CTC monitoring in breast cancer detects MRD and supports post-surgery surveillance. Publications | 3 November 2025 Association of Circulating Tumor Cell Dynamics with Patient-Reported Cancer Worry in Post-Surgical Breast Cancer Patients Circulating tumor cell monitoring before and after breast cancer surgery reveals minimal residual disease and correlates with post-surgical cancer worry. Introduction Early detection of metastasis is important for improving overall survival in breast cancer (BC) patients. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) play a role in detecting minimal residual disease (MRD). In an ongoing cohort, we evaluated the association between CTC dynamics before and after surgery performed with curative intent. Additionally, we assessed cancer-related worry in post-surgical BC patients. Methods A total of 75 CTC tests were performed on 55 female BC patients, of whom 20 were follow-up cases. In an ongoing IEC-approved clinical cohort, 10 BC patients were enrolled using a quantitative, non-probability purposive sampling method. CTC counts, including clusters, were measured both pre-surgery and 24 hours post-surgery. PD-L1 expression on CTCs was assessed using the CDSCO-approved OncoDiscover platform. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were evaluated using the Breast-Q Cancer Worry scale, a validated subscale reflecting fear of recurrence and related concerns. Statistical analysis compared PROM scores with CTC patterns, including increase, persistence, or clearance. A paired sample t-test was applied to compare pre- and post-operative PROM scores to evaluate changes in cancer-related worry in relation to CTC counts. Results Among the 75 tests performed in 55 BC patients, 84.5% were CTC-positive, with a mean of 1.43 CTCs per test. In longitudinal monitoring of 10 female BC patients who underwent surgery, six received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) followed by breast-conserving surgery, while four underwent surgery without prior chemotherapy. Overall, 40% (4/10) showed a reduction in CTC counts, and 20% (2/10) achieved complete CTC clearance after surgery. Patients with increased post-surgery CTC counts reported a significant increase in cancer-related worry. The mean pre-surgery score was 43.9, which increased to 51.8 after surgery. These findings suggest the need for targeted emotional and psychological support in the post-surgical period and highlight the role of CTC monitoring in assessing MRD. Conclusions Monitoring CTCs strengthens their potential as an early indicator of residual disease by providing important clinical insights into tumor activity during the operative phase. Further validation is warranted to support more integrated, patient-centered care approaches aimed at reducing the burden of advanced cancer. 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

OncoMetastat safely captured cancer cells across multiple onco-dialysis cycles in rats. Publications | 30 August 2026 Capture of Cancerous Cells and Overall Survival in Rats using Ex-vivo Extracorporeal Device in Multiple Onco-dialysis Cycles An animal study evaluated OncoMetastat for ex-vivo cancer cell capture, safety, and survival in rats. Across multiple onco-dialysis cycles, cancer cells were captured, all test-group rats survived 14 days, and histopathology showed normal tissues. Introduction: The micrometastatic cascade involves the progression of cancer cells from the primary tumor to distant organs. Capture and elimination of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) may potentially delay metastasis; however, demonstrating this in ex-vivo models remains highly challenging. Here, we demonstrate cancer cell capture, safety, and overall survival in rats using an ex-vivo extracorporeal device across multiple onco-dialysis cycles. Methods: In this animal observational study (IAEC/2025-26/M2/15), 12 White Wistar Albino rats were subjected to onco-dialysis using the miniature OncoMetastat device containing anti-EpCAM antibody-coated glass beads. For safety evaluation, rats were anesthetized, and 1 ml of blood was obtained from the retro-orbital artery, heparinized, and exposed to the device. Subsequently, 0.3 ml of blood was re-injected through the tail vein, and the animals were monitored for changes in temperature and signs of anaphylactic shock. DAPI-pre-stained MCF-7 cells (0.5 × 10⁶) were injected via the rat tail vein (n=6). After 15 minutes, 1 ml of blood was withdrawn from the retro-orbital artery, heparinized, circulated through the OncoMetastat device, and 0.3 ml was recirculated into the rats. Glass beads were analyzed for cancer cell capture across cycles I–III, with 48 hours of rest between cycles. Animals were monitored for 14 days for overall survival (OS) and subsequently sacrificed for histopathological evaluation. Results: Eleven of the 12 rats demonstrated safety following exposure to the onco-dialysis device. A total of 23 cells were captured across three rats over three cycles. In Rat 1, 9, 5, and 1 cells were captured in cycles I, II, and III, respectively, with a mean of 5.0 cells. In Rat 2, 3, 2, and 1 cells were captured across cycles I–III, respectively. In Rat 3, 1, 1, and 0 cells were captured across cycles I–III, respectively. The mean distribution of captured cells across all rats was 7.67/ml. Overall survival was observed in both groups, although one rat in the control group experienced mortality. All rats in the test group survived the 14-day observation period. Histopathological evaluation revealed normal tissues in device-exposed rats. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the safety and capture of cancer cells using an ex-vivo extracorporeal device across multiple onco-dialysis cycles in rats, with all test-group animals surviving the 14-day observation period and showing normal tissue histopathology. 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

