Advances in the diagnosis and prognosis of minimal residual lesions of breast cancer

Abstract

Purpose: To review the latest research of minimal residual disease (MRD) in breast cancer as well as some emerging or potential detection methods for MRD in breast cancer.

Methods: Springer, Wiley, and PubMed databases were searched for the electronic literature with search terms of breast cancer, minimal residual disease, circulating tumor cells (CTCs), circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), exosomes, etc. RESULTS: Minimal residual disease refers to the occult micrometastasis or minimal residual lesions detected in patients with tumor after radical treatment. An early and dynamic monitoring of breast cancer MRD can contribute to clinical treatment decision-making, improving the diagnosis accuracy and prognosis of breast cancer patients. The updated knowledge regarding MRD in breast cancer diagnosis and prognosis were summarized, followed by the review of several emerging or potential detection technologies for MRD in breast cancer. With the developed new MRD detection technologies referring to CTCs, ctDNA and exosomes, the role of MRD in breast cancer has been growingly verified, which is expected to serve as a new risk stratification factor and prognostic indicator for breast cancer.

Conclusion: This paper systematically reviews the research progress, opportunities and challenges in MRD in breast cancer in recent years.

Keywords: Breast cancer; Circulating tumor DNA; Circulating tumor cells; Exosomes; Minimal residual disease.