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- Made in India: The Low-Cost Blood Test Revolutionizing Cancer Care | Dr. Pankaj Chaturvedi
Made in India: The Low-Cost Blood Test Revolutionizing Cancer Care | Dr. Pankaj Chaturvedi Expert Insight | 9 August 2022 Made in India: The Low-Cost Blood Test Revolutionizing Cancer Care | Dr. Pankaj Chaturvedi Dr. Pankaj Chaturvedi (Director, ACTREC) and Dr. Jayant Khandare discuss OncoDiscover, India's first indigenous CTC blood test. By detecting cancer relapse earlier than traditional scans, this groundbreaking "Made in India" technology drastically lowers patient costs and paves the way for future medical innovations. Know more Stay One Step Ahead of Cancer. Get the latest news and innovations from Actorius delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe for regular updates Email* Yes, subscribe me for regular updates. * Subscribe
- Events | Actorius Innovations & Research
Discover groundbreaking events where innovation meets action in oncology. Join us to explore the future of biotechnology events today! Events & Conferences Where Innovation Meets Action Stay updated with our latest events, scientific discussions, collaborations, and milestones that continue to shape the future of cancer research and innovation. Upcoming Events Conference Meet us at ISLB Annual Congress 2026 Madrid, Spain | November 7-9 Know More Book appointment All Events and Conferences 7 Nov 2026 ISLB Annual Congress 2026 | 7-9 November | Madrid, Spain Actorius will present seven scientific posters at ISLB 2026 in Madrid, showcasing research advancing the clinical potential of CTCs across treatment monitoring, biomarker analysis, residual disease, and metastasis research. Read More 13 Sept 2026 Reflections from FHNO 2026 | Kashmir Reflections from FHNO 2026 in Kashmir, where Dr. Jayant Khandare engaged with leading Indian oncologists to exchange perspectives on cancer research, innovation, and the future of oncology. Read More 18 Aug 2026 14 Years of Actorius: A Journey of Innovation & Impact From circulating tumor cells and liquid biopsy to better cancer diagnostics —a journey driven by innovation, persistence, and the belief that better diagnostics can change lives. Read More 23 Apr 2026 AACR 2026 Highlights | April 17-22 | San Diego, California Highlights from AACR 2026 Read More 20 Feb 2026 Meeting with our International KOLs Our team meeting with oncology KOLs from the US and Europe. Read More 3 Nov 2025 ISLB 2025 | 1-3 November 2025 Actorius ISLB 2025 | 1-3 November 2025 Read More 17 Oct 2025 ESMO 2025 | 17–21 October 2025 Actorius at ESMO 2025 Read More 9 May 2025 ISMRC 2025 | 7-9 May, 2025 Actorius at ISMRC 2025 Read More First Prev 1 Page 1 Next Last
- Manuscript:Calcium phosphate nanocapsule crowned multiwalled carbon nanotubes for pH triggered intracellular anticancer drug release
CaP-crowned CNT nanocapsules enable pH-triggered intracellular anticancer drug delivery. Publications | 17 April 2015 Manuscript:Calcium phosphate nanocapsule crowned multiwalled carbon nanotubes for pH triggered intracellular anticancer drug release Calcium phosphate–capped carbon nanotubes enable pH-triggered intracellular release of doxorubicin, preventing premature drug leakage and improving targeted cancer therapy. We report calcium phosphate (CaP) nanocapsule–crowned multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNT–GSH–G4–CaP) as a novel platform for the intracellular delivery of an anticancer drug. As a proof of concept, the CNT–GSH–G4–CaP system demonstrates the release of the anticancer drug doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) within intracellular lysosomes from the interior cavity of the CNT through pH-triggered CaP dissolution. Importantly, we found that CNTs capped with a CaP nanolid can efficiently prevent premature drug release at physiological pH, while promoting DOX release in more acidic environments, such as those found in subcellular compartments like lysosomes (pH ≈ 5.0). This “zero premature release” characteristic is of significant clinical importance for delivering cytotoxic drugs, as it helps reduce systemic toxicity and enhances the effectiveness of anticancer treatment. We envision that this pH-triggered CaP-crowned CNT nanosystem could lead to a new generation of self-regulated platforms for the intracellular delivery of a wide range of anticancer drugs. View Manuscript Stay One Step Ahead of Cancer. Get the latest news and innovations from Actorius delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe for regular updates Email* Yes, subscribe me for regular updates. * Subscribe
- Expert Insights | Actorius Innovations & Research
Explore Expert Insights for the latest in Oncology. Discover how Expert Insights shape the domain with cutting-edge knowledge. Expert Insights Insights that shape the domain Deep-dive into expert opinions, scientific perspectives, and thought leadership shaping the future of cancer care. First Prev 1 Page 1 Next Last
- ASCO 2022: CTCs as a biomarker for monitoring: Disease progression, treatment response, and minimal residual disease.