OncoDiscover liquid biopsy enables CTC detection for cancer diagnosis and monitoring. Expert Insight | 11 August 2020 OncoDiscover Liquid Biopsy Technology | Clinical Significance of Circulating Tumor Cell Detection Highlights the clinical value of circulating tumor cell detection using OncoDiscover liquid biopsy technology for cancer diagnosis and patient monitoring. 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

Automated CTC image analysis using CellMatrics shows rapid concordance with manual analysis. Publications | 30 August 2026 Algorithm based analysis of circulating tumour cells in cancer patients A study evaluating CellMatrics, a Python-based automated image analysis algorithm for CTC detection, demonstrated rapid and robust concordance with manual CTC analysis across blood samples from 32 cancer patients. Introduction: The role of circulating tumour cells (CTCs) in solid cancers for prognostication, treatment response, and early metastasis detection is well established. Based on fluorescence microscopy and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), the enumeration of CTCs with varied protein biomarkers has routinely been performed. CTC detection methods require more robust image analysis. We developed CTC image analysis using an algorithm that assesses red, green, and blue fluorescent signals along with cellular morphological traits. We compared the concordance and outcome with manual image analysis. Methods: Retrospectively, we processed blood samples from 32 cancer patients (27 at baseline and 5 follow-ups) to determine CTC prevalence. Cancer types included colorectal (n=16), breast (n=9), glioblastoma (n=2), periampullary (n=1), urothelial (n=1), ovary (n=1), lung (n=1), and melanoma (n=1). To capture CTCs, we processed 1.5 mL of peripheral blood using the OncoMetastat device, with affinity-conjugated glass beads (GBs). CTC images were captured and confirmed on GBs based on CK18-positive (Green), DAPI-positive (Blue), and CD45-negative (Red) signals using a Zeiss Microscope (Method 1). Further, the cells were qualified using brightfield imaging and cell size. Cells were selected based on the highest CTC traits, namely size, shape, and intensities. Furthermore, we developed a Python-based image analysis algorithm, “CellMatrics,” for CTCs based on morphology, size, brightfield, and RGB intensities (Method 2). The CTC images were imported into the algorithm using a drag-and-drop interface. The algorithm applies broad criteria for RGB intensities and finally assesses true positives while eliminating false negatives in 10 seconds. The outcome is represented by the CTC image, count, RGB intensities, size, and surface area. Finally, we compared the concordance between CTCs identified manually and those identified by the algorithm. Results: A total of 24 CTCs were detected in 23/32 (71.88%) cancer patients using Method 1. The number of CTCs ranged from 1–3, and the overall mean CTC distribution was approximately 1.04. Patients aged 20–29, 30–39, and 40–49 years demonstrated the highest mean CTC count (1.00), while the lowest mean CTC count (0.50) was observed in patients aged 50–59 years. Colorectal samples showed 11 CTCs, breast showed 6, ovary showed 3, and samples from periampullary, urothelial, glioblastoma, and lung cancer types each showed 1 CTC. The melanoma sample showed 0 CTCs. Upon importing CTC images into the algorithm (Method 2), an identical CTC outcome was observed. Conclusion: We evaluated CTCs in blood samples from 32 cancer patients. Comparing the outcome from manual CTC analysis (Method 1) with Method 2 qualified the CTCs detected using the automated algorithm. We observed rapid and robust concordance in CTC counts, matching the manual CTC count. 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

Dr. Jayant Khandare Leads Actorius with Pathbreaking Innovations | Dainik Jagran Press Release | 14 March 2026 Dr. Jayant Khandare Leads Actorius with Pathbreaking Innovations in Cancer Detection and Metastasis Control Actorius Innovations and Research Pvt Ltd, a pioneering Indo-US biotechnology company revolutionizing oncology through advanced circulating tumor cell (CTC) technologies, continues to make significant strides under the visionary leadership of Dr. Jayant Khandare, Founder, Managing Director, and Chief Scientific Officer. Actorius Innovations and Research Pvt Ltd, a pioneering Indo-US biotechnology company revolutionizing oncology through advanced circulating tumor cell (CTC) technologies, continues to make significant strides under the visionary leadership of Dr. Jayant Khandare, Founder, Managing Director, and Chief Scientific Officer. Click the button below to read the full story 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

