Circ. Tumor Cells, Prostate

Test ID:

704788

CPT code:

86152

Synonyms:

CellSearch® Circulating Tumor Cells, Prostate

Clinical Use:

Detect the presence of circulating tumor cells (CTC) in the peripheral blood of patients with metastatic breast cancer, colorectal or prostate cancer in patients. A count of 5 CTC or more in breast and prostate cancers and 3 CTC or more in colon cancer in 7.5 mL of blood is predictive of shorter progression free survival and overall survival. Physicians can draw samples prior to a new line of therapy for baseline prediction. Physicians can also draw samples at the first follow-up visit for evaluating response to therapy. The Veridex CellSearch® System is the only semi-automated system designed to standardize and optimize the measurement of CTC in peripheral blood, this test is also the only FDA approved kit for CTC detection.

Test Information:

A Circulating Tumor Cell (CTC) count of ≥5 per 7.5 mL of blood at any time during the course of the disease has been reported to be associated with a poor prognosis and is predictive of shorter Progression Free Survival (PFS) and Overall Survival (OS) in patients with androgen-independent, hormone-resistant prostate cancer.
CellSearch™ results should be used in conjunction with all clinical information derived from diagnostic tests (i.e., imaging, laboratory tests), physical examination and complete medical history in accordance with appropriate patient management procedures. This prognostic study does not demonstrate that any current line of therapy is any more or less effective than any other or no therapy.

Specimen Type:

Whole blood

Requested Volume:

10 mL (x2)

Minimum Volume:

10 mL (x1)

Container Type:

CellSave™ Preservative Tube

Collection:

1. Draw at least one CellSave™ 10 mL tube. It is highly recommended that two 10 mL tubes be drawn due to the possibility of a repeat due to carry over or system malfunction.
2. Collect blood aseptically by venipuncture or from a venous port into a CellSave™ preservative tube only. Circulating Tumor Cells (CTC) are fragile and require preservation for accurate analysis.
3. Fill the tube until blood flow stops to ensure the correct ratio of sample to anticoagulant and preservative. Immediately mix by gently inverting the tube eight times. Tube inversion prevents clotting. Inadequate or delayed mixing may result in inaccurate test results.
4. Process samples within 96 hours of collection.
5. Blood samples may be stored or transported in CellSave™ preservative tubes for up to 96 hours at room temperature (15 to 30° C) prior to processing. Draw date and time must be provided with the whole blood specimen. Draw samples prior to intravenous therapy. After initiation of therapy, blood can be drawn at the first follow-up visit, which is usually 3-4 weeks after initiation of therapy. If the patient is on doxorubicin therapy, allow at least 7 days following administration of a dose of therapy before blood draw.