CTC monitoring tracks therapy response and disease progression in advanced cancers. Publications | 7 June 2022 ASCO 2022: CTCs as a biomarker for monitoring: Disease progression, treatment response, and minimal residual disease. Study of 127 patients shows CTCs are a dynamic biomarker for monitoring disease progression and therapy response in advanced epithelial cancers. Background To analyze the role of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) as a confirmatory personalized biomarker for monitoring disease progression, disease burden, and minimal residual disease in epithelial origin cancers. Methods In this retrospective study, 127 patients with colorectal, breast, and ovarian cancer at stage III and IV were analyzed. The patients were at various stages of intensive chemo and radiotherapy while the CTCs were isolated and enumerated from 1.5 ml of blood. The decision to continue chemotherapy or change to oral metronomic therapy was based on the presence of circulating tumor cells in Stage III. While in stage IV, serial measurement of CTCs guided therapy. CTCs were isolated using the OncoDiscover platform possessing EpCAM antibody-based immunomagnetic targeting of magnetic nanoparticles after RBC lysis. CTCs were imaged and identified as CK18+ and CD45- cells showing a well-defined nucleus using a motorized fluorescence microscope operational with a monochrome camera. CTCs were enumerated using automated image analysis software and counts were expressed as the number per 1.5 ml of blood. Results In this retrospective study, we analyzed blood samples from 127 patients with advanced-stage epithelial cancers (breast: 50%, ovarian: 27%, colorectal: 23%) for the presence of CTCs. Amongst those, 52% showed the presence of CTCs (breast: 52%, ovarian: 46%, colorectal: 58%). The CTC count ranged between 1-5 / 1.5 ml of blood with mean and median values of 2 and 1. Among the CTC positive population, the majority had a CTC count of 1 (44.4%), while more than 2 CTCs were observed in 11% of the population. CTC clusters were detected in 13% of the population, which predominantly were stage IV patients. 67% among the follow-up patients showed a decrease in CTC count from the baseline due to the prescribed treatment, while 22% of patients showed an increase in CTC count from the baseline. 11% of patients did not show a change in CTC count from the baseline. When CTC count was investigated as an independent variable to monitor the therapeutic response, it correlated well with positive or negative outcomes. In a few representative cases, the reduction of CTC numbers from the basal value was indicative of effective treatment. Exceptionally, in a representative colorectal cancer case, a PET scan showed no primary as well as secondary tumor burden, but the presence of CTCs in blood led to further investigating an abdominal MRI that indicated multiple liver lesions suggesting micro-metastasis. Subsequent to SIRT treatment, the patient showed complete tumor regression and the absence of CTCs in peripheral blood. Conclusions Our data suggest that CTCs can serve as a dynamic intermittent biomarker for monitoring disease progression in advanced stages and assessing the therapeutic response, thus emphasizing the role of CTCs in personalized cancer management. Know more Stay One Step Ahead of Cancer. Get the latest news and innovations from Actorius delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe for regular updates Email* Yes, subscribe me for regular updates. * Subscribe
- ESMO 2025 | 17–21 October 2025
Actorius at ESMO 2025 Events | 17 October 2025 ESMO 2025 | 17–21 October 2025 Actorius at ESMO 2025 Some Glimpses from ESMO Know more Stay One Step Ahead of Cancer. Get the latest news and innovations from Actorius delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe for regular updates Email* Yes, subscribe me for regular updates. * Subscribe
- Aravindan Vasudevan | Actorius Innovations & Research
