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CTC (Circulating Tumor Cells) Test

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Posted 7/13/2016 3:13 PM (GMT 0)
I had the CTC test and the result is zero cells. I know that results below 5 indicate a better progression free survival. My question is how reliable is this test, does it have a prognostic value? My PSA at that time was 0.22
Posted 7/13/2016 4:19 PM (GMT 0)
I have been having the CTC test quarterly and it usually comes back 0 though once it came back 1.

My understanding is that the CTC can sometimes give false positives and also give false negatives, but since my PSA has historically not been a very reliable indicator, my MO prescribes the CTC as well.

If any of you are new to having a CTC test, call Quest or Labcorp in advance as there is a special test tube involved that they typically do not have a lot of demand for it. It has an expiry date associated with it also.
Posted 7/13/2016 10:07 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Traveller58,

The C.T.C. test ("Circulating Tumor Cell") is something that my primary oncologist orders perhaps twice a year, so I have a bit of first-hand experience with this lab test ...

My oncologist is VERY proactive and caring and very diligent --- I have a case with some complexities, and he believes in assessing other markers besides the standard P.S.A. test ... including usual blood work, testosterone levels, and an occasional C.T.C. test.

In my case, the C.T.C. blood sample is then sent away from my local hospital lab up to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, where the results are assessed by an oncologist on their lab staff. The results of the C.T.C. test are then reported back to my primary oncologist, and also reported on my online patient "portal" account where my lab results are always posted.

In my case, the C.T.C. tests have continued to register at ZERO, for which I am thankful. The information included with these results always states that a lower score on the C.T.C. blood tests can be an indicator of increased longevity.

I have other friends involved in this battle --- they are my BATTLE BROTHERS, but more importantly --- they are my FRIENDS --- I don't commonly hear them talking about C.T.C. lab results --- but my oncologist orders these a couple of times a year, just because he believes in due diligence and wants to stay right on top of my case.

My oncologist wants a COMPLETE picture --- and believes in keeping track of other markers besides simply the P.S.A. test. He's a lifeline, in every sense of the word ... and has continued to perform small miracles in my case, time-and-time again ...

Since I go in for lab work on a regular basis, having the C.T.C. test done along with my usual lab work isn't a problem ...

Just a little bit of insight to share, Traveller58 --- hope this finds you doing well !

Sent with my very best,
I.S.U. "Cyclone Fan"
Posted 7/13/2016 10:59 PM (GMT 0)
You are right to be suspicious. It is not a very reliable test, which is why it isn't more widely used. At a cutoff of 5 cells there are many false positives and false negatives. One problem is that some CTCs are virulent and others aren't. For example, a biopsy will throw a lot of prostate cancer cells into systemic circulation, but because those cells are incapable of living outside of the prostate, it is inconsequential.

What some are doing now is investigating whether it can be taken to the next level; that is, genomic analysis of the collected tumor cells to see if they have any dangerous characteristics. Just this week, Epic Sciences in collaboration with Genomic Health announced that they are commercializing the CTC AR-V7 test. They expect it will be available in "early 2017."

Genomic Health and Epic Sciences Announce Strategic Collaboration to Deliver Novel AR-V7 Liquid Biopsy Test to Predict Treatment Response in Metastatic Prostate Cancer

This represents a first step into personalized medicine for PC. The hope is that individualized analysis of CTCs will enable oncologists to predict what treatments are necessary and what treatments won't work.

- Allen
Posted 7/14/2016 2:26 AM (GMT 0)
Another company in England is also working on this

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/angle-plc-the-company---barts-patient-data-demonstrates-potential-of-parsortix-for-prostate-cancer-detection-clinical-application-300238699.html

http://www.angleplc.com/the-parsortix-system/how-it-works/

Not yet available to consumers yet, I am on their mailing list for any clinical trial when available.

Akai
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