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Detection of circulating tumour cells in the blood
Even in early stages cancer is considered a systemic disease, because at any time malignant cells can leave the tumour and lead to metastases. This dissemination is considered the cause of relapse after removal of the primary tumour. In recent years scientific studies have shown that detection of circulating tumour cells in peripheral blood can help to estimate the prognosis of the disease. According to the UIC-classification (Union Internationale Contre le Cancer) detection of circulating tumour cells is an independent parameter for prognosis in patients suffering from colorectal cancer, stadium III. During cancer treatment and after-care this examination has important prognostic value. It can easily be carried out after a simple blood collection. |
Chemo-Sensitivity
Analysis of Chemo-Sensitivity (response of tumour cells to chemotherapy) can be helpful to choose the best treatment option. The effect of chemotherapy and potential drug resistance can be assessed before therapy. Also, the combination and dose of the respective pharmaceuticals can be adapted individually. Given the strong side effects of chemotherapy this is a valuable information. The reliability of this method has been proven in numerous scientific studies. As every human is unique so is every tumour. Certain properties of tumour cells indicate which treatment is appropriate, for example which antibody or hormonotherapy should be applied. These are only effective if the tumour cells show the respective receptors on their surface. This can be assessed by histologic techniques. Any treatment alters the composition of the tumour tissue. It selectively kills sensitive cells. The surviving cells have different features. These can again be traced in peripheral blood and tested for chemosensitivity. Conclusion: Any therapy modifies the tumour. Thus, characterisation of tumour cells regarding their chemo-sensitivity before treatment does not necessarily apply to the entire course of therapy. |
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