Cofounder & Director Actorius Innovations and Research Pvt. Ltd. Aravindan Vasudevan Cofounder & Director LinkedIn Qualification Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) University of Mumbai | 2000 Master of Science (Chemistry) University of Mumbai | 2002 Certificate in Business Studies (Marketing) UCLA Extension | 2012 Certified Medical Device Professional (CMDP) British Standards Institute | 2017 IRCA Certified ISO 13485:2016 Lead Auditor British Standards Institute | 2019 Have successfully created & filed multiple regulatory dossiers under Medical Device Regulations, 2017 with CDSCO, GoI. Implemented ISO 13485:2016 Quality Management System for medical device manufacturing. 20+ years comibined work experience in medical devices and pharmaceuticals. Professional Summary Aravindan Vasudevan is the Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Actorius Innovations and Research Pvt. Ltd. , a biotechnology and diagnostics company focused on advancing cancer detection and precision oncology technologies. With more than two decades of experience spanning pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and cancer diagnostics, he has played a pivotal role in translating complex scientific innovations into clinically relevant and commercially viable healthcare solutions. At Actorius, Aravindan was part of the core team that developed OncoDiscover , a pioneering liquid biopsy technology and India’s first indigenously developed DCGI-approved in vitro diagnostic (IVD) platform for the detection and analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs). This technology represents a significant step forward in non-invasive cancer diagnostics, enabling clinicians to monitor disease progression and personalize treatment strategies through advanced blood-based testing. Aravindan’s professional journey encompasses extensive experience in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries, including roles in manufacturing research and development, drug discovery, and technology commercialization . His expertise lies in building strategic pathways that enable the successful transition of scientific technologies from the research laboratory to real-world clinical and market applications. Over the years, he has contributed to the development of operational frameworks, regulatory strategies, and quality systems that support innovation-driven healthcare products. In addition to his leadership role at Actorius, Aravindan is associated with multiple ventures and collaborative initiatives aimed at advancing technologies in cancer diagnostics, cancer genomics, and novel drug delivery systems . His work focuses on integrating research, regulatory compliance, and market readiness to accelerate the adoption of next-generation biomedical technologies. Aravindan has significant experience navigating India’s regulatory landscape for medical devices. He has successfully developed and filed multiple regulatory dossiers under the Medical Device Rules, 2017 with the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), Government of India , contributing to the regulatory approval and commercialization of innovative diagnostic technologies. He has also led the implementation of ISO 13485:2016 Quality Management Systems for medical device manufacturing, ensuring compliance with global quality standards. Beyond regulatory and commercialization expertise, Aravindan is an IRCA Certified ISO 13485:2016 Lead Auditor from the British Standards Institute (BSI) and a Certified Medical Device Professional (CMDP) . His professional training and certifications reflect a deep understanding of quality systems, regulatory frameworks, and global medical device standards. Aravindan holds both his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Chemistry from the University of Mumbai . He further expanded his business and strategic management capabilities through a Certificate in Business Studies (Marketing) from UCLA Extension . In recognition of his entrepreneurial potential and contributions to innovation, he was also selected to participate in the Cornell Maha 60 Accelerator Program , a long-term initiative by Cornell University in partnership with the Department of Industries, Government of Maharashtra, designed to support high-impact technology entrepreneurs. With over 20 years of combined experience in pharmaceuticals and medical devices , Aravindan continues to drive innovation in oncology diagnostics, focusing on technologies that enable early detection, precision treatment decisions, and improved outcomes for cancer patients. Through his leadership at Actorius, he remains committed to advancing accessible, indigenous healthcare technologies that address critical challenges in cancer care. Want to be a part of this dynamic team? Visit our Careers section to explore current opportunities that match your interests and expertise. Apply Now
