Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs)
A Window into Cancer Recurrence
Circulating tumor cell (CTC) testing can detect the risk of cancer cell recurrence at an early stage, helping cancer patients and doctors to develop treatment plans and improve the success rate of fighting cancer.
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Circulating Tumor Cell (CTC) testing helps detect cancer recurrence early, guiding treatment planning and improving survival outcomes.
What Are Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs)?
Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) are cancer cells that break away from the primary tumor, enter the bloodstream, and travel to distant organs, where they may grow and form metastases. CTCs are considered critical markers of cancer recurrence and progression.
Why Is CTC Testing Important?
Traditional cancer monitoring methods—such as tumor markers, CT scans, or PET scans—can only detect tumors once they reach around 0.5–1 cm in size. However, research shows that cancer cells may enter the bloodstream at very early stages. CTC testing can detect recurrence signs up to 6 months earlier, giving doctors and patients valuable time to act.
Methods of CTC Testing
Several techniques are used internationally to isolate CTCs from billions of blood cells, including:
- Size-based cell separation
- Immunomagnetic bead selection
- Density gradient centrifugation
- Immunofluorescence and molecular assays (RT-PCR, flow cytometry, gene chips)
These methods allow the detection of even a tiny number of circulating cancer cells.
Clinical Applications
CTC testing is commonly used for:
- Post-surgical monitoring
- High-risk patients (stage III–IV cancers)
- Evaluating treatment effectiveness during maintenance therapy
Studies show that persistent CTCs after treatment indicate a significantly higher risk of recurrence or metastasis.
Interpreting the Results
If CTC counts continue to rise, patients should consult their oncologist for further treatment options. Beyond medication, strengthening the immune system and reducing inflammation may also help lower CTC levels and reduce recurrence risks.
Conclusion
CTC testing offers a more sensitive and earlier approach to cancer monitoring compared with traditional methods. In Hong Kong, this technology is gradually being integrated into clinical practice, giving patients greater hope and security in their cancer journey.
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References
- Alix-Panabières, C., & Pantel, K. (2014). Challenges in circulating tumour cell research. Nature Reviews Cancer, 14(9), 623–631.
- Cristofanilli, M., et al. (2004). Circulating tumor cells, disease progression, and survival in metastatic breast cancer. New England Journal of Medicine, 351(8), 781–791.
- Yu, M., Stott, S., Toner, M., Maheswaran, S., & Haber, D. A. (2011). Circulating tumor cells: approaches to isolation and characterization. Journal of Cell Biology, 192(3), 373–382.