Detecting circulating tumor cells in patients with luminal A breast cancer

Effect of Circulating Tumor Cell Detection in Patients With Luminal A Breast Cancer Without Lymph Node Metastasis Instead of Conventional Imaging Examination After Operation: a Non-Inferiority Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Observational Shengjing Hospital · NCT04065321

This study is testing if checking for circulating tumor cells in the blood can help doctors better monitor and treat women with luminal A breast cancer after surgery.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment500 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexFemale
SponsorShengjing Hospital Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations2 sites (Shenyang, Liaoning and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04065321 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study focuses on patients with luminal A breast cancer, a common type among early-stage and postmenopausal women. It aims to evaluate the effectiveness of detecting circulating tumor cells (CTCs) as a cost-effective method for monitoring prognosis and treatment efficacy, compared to traditional imaging techniques. The study will involve PET-CT examinations and peripheral blood detection to assess the number and protein expression of CTCs. By following patients post-surgery, the study seeks to provide insights into the potential of CTCs as molecular markers for breast cancer management.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include postmenopausal women with early-stage luminal A breast cancer who meet specific hormonal receptor criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with bilateral breast cancer, inflammatory breast cancer, or those who are pregnant or lactating may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a more affordable and effective method for monitoring breast cancer prognosis and treatment response.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using circulating tumor cells as biomarkers, indicating potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* estrogen receptor (≥ 10%), progesterone receptor (≥ 10%) and epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative;
* proliferation index Ki-67 \< 20%;
* no lymph node metastasis;
* systemic therapy (chemotherapy, radiotherapy and endocrine therapy) in accordance with the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines;
* provision of informed consent of patients and their families.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Bilateral breast cancer;
* inflammatory breast cancer;
* pregnancy or lactation;
* history of other cancers or chest radiotherapy.

Where this trial is running

Shenyang, Liaoning and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Breast NeoplasmsCirculating tumor cellsPET
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.