- AACR 2026: Over expressing PD-L1 circulating tumor cells with clusters in prostate cancer patients
Actorius Innovations at AACR 2026 Publications | 17 March 2026 AACR 2026: Over expressing PD-L1 circulating tumor cells with clusters in prostate cancer patients Study shows high prevalence of PD-L1–positive circulating tumor cells in prostate cancer, highlighting their value for monitoring disease progression and immune evasion. Abstract Background Prostate cancer (PC) detection remains challenging due to the limited specificity and sensitivity of current screening methods, including PSA testing. PSA testing does not reliably distinguish aggressive disease from indolent forms, often leading to overdiagnosis and overtreatment. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs), however, offer greater clinical value by providing real-time insights into tumor biology, disease progression, and treatment response. Unlike PSA, CTCs represent a dynamic biomarker reflecting systemic minimal cellular residual disease (MCRD), which can support monitoring and guide personalized prostate cancer management. In addition, the overexpression of PD-L1 on CTCs provides insight into immune evasion mechanisms and may have predictive and prognostic value in prostate cancer. In this study, we report the capture of CTCs, including PD-L1–positive cells and CTC clusters, in prostate cancer patients. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 239 prostate cancer patients to evaluate the presence of PD-L1–positive CTCs and CTC clusters. The cohort included 216 (90.4%) baseline samples and 23 (9.6%) follow-up samples. CTCs were isolated using the CDSCO-approved OncoDiscover Test (India), which employs anti-EpCAM antibody–based immunomagnetic enrichment from 1.5 mL of blood. CTCs were identified as CK18⁺/DAPI⁺/CD45⁻ cells with PD-L1 expression and distinct morphology. Automated fluorescence imaging was used to quantify signal intensities and correlate them with clinicopathological parameters. Patients were stratified by age, and quantitative analyses of CTC positivity, PD-L1 expression, and CTC cluster frequency were performed. Results CTCs were detected in 173 patients (72.4%), while 66 patients (27.6%) were CTC-negative. Among 157 evaluable samples for PD-L1 expression, 131 (54.8%) were PD-L1 positive and 26 (10.9%) were negative. CTC clusters were observed in 19 patients (11%), while 154 patients (89%) exhibited only single CTCs. At baseline, CTCs were detectable in 70.4% of patients, increasing to 91.3% in follow-up samples. PD-L1–positive CTCs were observed in 52.3% of patients at baseline and 85.7% at follow-up. Additionally, PD-L1–positive CTC clusters increased from 10.5% at baseline to 13.1% at follow-up. The predominant age groups were 61–70 years (39.0%) and 71–80 years (39.9%), together comprising nearly 80% of the cohort. The mean distribution of CTC counts per patient was 1.14 for total CTCs, 0.95 for PD-L1–positive CTCs, and 0.12 for CTC clusters. Conclusion A high prevalence of CTCs and PD-L1 expression was observed among prostate cancer patients, particularly in older age groups. The detection of PD-L1–positive CTCs highlights the presence of confirmatory MCRD and circulating disease. Although the incidence of CTC clusters was relatively low, their presence may indicate more aggressive disease phenotypes. View Publication Stay One Step Ahead of Cancer. Get the latest news and innovations from Actorius delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe for regular updates Email* Yes, subscribe me for regular updates. * Subscribe
- ASCO 2024: Effect of circulating tumor cells in clinically stable patients on the conundrum of recurrence with cellular residual disease.
