Effect of Change in Circulating Tumor Cell Counts in Predicting Postoperative Recurrence and Metastasis of Localized Renal Carcinoma

Objective To explore the role of the change in circulating tumor cell counts in predicting the recurrence and metastasis of localized renal cancer after partial nephrectomy. Methods The included 41 patients were divided into positive(n=23) and negative(n=18) groups according to the counting changes of circulating tumor cells before and 3 months after surgery. All patients were followed up until tumor recurrence and metastasis. The data were statistically analyzed. Results The recurrence and metastasis rate of the positive group was significantly higher than that of the negative group (43.5% vs. 11.1%, P=0.024). The 5-year survival rate was 58% in the positive group and 88.9% in the negative group (P=0.048). Conclusion Recurrence and metastasis are more likely to occur in localized renal cancer patients with increased number of circulating tumor cells three months after surgery. The change of circulating tumor cell counts could be used as postoperative monitoring index.