CTCs as biomarkers for relapse detection in rectal cancer with liver metastasis. Publications | 29 June 2024 Manuscript: Circulating Tumor Cells as Biomarkers for Relapse Detection in Rectal Cancer with Liver Metastasis: Insights from a Case Report In this case report we demonstrate the utility of CTC as a sensitive marker to detect MRD. CTCs play a crucial role in the context of MRD in colorectal cancer, offering a valuable biomarker for prognosis, treatment monitoring, and early detection of recurrence. A 70-year-old female diagnosed case of rectal carcinoma (T3N2M0) received FOLFOX × 2 cycles followed by CAPOX × 2 cycles. She then underwent chemoradiation using capecitabine as a radiosensitiser, followed by laparoscopic tumor resection. The histopathology report showed tumour regression grade 2 (TRG2) response. Subsequently, the patient received 4 cycles of CAPOX but developed grade 2 peripheral neuropathy, leading to modification of her treatment to capecitabine alone for an additional 2 cycles. A whole-body positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET-CT) scan at this stage showed no evidence of disease. However, a liquid biopsy test detected the presence of two circulating tumor cells (CTCs). An MRI of the abdomen and pelvis was conducted, revealing multiple live lesions (4 mm–6 mm) in segment IV/VIII of the liver, with no sign of local disease. To manage liver metastasis, the patient received 1 cycle of FOLFIRI while awaiting selective internal radiotherapy (SIRT), followed by 5 cycles of FOLFIRI. Three years later, her PET scans were observed to be completely normal. This case highlights the critical role of CTCs as a biomarker for detecting minimal residual disease (MRD) or relapse. Without CTC monitoring, the liver metastasis—which was successfully treated with SIRT—would likely have been missed under standard cancer care guidelines. As of today, the patient is completely disease-free, underscoring the importance of thorough investigation using advanced CTC liquid biopsy biomarkers in managing rectal cancer with liver metastasis. 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

Combined ctDNA and CTC analysis improves MRD detection and cancer progression monitoring. Publications | 3 June 2024 ASCO 2024: Association of complementing ctDNA and CTCs load on stable and progressive disease in treated patients. Complementary ctDNA and CTC biomarkers reveal minimal residual disease and predict cancer progression after curative-intent treatment. Background: Post curative-intent surgery and therapy, the presence of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) load represents minimal residual disease (MRD). Conversely, the presence of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in stage I–II cancer or even in disease-free survival (DFS) patients indicates occult cellular residual disease (CRD) with undetectable micrometastasis. These complementary biomarkers in patients undergoing treatment act as indicators of non-responsiveness, suggesting the need for treatment modifications. Methods: Retrospectively, we monitored a cohort of 46 cancer patients for MRD using ctDNA and CTCs who were treated or undergoing treatment (e.g., lung, breast, colon, and head and neck cancer; n = 14, 7, 6, and 4, respectively). The OncoMonitor test detected single nucleotide variations (SNVs), small insertions and deletions (INDELs), copy number variations (CNVs), and translocations (fusions). Libraries were prepared using a hybridization-capture method covering 1000 targets with a mean sequencing depth of 5000× on the Illumina NextSeq 2000 in paired-end mode (150 × 2). Variant calling was performed using a proprietary bioinformatics pipeline, iCare. CTCs were isolated using the OncoDiscover platform, which possesses an anti-EpCAM antibody-based immunomagnetic system per 1.5 mL of blood. CTCs were confirmed using CK18+, PD-L1, and CD45 markers with a motorized fluorescence microscope. Results: From ctDNA analysis, 47.82% (n = 22) of patients were identified with at least one actionable genomic finding. Among these, 13.04% (n = 6) of patients showed EGFR driver mutations. Additionally, 19.56% (n = 9) of patients were identified with either EGFR driver, KRAS, or PI3K passenger mutations, while 4.34% (n = 2) were identified with ALK–EML4 fusion. The average ctDNA load obtained in patients with progressive disease (n = 26) was 8.2 molecules per 1 mL of plasma. At least one CTC was detected in 61.53% (n = 16) of progressive disease patients, with the highest count of four CTCs identified in 7.69% (n = 2) of patients. Only 30% (n = 6) of patients with stable disease were identified with at least one genomic finding from a total of 20 patients upon ctDNA analysis, with an average ctDNA load of 2.2 molecules per 1 mL of plasma. Patients with clinically progressive disease showed ctDNA load approximately fourfold higher than those with stable disease during treatment. No patients with stable disease were identified with four CTCs, as opposed to 7.69% in the progressive disease cohort during treatment. Conclusions: We observed that ctDNA and CTCs complement MRD status even after curative-intent surgery and therapy, with the potential to identify patients likely to experience disease progression. Our findings strongly indicate a positive correlation between ctDNA load, the number of detected CTCs, and disease progression based on radiological findings. These biomarkers can support practical clinical decision-making. Further studies are necessary to validate these findings and improve follow-up strategies for better clinical outcomes. 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