CTC and PD-L1 detection reveals residual disease despite clear radiological scans. Publications | 4 June 2024 ASCO 2024: Effect of circulating tumor cells in clinically stable patients on the conundrum of recurrence with cellular residual disease. CTC detection with PD-L1 expression reveals residual disease despite negative radiological findings in treated cancer patients. Background Despite no evidence of disease by radiological imaging, up to 30% of breast cancer cases are known to relapse after treatment with curative intent. The presence of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in stage I–II cancer patients signals the activation of extravasation and invasion processes leading to micro-metastasis and may result in poor outcomes. CTCs in blood circulation at any stage of cancer indicate detectable minimal cellular disease (MCD). Thus, the longitudinal investigation of patients with such biomarkers remains highly important for predicting recurrence, therapy escalation, and dose modifications. The expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) on CTCs is a dynamic biomarker, and these cells may escape elimination by the immune system, indicating progression toward a metastatic phenotype. Methods Retrospectively, a cohort of 20 cancer patients (including lung, colorectal, breast, stomach, etc.) who had recently undergone treatment were investigated for the presence of CTCs using the CDSCO-approved OncoDiscover platform. The platform contains multi-component systems conjugated with anti-EpCAM antibodies on magnetic nanoparticles. All patients clinically represented stable disease based on previous radiological findings. CTC enumeration was performed using CD45-, EpCAM+, and CK18+ markers, along with the evaluation of PD-L1 overexpression in 1.5 ml of peripheral blood using automated motorized Zeiss fluorescence microscopy. Results Despite no radiological evidence of disease and clinically stable status, 75% (n = 15) of the selected patients showed at least one CTC. Among them, 55% (n = 11) had one CTC, 5% (n = 1) had two CTCs, and 15% (n = 3) had three CTCs. In addition, 50% (n = 10) of patients demonstrated PD-L1 expression on CTCs, while one patient exhibited a CTC cluster. Conclusions Patients showed circulating residual disease (CRD) despite clinically stable disease, indicating possible progression from localized to secondary disease. Longitudinal monitoring of CTCs with PD-L1 expression may reveal real-time residual disease, progression, regression, and actual response to treatment. CRD monitoring can improve curative outcomes by potentially enhancing progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in solid cancers. Know more Stay One Step Ahead of Cancer. Get the latest news and innovations from Actorius delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe for regular updates Email* Yes, subscribe me for regular updates. * Subscribe
- ASCO 2021: CTCs demonstrate a positive biomarker in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in tobacco consuming population of Bangladesh.
CTC monitoring detects early HNSCC in chronic tobacco users in Bangladesh. Publications | 8 June 2021 ASCO 2021: CTCs demonstrate a positive biomarker in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in tobacco consuming population of Bangladesh. A study in Bangladesh found CTCs in 64% of HNSCC patients with chronic tobacco history, suggesting CTCs as a screening tool for early cancer detection. Background Tobacco consumption accounts for 1.6 million deaths annually in the South East Asia Region (SEAR). Notably, amongst the 10-20% of the global population consuming betel quid and tobacco, about an 81% concentration is in SEAR regions, including India and Bangladesh. The prevalence of HNSCC in these regions is rising alarmingly. For example, HNCs account for 23% of the total 156,775 cancer incidences in Bangladesh. Liquid biopsy tools are unavailable and expensive for most patients in this region. However, early cancer detection using tumor biomarkers, for example, circulating tumor cells (CTCs), is highly implicated. Furthermore, such biomarkers are being validated and have the potential for screening high-risk patients, such as those with a genetic predisposition or tobacco consumption. We report the first observational study in HNSCC patients in Bangladesh correlating the presence of CTCs to chronic tobacco consumption. Methods The study involved 70 cancer patients and 10 healthy volunteers (no prior cancer history). 