Circulating Tumor Cells

[ODave]

I keep seeing more and more about checking CTC’s in the blood after treatment. Is this something worth even looking at?

[Tall_Allen]

What do you hope to learn? What decision are you looking to make?

[6357axbz]

medpagetoday.com/meetingcov...

[Fanger1]

You may consider asking your MO to run a wet biopsy test for CTCs a few months after your RT trratment. The goal is Zero CTCs. Cell Search is the most well known test that is FDA approved. Biocept is another CTC test that available that looks at more than Enumeration or cell counts. Please go to their website for links to research articles. Not all MOs are using this biomarker for case management nor are they familiar with interpreting the results. Good luck with your case!

[ODave]

I guess the hope would be to have zero circulating but not sure if that realistic. Even if some were found what could be done about them anyway?

[Fanger1]

My doctors say the presence of CTCs at low levels (<5 CTCs per 7.5 mL) doesn't necessarily mean you will have metastatic disease progression. Not all tumors shed CTCs. They also said it is best to have a strong immune system and for the CTCs to practice social distancing.

[RonnyBaby]

I doubt that you will find a consensus on this topic - but - there are 3rd party testing / labs that can check the blood stream for various types of CTCs.

The 'burden' can be established (a count / volume) that with be used as a future baseline AND a prediction (% / chance / probability) that the counts / progression could get worse.

I had some testing done (R.G.C.C.Group refers - google it) It looked at particular drugs/ compounds / supplements and the effects those 'substances' could have when used to fight the disease. RGCC is not the only entity that does this. I also note that RGCC does not only do its analysis on prostate cancer - it works on other types of cancers as well. The North American Head |office is in Texas, but the testing is done in Greece and the Corporate Head Office is in Switzerland. They 'fly in the samples' by air - literally.

They use their own 'trials' and data sources to compile their findings and positioning, when citing its conclusions.

Some consider it snake-oil - others - a tool in the toolbox - it will cost dollars - whether you use this resource or similar ones. It depends on what you want to do with the information.

In my case, I would do it again - it provided a lengthy, comprehensive report - you can do annual checks to compare 'progression' and perhaps, what 'drug / combo' might best fit the criteria to fight back. Some would say - buyer beware!

Wishing you well on your journey .....