OncoDiscover detects CTCs, PD-L1 and clusters for longitudinal TNBC monitoring and care. Publications | 30 August 2026 Evaluation of circulating tumor cells expressing PD-L1 and CTC clusters at baseline and follow ups in triple-negative breast cancer A retrospective study of 180 TNBC blood samples evaluated CTC burden, PD-L1 expression and CTC clusters using the CDSCO-approved OncoDiscover platform, highlighting their potential for longitudinal disease monitoring and biomarker-guided management. Introduction: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive breast cancer subtype characterized by a high risk of recurrence and metastasis. Assessment of circulating tumor cells (CTCs), along with evaluation of PD-L1 expression and CTC clusters, provides prognostic, minimal cellular residual disease (MCRD), and predictive information. The duration of longitudinal CTC monitoring has not been established. This study evaluates the implications of detecting CTC burden, PD-L1 expression, and CTC clusters in TNBC patients at baseline and during follow-up for improved clinical outcomes. Methods: This retrospective observational study analyzed 180 peripheral blood samples from patients with TNBC, including 141 baseline (BL) and 39 longitudinal follow-up (FU) samples. Peripheral whole blood (1.5 mL) was processed using the CDSCO-approved OncoDiscover liquid biopsy platform, which employs antibody-mediated immunomagnetic enrichment and automated fluorescence microscopy to identify EpCAM⁺/CK18⁺/DAPI⁺/CD45⁻ CTCs. CTC positivity was defined as ≥1 confirmed CTC. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate CTC burden, PD-L1-positive CTCs, and CTC clusters across BL and FU cohorts and age groups. Results: CTCs were detected in 114/180 (63.3%) patients, while 66 (36.7%) were CTC-negative. PD-L1-positive CTCs were identified in 62/114 (54.4%) CTC-positive patients (34.4% of the overall cohort), and CTC clusters were detected in 17/180 (9.4%) patients. The overall mean CTC count was 0.91, with higher values observed in FU than BL samples (1.18 vs. 0.81). Mean CTC cluster counts were also marginally higher in FU samples (0.10 vs. 0.09). Most CTC-positive patients harbored a single CTC (77/180, 42.8%), followed by two (14.4%), three (5.0%), and four (1.1%) CTCs. Patients aged 20–30 years demonstrated the highest mean CTC count (1.83), whereas those aged 71–80 years had the lowest mean CTC count (0.50). Conclusion: The OncoDiscover platform detected CTCs in nearly two-thirds of patients with TNBC and demonstrated that more than half of CTC-positive patients expressed PD-L1. Simultaneous assessment of CTC enumeration, PD-L1 expression, and CTC clusters represents a promising minimally invasive strategy for longitudinal disease monitoring and biomarker-guided management in TNBC. Monitoring changes in CTCs and the duration of longitudinal MCRD from baseline remains critical, although this is not yet well established. 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

