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Physicians

CellSearch® Assay for Detection of Circulating Metastatic Prostate Cancer Cells

The CMM offers oncologists this FDA approved diagnostic assay for the analysis of circulating prostate 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 prostate 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 prostate 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 http://www.veridex.com/Systems/Systems.aspx?id=1

The charge for the CellSearch Test is $495. This test is covered by insurance.

References

  1. Shaffer DR. Leversha MA. Danila DC. Lin O. Gonzalez-Espinoza R. Gu B. Anand A. Smith K. Maslak P. Doyle GV. Terstappen LW. Lilja H. Heller G. Fleisher M. Scher HI. Circulating tumor cell analysis in patients with progressive castration-resistant prostate cancer. [Journal Article. Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural. Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov’t] Clinical Cancer Research. 13(7):2023-9, 2007 Apr 1.
  2. de Bono JS. Attard G. Adjei A. Pollak MN. Fong PC. Haluska P. Roberts L. Melvin C. Repollet M. Chianese D. Connely M. Terstappen LW. Gualberto A. Potential applications for circulating tumor cells expressing the insulin-like growth factor-I receptor. [Clinical Trial, Phase I. Journal Article] Clinical Cancer Research. 13(12):3611-6, 2007 Jun 15.