, Ricardo M. Fernandes, João J. Ferreira, José Palma dos Reis, Tomé Lopes, Luís Costa,

Cancer Cells and Metastasis

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have a potential role as the missing renal cell carcinoma (RCC) biomarker. However, the available evidence is limited, and detection methods lack standardization, hindering clinical use. We performed a systematic review on CTC enrichment and detection methods, and its role as a biomarker in RCC. Full-text screening identified 54 studies. Reviewed studies showed wide heterogeneity, low evidence level, and high risk of bias. Various CTC detection platforms and molecular markers have been used, but none has proven to be superior. CTC detection and CTC count seem to correlate with staging and survival outcomes, although evidence is inconsistent. CTC research is still in an exploratory phase, particularly in RCC. Further studies are still necessary to achieve a standardization of techniques, molecular markers, CTC definitions, and terminology. This is essential to ascertain the role of CTCs as a biomarker and guide future liquid biopsy research in RCC.