CellSearch Helps MBC
A study, published in the
Journal of Clinical Oncology, highlights the benefits of measuring the change in circulating tumor cell (CTC) count in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) to accurately predict their disease progression, prognosis and survival.
The study compares how well CTCs and fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) can predict survival in MBC patients. Both technologies correlated overall patient survival at p<0.001 for CTCs and p=0.001 for FDG-PET/CT.
The CellSearch system, by Veridex LLC, used in the study is the first 510(k) diagnostic test used to computerize the capture and detection of CTCs, tumor cells that have detached from solid tumors and entered the patient’s blood. The higher the number of CTCs found in the blood during treatment, the poorer the prognosis is for the patient.
CellSearch works by using antibodies that are joined to microscopic iron particles which attach to CTCs. Magnets then draw the CTCs out of the blood sample and are stained for identification.
Each of the 115 patients in the study who had MBC had the CellSearch test preformed on them over a 3-year period. CTC counts and FDG-PET/CT imaging was performed on patients before starting a new therapy and at the midpoint of their therapies. Patients were categorized according to mid therapy CTC counts and metabolic activities of target lesions. The comparison showed that both technologies significantly correlate to overall MBC patient survival.
To see a computer simulation showing how CellSearch works and to hear for physicians go to: http://www.nnpkit.com/veridex/cellsearch.