Utilizing CTCs in Solid Tumors

Leonard G. Gomella, MD, Chair of Urology at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and Director of Clinical Affairs at the Kimmel Cancer Center, discusses the utilization of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in patients with solid tumors.

A major challenge currently facing the use of CTCs is a lack of adequate assays to accurately detect low levels of cells. However, Gomella adds, techniques and gradient technologies are currently being assessed to alleviate sensitivity concerns with very low cell counts.

Clinical Pearls

An exciting area of research involves capturing CTC and interrogating them for genetic alterations, Gomella notes. In the future, this area of research will continue to be explored further.

• A major challenge currently facing the use of CTCs is a lack of adequate assays to accurately detect low levels of cells
• Techniques and gradient technologies are currently being assessed to alleviate sensitivity concerns with low cell counts
• Capturing and interrogating CTCs for genetic alterations is currently an exciting area of research