Prognostic value of circulating tumor cells and analysis of clinicopathological factors in liver cancer

Abstract

Objective and Aims: The number of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and the presence of circulating tumor microemboli (CTM) were determined in the peripheral blood of patients with liver cancer (LC). The relationship between CTCs, CTM, clinicopathologic features, and prognosis of LC was analyzed. The objective of this study was to determine the diagnostic and prognostic value of CTCs/CTM in LC. Subjects and Methods: Patients with LC were enrolled between May 2013 and August 2017, and 67 patients were included in the study. Overall survival curves were built using the Kaplan–Meier method and the log-rank test to identify risk factors. The results were analyzed using a Cox proportional hazards model and expressed as hazard ratio and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Results: CTCs and either CTCs or CTM were detected in 27 patients (40.3%) and 29 patients (43.3%). CTM were found in four patients. One-year, 3-year, and 5-year survival rates were 42%, 20%, and 15%, respectively. Univariate Cox regression analysis showed that alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), number of CTCs, presence of CTM, and positive CTC/CTM were associated with survival time. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that alpha fetoprotein (AFP), number of CTCs, and presence of CTM were independent risk factors for survival in patients with LC. Conclusion: There was no significant correlation between the number of CTCs, the presence of CTM, and clinicopathologic factors. AFP, number of CTCs, and presence of CTM were independent risk factors for survival in patients with LC.