Service Overview
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are intact cancer cells shed from primary or metastatic tumors into the bloodstream. Detection and analysis of these rare cells offer a non-invasive window into tumor burden, heterogeneity, and treatment response, without the need for repeated tissue biopsies. Our CTC detection service is built on the industry-standard immunomagnetic enrichment platform (e.g., CellSearch®), which uses anti-EpCAM-coated ferrofluids to capture epithelial CTCs from whole blood, followed by fluorescent staining for cytokeratin (CK), DAPI, and CD45. Automated imaging systems then identify and enumerate cells that are DAPI+, CK+, and CD45− as CTCs.
The assay provides a quantitative CTC count per 7.5 mL of blood, a metric consistently shown to be prognostic in breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer. While clinical utility for treatment decisions has not yet been established in randomized trials, CTC enumeration is widely used as a pharmacodynamic biomarker in early-phase clinical trials and translational research to monitor disease progression and response to investigational therapies.
Beyond enumeration, we offer optional downstream molecular profiling of isolated CTCs — including single-cell genomic analysis — to characterize target expression, resistance mutations, and clonal evolution over time. This comprehensive service supports oncology drug developers and translational research groups seeking dynamic, non-invasive biomarkers for clinical trials and companion diagnostic development.
Our CTC Detection and Analysis Offerings
CTC Enumeration
Quantitative enumeration of CK+/DAPI+/CD45− CTCs using FDA-cleared platform methodology with automated imaging.
Molecular Characterization
Optional single-cell isolation and genomic profiling of CTCs for target expression, mutation detection, and clonal heterogeneity analysis.
Longitudinal Monitoring
Serial blood sampling and CTC analysis at multiple timepoints to track tumor dynamics and treatment response over the course of a clinical trial.
Our CTC Detection Workflow
Deliverables and Typical Scope
| Parameter | Typical Project Scope |
|---|---|
| Sample type | Peripheral blood in CellSave or equivalent preservative tubes |
| Blood volume per sample | 7.5 mL per analysis (single tube); volume can be scaled per project |
| CTC enumeration report | Quantitative count of DAPI+/CK+/CD45− events per 7.5 mL, including gallery images and quality metrics |
| Marker panel | Standard EpCAM-based enrichment; optional additional markers (e.g., HER2, TROP2) scoped per project |
| Sensitivity | Detection limit as low as 1 CTC per 7.5 mL tube, dependent on sample quality and enrichment efficiency |
Why Choose Our CTC Detection Service
EpCAM-Based Immunomagnetic Enrichment
Utilizes the well-established anti-EpCAM ferrofluid technology that is the basis of the FDA-cleared CellSearch system, ensuring reliable capture of epithelial-derived CTCs across multiple cancer types.
Automated, Standardized Imaging
Automated image acquisition and analysis reduce operator variability and provide reproducible CTC counts suitable for multi-center clinical trials.
Flexible Downstream Molecular Analysis
Isolated CTCs can be subjected to single-cell genomic profiling or targeted mutation analysis, offering deeper characterization of tumor heterogeneity and resistance mechanisms.
Serial Monitoring for Clinical Trials
Service designed to accommodate longitudinal sampling schedules, with consistent protocols across timepoints to track changes in CTC count and molecular features during therapy.
Related Research
View on PubMed
Circulating tumor cells, disease progression, and survival in metastatic breast cancer
View articleReady to start your CTC analysis project?
Our team of experienced oncology researchers can design a custom CTC detection and analysis plan for your clinical trial or translational study. Contact us to discuss your specific requirements, including sample volume, markers, and downstream molecular profiling needs.