87% of the patients had a specified history of chronic tobacco consumption. CTCs were isolated in 1.5 ml of blood using the OncoDiscover Liquid Biopsy Test, which is clinically approved by the Drug Controller General of India, and contains an enriching anti-EPCAM antibody immunomagnetic kit. CTCs are qualified as CK18+, DAPI+, and CD45-. Subsequently, CTCs were imaged using a Zeiss Axio Observer 7 and quantified for Mean Fluorescence Intensity (MFI) for clinicopathological parameters: age/gender, HNSCC sub-population, and CTC distribution. Results This is the 1st study on the Bangladesh phenotype accounting for the presence of CTCs in HNSCC patients. In this population, 34 males (66%) and 10 females (52%) accounted for 91 CTCs. CTC distribution was 0 to 6 with a mean and median of ~ 2.02 and 2, respectively. 25 patients (17 males, 8 females) were negative for any CTCs. Interestingly, 2 patients exhibited CTC clusters indicative of aggressive metastasis, in which 1 patient had no prior tobacco usage or family cancer history. There was no correlation between CTC presence in males (66%) and females (52%). Healthy volunteer samples exhibited no false positives. The MFI values ranged between 23 and 766, with mean and median MFI values of 157 and 96, respectively, indicative of CK overexpression on CTCs of HNSCC patients. Conclusions HNSCC patients with a history of chronic tobacco consumption in Bangladesh correlated with the presence of CTCs in 64% of the cases. Prospectively, CTCs may be validated as a biomarker for screening chronic tobacco users in Bangladesh to detect early cancers and HNSCC. Clinical Trial Information BMRC/Grants/2018/99 (1-100). Know more Stay One Step Ahead of Cancer. Get the latest news and innovations from Actorius delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe for regular updates Email* Yes, subscribe me for regular updates. * Subscribe
- Logistics Manager | Actorius Innovations & Research
Logistics Manager Publication Date: 26 Aug 2026 | Last Application Date: 6 Oct 2026 Apply Now Department Logistics & Operations Location Pune, India Experience 5–7 years Role Overview The Logistics Manager will oversee end-to-end logistics operations for Actorius, ensuring timely, compliant and efficient movement of products, materials, samples and other operational shipments across locations. Key Responsibilities Manage end-to-end logistics and supply-chain operations. Plan and coordinate domestic shipments and deliveries. Coordinate with courier, transport and logistics partners. Monitor shipment status, delivery timelines and exceptions. Develop efficient logistics processes and SOPs. Manage logistics documentation and records. Coordinate with internal teams for dispatch planning. Ensure appropriate packaging, handling and transportation conditions for temperature-sensitive or sensitive materials, where applicable. Monitor logistics costs and identify opportunities for optimization. Evaluate and manage logistics vendors. Maintain shipment and inventory-related records. Resolve delivery delays, damages, discrepancies and other logistics issues. Prepare logistics MIS and performance reports. Ensure compliance with applicable company, quality and regulatory requirements. Coordinate with Sales, Operations, Laboratory and other teams to ensure smooth movement of materials and samples. Qualifications & Skills Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Operations, Business or a related field. 5–7 years of logistics/supply-chain experience , preferably in healthcare, diagnostics, medical devices, pharma or laboratory logistics. Strong vendor-management and problem-solving skills. Good understanding of documentation, dispatch processes and shipment tracking. Strong organizational and communication skills. What We Look For At Actorius, we value people who combine ownership, curiosity, scientific thinking and execution . We look for professionals who are: Passionate about healthcare and meaningful innovation. Comfortable working in a fast-growing, innovation-driven environment. Curious and willing to learn. Strong in communication and collaboration. Focused on outcomes and accountability. Comfortable working across functions. Ethical and professional in their approach. Motivated by the opportunity to contribute to technologies that can impact cancer care. About Actorius Actorius Innovations & Research Pvt. Ltd. is an innovation-driven biotechnology and medical diagnostics company focused on developing technologies that address critical challenges in cancer care. From breakthrough research to clinically meaningful diagnostics, Actorius works at the intersection of biotechnology, biomaterials, circulating tumor cells (CTCs), liquid biopsy and oncology diagnostics . Our goal is to translate deep scientific understanding into practical technologies that can help clinicians make more informed decisions and improve patient outcomes. Our flagship OncoDiscover® CTC Test is India's