CTC together with Shh and Nrf2 are prospective diagnostic markers for HNSCC Publications | 4 April 2024 Manuscript: CTC together with Shh and Nrf2 are prospective diagnostic markers for HNSCC Study links Shh/Nrf2 overexpression with circulating tumor cells in HNSCC, highlighting their potential as biomarkers for early detection and survival prediction. Background The lack of appropriate prognostic biomarkers remains a significant obstacle in the early detection of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC), a cancer type with a high mortality rate. Despite considerable advancements in treatment, the success in diagnosing HNSCC at an early stage still needs to be improved. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) are overexpressed in various cancers, including HNSCC, and have recently been proposed as possible therapeutic targets for HNSCC. Circulating Tumor Cell (CTC) is a novel concept used for the early detection of cancers, and studies have suggested that a higher CTC count is associated with the aggressiveness of HNSCC and poor survival rates. Therefore, we aimed to establish molecular markers for the early diagnosis of HNSCC considering Shh/Nrf2 overexpression in the background. In addition, the relation between Shh/Nrf2 and CTCs is still unexplored in HNSCC patients. Methods In the present study, we selected a cohort of 151 HNSCC patients and categorized them as CTC positive or negative based on the presence or absence of CTCs in their peripheral blood. Data on demographic and clinicopathological features with the survival of the patients were analyzed to select the patient cohort to study Shh/Nrf2 expression. Shh and Nrf2 expression was measured by qRT-PCR. Results Considering significant demographic [smoking, betel leaf (p-value < 0.0001)] and clinicopathological risk factors [RBC count (p < 0.05), Platelet count (p < 0.05), Neutrophil count (p < 0.005), MCV (p < 0.0001), NLR (p < 0.05), MLR (p < 0.05)], patients who tested positive for CTC also exhibited significant overexpression of Shh/Nrf2 in both blood and tissue compared to CTC-negative patients. A strong association exists between CTCs and tumor grade. Following chemotherapy (a combination of Cisplatin, 5FU, and Paclitaxel), the frequency of CTCs was significantly decreased in patients with HNSCC who had tested positive for CTCs. The Kaplan–Meier plot illustrated that a higher number of CTCs is associated with poorer overall survival (OS) in patients with HNSCC. 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

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'कॅन्सर'ची टेस्ट शोधणाऱ्या मराठी माणसाचं आकाशाएवढं कर्तृत्व बघाच ! | डॉ.जयंत खंदारे. Press Release | 29 August 2026 'कॅन्सर'ची टेस्ट शोधणाऱ्या मराठी माणसाचं आकाशाएवढं कर्तृत्व बघाच ! | डॉ.जयंत खंदारे. धाराशिवच्या डॉ. जयंत खंदारे यांनी अमेरिकेत संशोधन करून रक्तावरून कॅन्सरचे निदान करणारी जगातील केवळ दुसरी टेस्ट विकसित केली आहे. पुणे आणि अमेरिकेत त्यांच्या लॅब असून, कॅन्सर जनजागृतीसह त्यांच्या या महत्त्वपूर्ण शोधाच्या प्रेरणादायी प्रवासाचा घेतलेला हा वेध. Summary in Marathi, Hindi and English डॉ. जयंत खंदारे यांनी रक्ताच्या तपासणीतून कॅन्सरचे निदान करणारी एक प्रगत आणि परवडणारी चाचणी विकसित केली आहे . पुणे येथील त्यांच्या 'अॅक्टोरियस' लॅबमध्ये ही चाचणी केली जाते. त्यांनी त्यांच्या धाराशिव ते अमेरिका आणि पुन्हा भारतात परतण्याचा प्रवास, तसेच कॅन्सरवरील संशोधनाचे महत्त्व या मुलाखतीत मांडले आहे . ही चाचणी कॅन्सर पेशंट्सना उपचारादरम्यान कॅन्सरचा प्रसार किंवा पुन्हा होणारा धोका ओळखण्यास मदत करते . डॉ. जयंत खंदारे ने रक्त परीक्षण के माध्यम से कैंसर का पता लगाने वाली एक उन्नत और किफायती टेस्ट विकसित की है। पुणे स्थित उनकी लैब 'एक्टोरियस' में यह परीक्षण किया जाता है, जो अंतरराष्ट्रीय स्तर की तुलना में बहुत सस्ती है । इस साक्षात्कार में, उन्होंने धाराशिव से अमेरिका और भारत तक के अपने वैज्ञानिक सफर और कैंसर अनुसंधान के महत्व पर चर्चा की है। यह टेस्ट कैंसर रोगियों को उपचार के दौरान कैंसर के फैलाव या दोबारा होने की स्थिति को समझने में मदद करती है। Dr. Jayant Khandare, originally from Dharashiv , discusses his journey of researching and developing a liquid biopsy test. This advanced technology allows for the detection of circulating tumor cells in the blood, helping to monitor cancer progression and relapse effectively. His laboratory, Actorius , based in Pune , provides this testing at a significantly lower cost than international alternatives, making it accessible for Indian patients. The discussion covers the causes of cancer, the importance of early detection, and the future potential of cancer vaccines. Know more about OncoDiscover - https://www.oncodiscover.com/ Watch the full video here oncodiscover.com/ctc-test https://www.oncodiscover.com/ctc-test 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

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