Portal vein circulating tumor cells predict poor outcomes in liver cancer

Nearly 46% of hepatocellular carcinoma patients exhibited circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the portal vein, surpassing hepatic vein detection rates. Portal vein CTC positivity linked to microscopic invasion, significantly reducing disease-free and overall survival. Notably, PD-L1-positive CTCs in this cohort correlated with dire prognoses. These findings underscore portal vein CTCs as critical prognostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets in managing hepatocellular carcinoma.