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Physicians

CellSearch® Assay for Detection of Circulating Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Cells

The CMM offers oncologists this FDA approved diagnostic assay for the analysis of circulating colorectal tumor cells of epithelial origin (CD45-, EpCAM+, and cytokeratins 8+, 18+, and/or 19+) in whole blood. The test can identify as few as one circulating tumor cell (CTC) in 7.5 mL of whole blood and is one of the most powerful new tools available to physicians treating metastatic colorectal cancer. Using a sophisticated and highly controlled system CTCs are isolated, visually identified and quantified for reporting.

CellSearch test results may be used as a significant predictor of progression-free survival and overall survival in metastatic colorectal cancer patients. Several clinical studies have shown that that the assessment of CTCs can assist physicians in monitoring and predicting cancer progression, and evaluating response to therapy in patients with metastatic cancer. Results are reported as the actual number of CTCs present per 7.5 mL of blood, and trending of results is available through CMM for disease management. Patients can be tested at any point in their therapy timeline. Monitoring is best done by establishing a baseline circulating CTC value at diagnosis. Assessment of follow-up values four to five weeks after initiation of new therapy with periodic re-assessment thereafter ensures effective disease management.

The CMM is the only regional source for this test. Physicians are encouraged to contact the CMM directly to obtain more information as well as the mandatory CellSave blood draw tube and shipping materials. Patients are strongly encouraged to work with their physicians on the utility of this test in their healthcare management.

Specimen Requirements: 10 mL of whole blood drawn in a CellSave tube which should be obtained from CMM (616.391.4330). Blood must be shipped to CMM immediately via courier (within greater Grand Rapids) or FedEx shipping (packing materials and FedEx label available from CMM) for receipt within 48 hours of draw.

Learn more at the Veridex website

The charge for the CellSearch Test is $495 and is covered by most major insurance carriers. Please contact CMM at 616.391.4330 or info@cmmdx.org for questions.

References

  1. Meropol NJ, Cohen SJ, Lannotti N, et al. Circulating tumor cells (CTC) predict progression free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. J. Clin Oncology, 2007 ASCO Annual Meeting Proceedings PartI. Vol 25, No 18S (June 20 Supplement), 2007: 4010.
  2. Cohen SJ, Alpaugh RK, Gross S, et al. Isolation and characterization of circulating tumor cells in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Clin Colorectal Cancer, 2006;Vol. 6(2):125-132.