For patients with metastatic prostate cancer (MPC), the course of the disease can be highly unpredictable. That’s why accurate information regarding your disease state at any given time during therapy is an essential part of your care.
The detection of circulating tumor cells (CTC) in the blood can provide doctors with valuable insight into the progression of MPC. Clinical studies have shown that detection of CTCs can predict disease progression and survival in those with MPC.
By measuring the number of CTCs in the blood before and during the course of treatment, doctors can predict progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) more accurately. With this information, doctors can better monitor their patient’s progress and make more-informed patient care decisions.
The CellSearch® CTC Test from Veridex is a powerful tool that can help doctors predict disease progression and survival in patients with MPC.
It is a simple blood test that captures, identifies, and counts CTCs in a tube of blood. Clinical studies have shown that:
- 5 or more CTCs in a blood sample are an indication that the disease is progressing
- fewer than 5 CTCs in the sample indicates that the disease is not currently progressing and that the patient has a better prognosis
In cases where the test indicates the presence of 5 or more CTCs, the doctor may use this and other clinical factors to determine if a change to the patient’s care is needed.
The CellSearch® CTC Test offers patients and their doctors other benefits as well, including:
- Convenience
The test is performed with a blood sample from the patient, which can be taken right in the doctor’s office, in a hospital, or in a clinic.
- Accuracy
CTCs are a strong, independent predictor of both progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), a fact that has been proven by results from a prospective
multi-center clinical study. Studies have also found that the CTC test provides more accurate information about a patient’s prognosis 2-5 weeks after the initiation
of therapy than prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing.
- Greater Insight
Used in conjunction with additional standard testing methods, like PSA, the CellSearch®
CTC test provides a more complete picture of your prognosis.
- Flexibility
Not only can the CellSearch® CTC test be performed earlier than traditional imaging, it can also be performed at any time during the course of treatment. This can help doctors make important decisions about patient care earlier, and as needed.
To learn if the CellSearch® CTC Test is right for you, talk to your doctor. If your doctor is not familiar with the test, he or she can learn more by going to www.veridex.com, or by calling 1-877-VERIDEX and selecting option 6.
The CellSearch® Circulating Tumor Cell (CTC) test:
- measures the number of CTCs in the blood to help predict the patient’s prognosis
- is a simple blood test that can be taken right in the doctor’s office
- can be performed at the start of therapy, and at any time during the course of treatment
This critical information can help the doctor make important patient care decisions earlier, and as needed. Ask your doctor if the CellSearch® CTC Test is right for you.