Tumor cells in breast tumors: significance of their presence for prognosis

Through two clinical studies, tumor cells were searched for in the bone biopsies and cytapherisis of patients suffering from inflammatory tumors and who had undergone intensive therapy and autografts (Pegase 2 program). In these studies we used immunocytochemical test with two monoclonal antibodies. The results have shown the presence of tumor cells in 14% of the patients (respectively 18%), with no correlation to the appearance of metastases after 4 years in the first study. Nevertheless, the presence of these tumor cells seems to be an important factor in the number of relapses. It seems important to develop research into tumor contamination especially in the selection of grafts over the next few years.