Coping with treatment for metastatic breast cancer
is hard enough. But having to wait precious months
to see how the disease is progressing can be even
more difficult.
Fortunately, now there’s a simple test that can help
you and your doctor learn about how you’re doing
sooner. It’s called the CellSearch™ Circulating
Tumor Cell (CTC) Test, and it allows your doctor to
check your prognosis at any time during your treatment.
Used in combination with imaging and all the other
important parts of your therapy, the CTC test can help
your doctor make more informed decisions regarding
your care.
On the following pages, we’ll answer some commonly
asked questions about this new and important part of
therapy. So take a few minutes to read through them,
then ask your doctor if the CellSearch™ CTC Test is
right for you.
Q: What types of tests do doctors
currently use?
A: Currently, doctors use lab tests, physical exams,
and radiographic imaging studies such as CT scans
to determine progression of the disease. Imaging
measures changes—both increases and decreases
in the tumor to determine if the treatment is
working. Depending on the type of treatment,
imaging is performed at different intervals of time,
but it typically starts about 12 weeks after therapy
has begun.
Q: How is the CTC test different?
A: Unlike traditional diagnostic tests such as imaging,
the CTC test measures the number of CTCs in your
blood to help determine whether the disease is
progressing or not. The test can be performed at
the start of therapy, and at any time during the
course of your treatment. This important information
can help your doctor make important decisions
Q: If I have metastatic breast cancer,
should I ask for the test?
A: Every patient is different, so you should discuss the
test with your doctor to determine if it is right for you.
Q: Where do I get the CellSearch™ CTC Test?
A: Your doctor can order the CTC test. It’s a simple
blood test, and the sample can be drawn right in
his or her office.
Q: How often should I get the CTC test?
A: Typically, a blood sample is taken for the CTC test
before a new line of therapy begins to establish a
baseline, then at any time during the course of your
treatment. This will help your doctor monitor the
effect of your therapy on the disease. You should
discuss with your doctor the frequency of testing
that is right for you.
Q: What if my doctor doesn’t know
about the CellSearch™CTC Test?
A: Your doctor can learn more about the test by going
to www.veridex.com, or by calling 1-877-VERIDEX
and selecting option 6.
Q: Who is Veridex?
A: Veridex, the company that brings you the
CellSearch™ CTC Test, is a Johnson & Johnson
company dedicated to delivering innovative new
cancer diagnostic tools that positively impact
patient lives.
Q: What is the CellSearch™ CTC Test?
A: The CellSearch™ CTC Test is a simple blood test
that captures, identifies, and counts circulating
tumor cells (CTCs) in a tube of blood. Clinical
studies have shown that detection of these cells
can predict disease progression and survival in
women with metastatic breast cancer.
Q: What are circulating tumor cells?
A: CTCs are cancer cells that have detached from a
solid tumor and entered into the bloodstream.
These cells play an important role in the metastatic
process, and their presence can provide valuable
insight into disease progression.
Q: How does this information help
my doctor?
A: Measuring the number of CTCs in your blood
before and during your course of treatment can
help your doctor in monitoring your progress.
Clinical studies have shown that 5 or more CTCs
in a blood sample are an indication that the
disease is progressing. If your test shows there
are fewer than 5 CTCs in your sample, that is an
indication of a good prognosis. If it shows 5 CTCs
or more, your doctor may use this and other
clinical factors to determine if a change to your
care is needed.
For questions regarding the CellSearch™ Circulating Tumor Cell Test, please contact
Dr. Bryan Greene at 704-947-6599 x112 or email Bryan Greene
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