A circulating tumor cell (CTC) test is a blood test that looks for tumor cells that were shed from a tumor and are now moving (circulating) through the bloodstream. Currently, CellSearch is the only FDA-approved CTC test for metastatic breast cancer.
Researchers are still studying how to use CTC tests to better monitor and treat metastatic breast cancer. Below you will find links to articles that define CTCs, discuss how CTC tests currently help patients, and explore how CTC tests may be used soon.
- Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs): Tracking the Spread of Cancer (Video) This 2018 interview with Dr. Alison Allen issued by Technology Networks explains circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and how they can help guide treatment decisions.
- CTC Enumeration Predicts Survival Early in Treatment of Metastatic Breast Cancer The ASCO Post discusses how CTC tests can help monitor whether cancer is responding to therapy.
- Phase 3 DETECT III Study Suggests CTC Count to be Possible Biomarker for HER2-Directed Therapy in MBC An article from Cancer Network summarizes the DETECT III trial findings presented at SABCS 2020.
- Clinical Applications of Circulating Tumor Cells (Video) An interview with Dr. Erin Cobain by VJ Oncology covers the current benefits and future uses of CTC tests.
Last Modified on March 26, 2021