We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

LabMedica

Download Mobile App
Recent News Expo Clinical Chem. Molecular Diagnostics Hematology Immunology Microbiology Pathology Technology Industry Focus

Circulating Tumor Cell Count Predicts Prostate Cancer Outcome Better Than PSA Measurement Does

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 01 Apr 2014
Print article
Image: CellSearch is a semiautomatic system that can capture and quantify circulating tumor cells from a blood sample with a high level of sensitivity and specificity (Photo courtesy of Janssen Diagnostics).
Image: CellSearch is a semiautomatic system that can capture and quantify circulating tumor cells from a blood sample with a high level of sensitivity and specificity (Photo courtesy of Janssen Diagnostics).
A recent paper compared measurement of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) to determination of prostate specific antigen (PSA) for prognosis of survival and drug response in patients with prostate cancer.

The study, which was conducted by investigators at the University of Southern California (Los Angeles, USA), was carried out on blood samples from 263 prostate cancer patients enrolled in phase III clinical trial of a chemotherapeutic approach comprising docetaxel plus prednisone with or without atrasentan.

Baseline PSA levels and CTC counts were determined before start of chemotherapy and were followed for the next three weeks. CTC counts were determined using the Janssen Diagnostics, LLC (Raritan, NJ, USA) CellSearch system. The (US) Food and Drug Administration approved CellSearch System employs unique immunomagnetic and fluorescence imaging technology to provide rapid, precise, and reproducible analysis of CTCs with a simple three-step process that comprises sample collection, sample preparation, and sample analysis. System components include: proprietary CellSave preservative sample tubes, CellSearch CTC Test and Control kits, automated CellTracks Autoprep system, and the CellTracks Analyzer II instrument.

Results obtained during the study validated the prognostic utility of CTC enumeration. Baseline CTC counts were prognostic and rising CTCs at three weeks heralded significantly worse overall survival, potentially serving as an early indicator to help redirect and optimize therapy in this clinical setting.

“The significance of these findings is that looking at CTCs before and three weeks after the first cycle of chemotherapy is an early indicator of whether these men would do well with treatment and how long they may live,” said first author Dr. Amir Goldkorn, assistant professor of medicine at the University of Southern California. “This could help guide clinicians’ treatment decisions and save patients from toxic treatment that will not help them.”

The study comparing determination of CTC counts to PSA measurements was published in the March 10, 2014, online edition of the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

Related Links:

University of Southern California
Janssen Diagnostics, LLC


Platinum Member
COVID-19 Rapid Test
OSOM COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
Magnetic Bead Separation Modules
MAG and HEATMAG
POCT Fluorescent Immunoassay Analyzer
FIA Go
Gold Member
Systemic Autoimmune Testing Assay
BioPlex 2200 ANA Screen with MDSS

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: The 3D printed miniature ionizer is a key component of a mass spectrometer (Photo courtesy of MIT)

3D Printed Point-Of-Care Mass Spectrometer Outperforms State-Of-The-Art Models

Mass spectrometry is a precise technique for identifying the chemical components of a sample and has significant potential for monitoring chronic illness health states, such as measuring hormone levels... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: The CAPILLARYS 3 DBS devices have received U.S. FDA 510(k) clearance (Photo courtesy of Sebia)

Next Generation Instrument Screens for Hemoglobin Disorders in Newborns

Hemoglobinopathies, the most widespread inherited conditions globally, affect about 7% of the population as carriers, with 2.7% of newborns being born with these conditions. The spectrum of clinical manifestations... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: The AI predictive model identifies the most potent cancer killing immune cells for use in immunotherapies (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

AI Predicts Tumor-Killing Cells with High Accuracy

Cellular immunotherapy involves extracting immune cells from a patient's tumor, potentially enhancing their cancer-fighting capabilities through engineering, and then expanding and reintroducing them into the body.... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image: The T-SPOT.TB test is now paired with the Auto-Pure 2400 liquid handling platform for accurate TB testing (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

Integrated Solution Ushers New Era of Automated Tuberculosis Testing

Tuberculosis (TB) is responsible for 1.3 million deaths every year, positioning it as one of the top killers globally due to a single infectious agent. In 2022, around 10.6 million people were diagnosed... Read more