Circulating Tumor Cell Analysis
The Circulating Tumor Cell Test was developed for the purpose of detecting tumor cells in circulation. It identifies and counts CTCs in a sample of peripheral blood, predicting progression-free and overall survival for people with metastatic breast, colorectal and prostate cancer.
The test’s advanced technology makes it possible to detect as low as one CTC in 7.5 mL of whole blood. By utilizing a predetermined cutoff number of CTCs, the test provides real-time information concerning progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) as early as the first cycle of treatment.
Preparation
Using a 7.5 mL sample of whole blood, the test involves a technique of mixing a blood sample with iron particles coated with an antibody that attaches to epithelial cells. The epithelial cells are then distinguished from leukocytes by antibodies that have been tagged with a fluorescent dye so that the cancer cells can be easily distinguished and counted. Since epithelial cells are not usually found in the blood, these cells are likely cancerous cells from a tumor.
Description of Test Results
The results of serial CTC testing with the CTC Test, in conjunction with other clinical methods for monitoring metastatic breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer, can help oncologists individualize patient care because results may provide important information about the clinical status of the patient.
Metastatic Breast Cancer
In MBC, a CTC count of less than 5 per 7.5 mL of blood at any time is associated with a good prognosis and is predictive of longer PFS and OS
Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
In MCRC, a CTC count of less than 3 per 7.5 mL of blood at any time is associated with a good prognosis and is predictive of longer PFS and OS
Metastatic Prostate Cancer
In MPC, a CTC count of less than 5 per 7.5 mL of blood at any time is associated with a good prognosis and is predictive of longer PFS and OS
