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Coping with treatment for metastatic breast, colon, or prostate cancer is hard enough. But having to wait months to see how the disease is progressing can be even more difficult.
Fortunately, now there's a simple test that can help you and your doctor learn about how you're doing sooner. It's call the CellSearch(TM) Circulating Tumor Cell (CTC) Test, and it allows your doctor to check your prognosis at any time during your treatment. Used in combination with imaging and all the other important parts of your therapy, the CTC test can help your doctor make more informed decisions regarding your care.
The following are some commonly asked questions about this new and important part of therapy. So take a few minutes to read through them, then ask your doctor if the CellSearch CTC Test is right for you.
Q: What types of tests do doctors currently use?
A: Currently, doctors use lab tests, physical exams, and radiographic imaging studies such as CT scans to determine progression of the disease. Imaging measures changes--both increases and decreases--in the tumor to determine if the treatment is working. Depending on the type of treatment, imaging is performed at different intervals of time, but it typically starts about 12 weeks after therapy has begun.
Q: How is the CTC test different?
A: Unlike traditional diagnostic test such as imaging, the CTC test measures the number of CTCs in your blood to help determine whether the disease is progressing or not. The test can be performed at the start of therapy, and at any time during the course of your treatment. This important information can help your doctor make important decisions about your care earlier, and as needed.
Q: If I have metastatic breast, colon, or prostate cancer should I ask for the test?
A: Every patient is different, so you should discuss the test with your doctor to determine if it is right for you.
Q: Where do I get the CellSearch CTC test?
A: Your doctor can order the CTC test. It's a simple blood test, and the sample can be drawn right in the office. We draw and perform the CTC test here at PHO. We have qualified and trained personnel in the Lab that can perform the test. As a matter of fact our PHO office was the first and only private office to run this test in the whole state of South Carolina!
Q: How often should I get the CTC test?
A: Typically, a blood sample is taken for the CTC test before a new line of therapy begins to establish a baseline, then at any time during the course of your treatmnent. This will help your doctor monitor the effect of your therapy on the disease. You should discuss with your doctor the frequency of testing that is right for you.
Q: What if my doctor doesn't know about the CellSearch CTC test?
A: Your doctor can learn more about the test by going to www.veridex.com, or by calling 1-877-VERIDEX and selecting option 6.
Q: Who is Veridex?
A: Veridex, the company that brings you the CellSearch CTC test, is a Johnson & Johnson company dedicated to delivering innovative new cancer diagnostic tools that positively impact patient lives.
Q: What is the CellSearch Test?
A: It is a simple blood test that captures, identifies, and counts circulating tumor cells (CTC) in a tube of blood. Clinical studies have shown that detection of these cells can predict disease progression and survival in people with metastatic breast, colon, and prostate cancer.
Q: What are circulating tumor cells?
A: CTCs are cancer cells that have detached from a solid tumor and entered into the bloodstream. These cells play an importatnt role in the metastatic process, and their presence can provide valuable insight into disease progression.
Q: How does this information help my doctor?
A: Measuring the number of CTCs in your blood before and during your course of treatment can help your doctor in monitoring your progress. Clincal studies have shown that 5 or more CTCs in a blood sample for Breast and Prostate are an indication that the disease is progressing. The same is true for Colon if there are more that 3 CTCs in a blood sample. Your doctor may use this and other clincal factors to determine if a change to your care is needed.
For questions regarding the CellSearch(TM) Circulating Tumor Cell Test, please contact Dr. Colin Curran at 864-560-7050. |
