The occurrence of tumors is a long process. From the appearance of the first tumor cells in the human body to the development of early cancer, it may take 5-10 years. After the tumor enters the middle and late stages, it will grow rapidly and even spread and metastasize, sometimes only 3-6 months.
Early detection, early diagnosis and early treatment are important guarantees for cancer patients to obtain cure or long-term survival. By killing the tumor in the budding stage, healing can be achieved. If left unchecked, once the tumor metastasizes far away, it will be difficult to have a chance of cure in most cases.
In recent years, circulating tumor cell detection , as a new type of "liquid biopsy", has become one of the advanced methods for non-invasive tumor diagnosis and real-time efficacy monitoring. It plays an increasingly important role in early cancer detection, early detection of recurrence, real-time monitoring of therapeutic effects, prognosis judgment, and detection of therapeutic targets and drug resistance mechanisms.
So, what exactly is circulating tumor cells ? Who is suitable for such a checkup? Let's answer a series of questions.
What is CTC?
Tumor cells fall out of tumor tissue, enter blood circulation , and reach distant organs, where they can be transplanted and metastasized. These cells are called Circulating Tumor Cell (CTC for short). CTC is considered to be the "seed" that forms tumor metastasis. CTC is in dormant state for different times.
originated from NK NORDKAPP Biomedical
CTC detection?
CTC detection is one of the most advanced medical detection methods at present, and the early detection of tumors is faster and more effective than imaging and serological testing. By capturing CTCs present in peripheral blood and monitoring the trend of changes in CTC types and quantities, tumor changes can be dynamically monitored, treatment effects can be evaluated, treatment plans can be adjusted, and individualized and precise treatment can be achieved. What is the use of
CTC detection?
1, Early Cancer Detection: Research has found that CTC was found 1-4 years ahead of imaging examinations such as B ultra-, CT, etc. When the tumor is 1mm and traditional methods such as imaging cannot be detected, CTC can already be detected in the blood. However, the current evidence shows that CTC is relatively low in sensitivity for early cancer diagnosis.
2. Real-time monitoring of treatment effects: The efficacy of traditional tumor treatment is usually evaluated by imaging examinations such as CT and MRI after 2-3 cycles of treatment or 2-3 months. CTC detection is continuously tested in a non-invasive and convenient way, comparing the changes in the type and quantity of CTCs in the patient's blood before and after treatment, and can judge the efficacy of the treatment earlier than traditional imaging examinations.
3. Prognosis judgment: The number of CTCs in the blood is a strong prognostic factor. The US FDA has approved the CTC test results in peripheral blood as an independent prognostic factor for many solid tumors, such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, , colon cancer, and lung cancer. In patients without metastasis, CTC counts before or after the initial surgery are a reliable indicator of poor prognosis. The survival of patients with high CTC levels during chemotherapy was significantly shortened. Patients with metastatic patients with high baseline CTC count and decreased after 1 cycle of chemotherapy have a better prognosis.
4. Early detection of recurrence and metastasis: CTC can also help select patients who are more likely to relapse. For example, after treatment, the number of CTCs in the patient should be insignificant or very small. If the number of CTCs is detected to continue to increase, it indicates that there is a possibility of tumor recurrence or metastasis.
5. Detection of therapeutic targets and drug resistance mechanisms: Specific molecular targets on CTCs can improve and guide new therapeutic approaches. Isolated CTCs can be used to analyze the DNA, RNA or protein produced by tumor cells, and to formulate or adjust treatment plans for patients to achieve the purpose of individualized treatment.
Which people are suitable for CTC monitoring?
is currently mainly targeting patients with confirmed tumors. Healthy people, high-risk people with tumors, and people with a family history of tumors can consider CTC testing, but no guidelines have been recommended yet. How often does
CTC test be appropriate?
Confirmed patients with tumors: It is recommended to dynamically detect CTC, including testing once every 1-2 months during treatment, within 1 week after treatment, and the follow-up phase can be tested once every 3 months.
Healthy physical examination population, people at high risk for cancer, and people with a family history of tumors: The current guidelines are not recommended yet, and it is recommended to make a decision after communicating with clinicians. Does
have CTC to indicate that it will be transferred?
is not. CTC is just the "seed" of tumor metastasis, and the formation of metastasis also requires the seeds to take root, sprout and grow under a specific environment. If found in time and treatment is carried out in advance, it can greatly reduce the risk of metastasis.
Do you need to do other tests after CTC testing?
requires. CTC testing combined with other routine testing will help doctors determine the patient's disease status. Other test items need to be decided by the clinician based on actual conditions.
What should I do if the CTC test is positive?
is recommended to go to the oncologist's outpatient clinic for consultation, and further imaging and tumor marker testing should be performed if necessary. If other test indicators are normal, CTC can be tested again after 1-3 months; if other test indicators are abnormal, it is recommended to seek medical treatment in a junior college as soon as possible. What are the advantages of
CTC detection?
Minimally invasive: Only 8-10mL of peripheral blood can be detected;
real-time sampling: real-time dynamic detection of tumors can be achieved;
has high sensitivity: earlier and more sensitive than conventional detection methods such as imaging and serology to discover tumor changes;
widely applicable: suitable for a variety of solid tumors, including breast cancer, intestinal cancer, lung cancer, gastric cancer , liver cancer , etc.
What are the procedures for CTC testing in Xinhua Hospital?
Outpatient patients: go to the outpatient doctor to issue a test application form, sign an informed consent form, and after payment, go to the laboratory department window of the outpatient hall (Window 5, 1st Floor, Building 1) to collect 8-10mL of peripheral venous blood; complete the report in 5 working days; collect the report at Window 7, 1st Floor, Building 1; explain and consult with the clinician.
Ward Patient: The ward supervisor doctor is responsible for the arrangement.
outpatient flow chart:
department business card
Xinhua Hospital Oncology Department is good at the diagnosis and comprehensive treatment of various solid tumors. It has a variety of treatment equipment and means, including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy , radiotherapy (SBRT, TOMO), focused ultrasound (HIFU), interventional treatment , endoscopy treatment, etc., forming a comprehensive tumor treatment system. Carry out clinical research, paying equal attention to scientific research and teaching. Cooperate with surgery, gynecology , pediatrics, pathology, imaging, traditional Chinese medicine, pain, etc. to carry out MDT to provide patients with individualized comprehensive treatment plans.
outpatient appointment
Please click on the link ☞: Oncology clinic
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