The CELLSEARCH® CTC Test is a simple, actionable blood test that helps oncologists assess the prognosis of patients with metastatic breast, prostate*, or colorectal cancer.
The CELLSEARCH® CTC Test is:
The first and only clinically validated, FDA-cleared blood test for enumerating circulating tumor cells (CTCs). CTCs are cancer cells that detach from a primary tumor and travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to other parts of the body.
A “liquid biopsy” that can be used at any time during a patient's course of disease.
Performed at a reference laboratory and processed using the CELLSEARCH® Circulating Tumor Cell System
Benefits of the CELLSEARCH® CTC Test...
…An actionable test that can help inform clinical decision making
As an adjunct to standard methods of monitoring, the CELLSEARCH® CTC Test provides:
An early assessment of patient prognosis
Detection of changes in prognosis at any time
The most accurate assessment of prognosis in cases where CTC and imaging are discordant in patients with metastatic breast cancer, and in cases where CTC and PSA are discordant in patients with metastatic prostate cancer
*Metastatic prostate cancer patients were defined as having two consecutive increases in the serum marker prostate-specific antigen above a reference level, despite standard hormonal management. These patients are commonly described as having androgen-independent, hormone-resistant, or castration-resistant prostate cancer. For more information on the intended use and limitations for the CELLSEARCH® Circulating Tumor Cell Test, please refer to the Instructions for Use which can be found at documents.cellsearchctc.com.
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Longterm101
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I think the newer cell-free DNA tests (like Guardant 360) gives a lot more info than just a CTC cell count, but they cost a lot more and usually aren't covered. CTC may be useful in indicating when to begin lifelong ADT when metastases are not yet apparent and PSA is low. What are you using it for?
No. It is usually only given if there is some reason to suspect metastases - that would not be the case for an undetectable PSA except in some very rare prostate cancers that don't put out PSA.
So my thinking is that the psa was driven down with the drugs before a test was done to see if the cancer was spread. I did do a bone scan. the tumor was out of the capsule. Nothing clear on the mri so they say. Their is a huge possibility it is there somewhere floating around. Looking for a test. I’m happy the drugs are working but want more clarity if it’s possible. Not sure what to do if it is there.
I don't understand what you mean. What do you mean when you say, "I’m going to do nothing about it for another year." Aren't you taking Lupron and Zytiga?
I had an third party oncology test performed that looked for CTCs. The test also looked at certain drugs and supplements that had an effect (or showed that the opposite would be indicated). The drugs and/or supplements were selected from current offerings (think modern chemo agents and curcumin and CBD as examples).
The cost was calculated based on the exchange rate of the day, but an estimate of ~ $4K would be a good a start.
The entity I refer to is called the RGCC Group, based in Switzerland, with a 'local' corporate presence in Texas.
While my current state is 'undetectable', there are some CTCs circulating in my system that have been matched with potential treatment options.
I gave the results to my oncologist, who was not overly enthusiastic about my doing my own testing.
Eventually, the test will become a big deal for me, seeing as I know what options to consider.
I should add, while closing, that you can be re-tested on an ongoing basis at a (~ 1K) reduced rate, after a baseline has been established.
I call it part of my toolbox, for discussion purposes.
You talk about tests not being paid for. How does that become a treatment plan without asking if you are willing to pay. What is the perfect way if you had all the money in the world to approach newly diagnosed PC. I know it’s a big question but if it is unknown for sure if it has gotten out what is the best way to test for it.
Where is this test being done. Very interested. Sounds like what I’ve been asking for as lately as today from my drs. Wait is the answer. Don’t want to wait.
We used LabCorp CTC and each time we got zero. My husband's PSA kept rising so we couldn't figure out what was going on. Zero was relief, PSA worrisome.
We went with another company... and it came back what we consider to be the correct reading.
One of our docs in our last appt advised not to use LabCorp for this particular test where zero comes back quite often. We like LabCorp testing... what a freedom to be able to test privately for so little, but their CTC is problematic.
Nalakrats not saying yours isn't zero. I'm just giving our experience. We definitely were in a bit of trouble at the same time zero was showing up...
Just one person's opinion- with our docs concurring observation.
I had a Cell Search CTC test done in 2013. Result was 1 CTC. Interpretation was 24 mos to live! Ha ha. It’s 2019 now. Have since found Nagalase test by Bridgewater Research in NJ for $100 to be a much more inexpensive and reliable gauge of tumor burden. Once you have established that you have cancer, this test quickly determines the effectiveness of your treatment regimen. Nagalase is what the tumor puts out to neutralize your immune system. It has a short half life, meaning when the tumor stops putting it out, the reading goes down within hours. Hope this helps.
Is this Nagalase test useful if you've had a orchiectomy and are still castrate sensitive with PSA <0.01 and T <1.0? We are not comfortable only doing traditional CT's & Bone Scans every 6 months while PSA & T is good. It appears the MO's just wait until PSA goes up and you become castrate resistant before they do anything! Hubby had RP in 2014, then RT with ADT in 2015 with his recurrence. He had orchiectomy this year after rapid doubling time of PSA (3 months or less!). All normal scans have & still show nothing until Axumin in 2018 showed just one LN. Also just found out he in BRCA2+. Would this Nagalase test show us more, so we're not just waiting and doing nothing, when he might have mets that just aren't showing up? Can't do Axumin again until PSA is 2.0 or above!
Over a 100 of them since 2004. Every blood draw. It is part of my research medical oncologist study. Insurance has always covered.
I remember that it was a company based in Texas. Actually, I don't remember the number. This was within the last 4-5 years we were doing the CTC tests with our oncologist.
In our situation his psa was rising, he was having pain, and ultimately the scans showed more activity that needed spot radiation and going back on ADT.
I just know in our situation the LabCorp test didn't alert us to more cancer spread and activity.
I am offering this not as a scientific/proof for others. I'm sharing our personal experience.
I did speak to one of our docs about it. He offered that he's seen this with LabCorp before. I'm currently working on organizing paperwork, lab tests etc.. As soon as I come across it.. I certainly will give you the name of the company and the name of a company recently recommended. It's going to take some time to do this since we are traveling soon.
In no way do I want to undermine anyone's good feelings.
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