first DCGI/CDSCO-approved blood test for detecting circulating tumor cells and supporting cancer monitoring. Actorius also continues to develop advanced technologies such as OncoMetastat® , alongside its broader research and diagnostic platforms. We are looking for dynamic thinkers, problem-solvers and doers who want to work on meaningful challenges in healthcare and contribute to technologies that can make a difference in cancer care. Why Join Actorius? Work on Meaningful Healthcare Challenges Contribute to technologies focused on cancer diagnostics, CTCs, liquid biopsy and oncology. Be Part of an Innovation-Driven Organisation Work alongside scientists, clinicians, business leaders and healthcare professionals. Learn Across Disciplines Actorius encourages interdisciplinary thinking across science, technology, diagnostics, marketing, sales and operations. Build With Purpose Our work is driven by the belief that better biological insights can contribute to better healthcare decisions. Grow With the Organisation Join a growing team where ownership, initiative and individual contribution matter. How to Apply Interested candidates can explore the current opportunities and submit their application through the official Actorius Careers page: Apply Here: https://www.actorius.in/career Candidates are encouraged to clearly mention the position and preferred location in their application. Apply Now
- ISLB 2024: Transit of Circulating Tumor Cells (CTC) Post Radiotherapy at Irradiated Tumor Regions in Pan-cancer Patients
CTCs and PD-L1 after radiotherapy indicate MRD and possible tumor re-invasion. Publications | 25 November 2024 ISLB 2024: Transit of Circulating Tumor Cells (CTC) Post Radiotherapy at Irradiated Tumor Regions in Pan-cancer Patients Study links radiotherapy exposure with circulating tumor cells and PD-L1 expression, indicating possible minimal residual disease and metastatic risk. Introduction The presence of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) is a predictor of minimal residual disease (MRD) and treatment outcomes. Abscopal effects of targeted intraoperative radiotherapy have been observed clinically, and the tumor microenvironment may influence these outcomes. Recent reports have shown activation and transit of CTCs following simulated radiotherapy from irradiated regions in vitro. Thus, the cellular extravasation and invasion phenotype cascade of CTCs in irradiated tumor regions could be highly concerning and raises several clinical questions. For the first time, we retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent radiotherapy to observe a clinical correlation between the presence of CTCs and overexpression of the PD-L1 protein in blood circulation as an indicator of minimal residual disease and a potential radiotherapy-associated effect. Methods A cohort of 26 pan-cancer patients (female = 10, male = 16) was analyzed, including cases of colorectal cancer (n = 4), lung cancer (n = 4), endometrial cancer (n = 4), head and neck cancer (n = 4), pancreatic cancer (n = 1), ovarian cancer (n = 1), renal cell carcinoma (n = 4), breast cancer (n = 2), and bone cancer (n = 2). Blood samples were analyzed retrospectively based on clinical and treatment history. Enumeration of CTCs was performed using the immunomagnetic multi-component OncoDiscover platform approved by CDSCO India, mediated by anti-EpCAM antibodies. CTCs were identified based on the presence of CK18+, PD-L1+, DAPI+, and CD45− staining using an automated Zeiss microscope in 1.5 ml of blood samples. Results In the retrospective analysis, a total of 88% (23/26) of patients showed the presence of CTCs in 1.5 ml of blood. Among these patients, 46% (n = 12/26) had undergone radiotherapy at some point during their treatment history. Three patients had received focused radiotherapy for brain metastasis with primary cancers of head and neck (1 case) and endometrium (2 cases). Among patients who underwent radiotherapy, 88% (8/9) were observed to have at least one CTC along with PD-L1 overexpression in at least one CTC. In addition, one patient who underwent radiotherapy showed the presence of a CTC cluster. Conclusions For the first time, we demonstrate the association of CTCs following radiotherapy in irradiated tumor regions. The disseminated CTCs may enhance tumor cell reinvasion through active transit in circulation, supported by a favorable microenvironmental milieu. Further validation with larger clinical cohorts across multiple cancer types is required. Know more Stay One Step Ahead of Cancer. Get the latest news and innovations from Actorius delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe for regular updates Email* Yes, subscribe me for regular updates. * Subscribe








