Molecular/ Genetic/ Protein Characterizing of Bladder Cancer Circulating Tumor Cells

Abstract

Background: Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) assays are a promising noninvasive way to interrogate the status of disease in bladder cancer. Since the molecular signature of cancer cells may dictate their susceptibility to targeted or immunotherapy, the full value of CTC assays may be in such subsequent characterization. These secondary features may help increasingly guide future clinical management of bladder cancer. Objective: This review aims to survey advances in the secondary molecular characterization of CTCs in bladder cancer. Methods: Using PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search of PubMed articles published between January 1990 to February 2019 was conducted to identify bladder CTCs studies that included protein, gene expression, or molecular characterization data. Results: Three original articles were identified. These articles assessed either PD-L1, HER2, or STn. Conclusions: Our systematic review reveals a relative paucity of studies that undertake molecular or genetic characterization of CTCs in bladder cancer. Studies of that identify prognostic markers in bladder cancer will become increasingly useful as targeted and immunotherapy become integrated into the management of bladder cancer.