In the care process of cancer patients, there is often a gap period between initial treatments (such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy) and regular follow-up visits. During this time, patients may not exhibit obvious symptoms, but residual or newly-formed tumor cells may persist, posing a risk of recurrence or metastasis. Traditional imaging techniques (such as CT or MRI) have limited sensitivity in detecting small lesions. Therefore, dynamic monitoring of micro-residual cancer cells during these gaps is crucial.

Importance of Circulating Tumor Cell (CTC) Monitoring

1. Early Detection of Recurrence Risk

• CTC can detect recurrence before imaging: Studies show that CTC detection can identify signs of tumor recurrence months before it is visible on imaging. Even in asymptomatic patients, if CTC numbers increase or specific markers are detected, it indicates a risk of recurrence.
• Clinical application value: CTC monitoring can serve as an important tool during the nursing gap period, helping clinicians identify potential recurrence trends early and intervene proactively.

2. Dynamic Monitoring of Tumor Cell Trends

• Long-term tracking with CTC monitoring: Regular CTC testing allows for continuous observation of tumor cell changes over time.
• Changes in CTC numbers are linked to prognosis: An increase in CTC numbers may indicate heightened tumor activity or disease progression, while a decrease could suggest reduced tumor burden or a positive response to care.

3. Precision Adjustment of Personalized Care Plans

• RGCC Onconomics Plus testing: This technology detects CTCs in patient blood, not only counting tumor cells but also analyzing their gene expression, providing information on tumor heterogeneity and drug resistance.
• Personalized care adjustments: If CTC testing indicates drug resistance, clinicians can adjust the care plan, such as switching or combining medications, to implement precise, individualized care.

CTC Dynamic Monitoring in Different Cancer Types

1. Breast Cancer and Colorectal Cancer

• In breast cancer patients, a positive CTC result is closely linked to a higher risk of recurrence. Continued detection of CTCs or rising numbers may suggest the presence of micro-metastatic lesions.
• For colorectal cancer patients, post-surgical CTC testing helps detect asymptomatic metastases early and assess the risk of recurrence.

2. Lung Cancer and Prostate Cancer

• In non-small cell lung cancer patients, the number of CTCs correlates with tumor burden, and dynamic monitoring can help assess disease progression or remission.
• Changes in CTC counts in prostate cancer patients are closely associated with disease recurrence or metastasis, especially in castration-resistant prostate cancer, where CTC monitoring aids in evaluating care effectiveness.

Clinical Value of CTC Dynamic Monitoring During the Nursing Gap Period

1. Early Detection of Recurrence for Precise Intervention

• CTC testing can detect potential recurrence during the asymptomatic phase, providing clinicians with an earlier intervention opportunity to adjust care strategies and reduce recurrence risk.
• For patients with recurrence, early CTC monitoring helps facilitate personalized interventions before imaging detects lesions, such as adjusting the care plan or introducing novel targeted therapies.

2. Optimizing Follow-up Frequency and Strategies

• Through CTC monitoring and tracking dynamic trends, clinicians can adjust follow-up frequency, increasing visits for patients with rising CTC levels, and extending intervals for patients with stable or decreasing CTCs, ensuring precise follow-up management.

Conclusion: CTC Dynamic Monitoring Enhances Precise Management During Cancer Care Gaps

During the nursing gap period of cancer patients, CTC testing acts as a supplementary monitoring tool, assisting in the early detection of recurrence trends and allowing for timely adjustments in care strategies. RGCC  Onconomics Plus testing technology analyzes the gene expression features of CTCs, providing clinicians with deeper molecular insights into the tumor, enabling personalized and precise dynamic monitoring, and offering greater assurance for the patient’s long-term health care.

References

1. Pantel, K., & Alix-Panabières, C. (2019). Liquid biopsy and minimal residual disease—latest advances and implications for cure. Nature Reviews Clinical Oncology, 16(7), 409-424.
2. Cohen, S. J., et al. (2008). Relationship of circulating tumor cells to tumor response, progression-free survival, and overall survival in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 26(19), 3213-3221.
3. Alix-Panabières, C., & Pantel, K. (2014). Challenges in circulating tumour cell research. Nature Reviews Cancer, 14(9), 623-631.

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