Chemical tunability of advanced materials used in the fabrication of micro/nanobots Publications 11 April 2023 Manuscript: Chemical tunability of advanced materials used in the fabrication of micro/nanobots Review on chemically tunable micro- and nanobots for targeted nanomedicine, highlighting AI materials, applications, and biosafety considerations. Micro and nanobots (MNBs) are unprecedented in their ability to be chemically tuned for autonomous tasks with enhanced targeting and functionality while maintaining their mobility. A myriad of chemical modifications involving a large variety of advanced materials has been demonstrated to be effective in the design of MNBs. Furthermore, they can be controlled for autonomous motion and for their ability to carry chemical or biological payloads. In addition, MNBs can be modified to achieve targetability with specificity for biological applications. However, MNBs, by virtue of their chemical compositions, may face limitations related to biocompatibility, tissue accumulation, poor biodegradability, and potential toxicity. This review presents a note on artificial intelligence materials (AIMs), their importance, and the dimensional scales at which intrinsic autonomy can be achieved for diverse applications. We briefly discuss the evolution of such systems with a focus on their advancements in nanomedicine. We highlight MNBs by covering their contemporary traits and the emergence of a few start-ups in specific areas. Furthermore, we showcase various examples demonstrating that chemical tunability is an attractive primary approach for designing MNBs with immense capabilities in both biology and chemistry. Finally, we discuss biosafety and ethical considerations in designing MNBs in the era of artificial intelligence for varied applications. 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

CTCs, clusters, and PD-L1 expression indicate MRD and guide endometrial cancer care. Publications 3 November 2025 PD-L1 over-expression on Circulating Tumor Cells in Endometrial Cancer Patients Khandare J, Ghadyalpatil N, Raja T, Velukuru S, Jadhav V, Satape R, Shinde S, Ashturkar A, Dattatreya P, Vasudevan A Actorius Innovations And Research, Pune, Maharashtra, India; Apollo Cancer Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India; Apollo Cancer Centre, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India; Aster CMI Hospital, Bangaluru, Karnataka, India; Renova Soumya Cancer Center, Hyderabad, Telangana, India. Introduction The risk of recurrence in non-metastatic endometrial cancer (EC) within 2–3 years is significant, ranging from 6% to 21%. Lymph node involvement is a key determinant of outcome prediction in patients with operable EC. To improve prognostic accuracy, particularly in the context of curative-intent surgery and adjunct therapy regimens, biomarkers such as circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have not been extensively evaluated in EC. The presence of CTCs as an occult disease component in EC may represent minimal cellular residual disease (MCRD) and could play a role in the metastatic cascade and invasion to distant organs. In this study, we evaluated the distribution of CTCs, their PD-L1 overexpression, and the occurrence of CTC clusters in EC patients. Methods A total of 154 blood samples were retrospectively analyzed, including 133 baseline and 21 follow-up samples (1.5 mL each). CTCs were isolated using the CDSCO India–approved OncoDiscover® CTC Test, which employs immunomagnetic enrichment targeting epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM). CTCs were identified based on immunocytochemical staining as CK18⁺, DAPI⁺, and CD45⁻ cells with distinct morphological features. Fluorescence imaging was performed using a Zeiss Axio Observer 7 microscope, and signal intensities were quantified to assess associations with clinicopathological parameters. PD-L1 expression on CTCs was evaluated through fluorescence-based immunostaining and quantified accordingly. Statistical analyses summarized total CTC counts, PD-L1–positive CTCs, and the presence of CTC clusters. Results A total of 336 CTCs were detected in 116 patients (75.3%). PD-L1 overexpression on CTCs was observed in 52.6% of samples (81 out of 154). Across all 154 patient samples analyzed, the mean values were 1.54 for total CTCs, 0.14 for CTC clusters, and 1.23 for PD-L1–positive CTCs. Notably, 21 patients (13.6%) demonstrated the presence of CTC clusters, accounting for 121 of the 336 total CTCs, suggesting more aggressive disease behavior. The highest proportion of patients belonged to the 61–70-year age group (41.55%). Conclusions This study demonstrates a high prevalence of CTCs in the endometrial cancer population. The presence of CTCs, CTC clusters, and PD-L1–overexpressing CTCs indicates occult minimal residual disease, disease aggressiveness, and potential progression toward metastasis. PD-L1 expression on CTCs may have implications for immunotherapy decision-making, particularly in situations where tissue biopsy is unavailable. 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

CTC and PD-L1 profiling supports therapy stratification and monitoring in cancers. Publications 16 September 2025 PD-L1 overexpression on circulating tumor cells and CTC clusters: A potential biomarker across solid carcinomas Correlation of CTC detection, PD-L1 expression, and CTC clusters highlights biomarkers for minimal residual disease and cancer progression monitoring. Abstract Background Overexpression of the dynamic protein PD-L1 on circulating tumor cells (CTCs) is a highly implicative biomarker that represents post–curative intent status, minimal residual disease (MRD), disease aggressiveness, therapeutic response, and metastatic progression. We evaluated the correlation among CTC detection, PD-L1 expression, and CTC clusters present in solid tumors, namely lung, breast, colorectal, ovarian, and prostate carcinomas. Longitudinal monitoring of CTCs remains a major focus after treatments, including surgical intervention with curative intent. Methods Retrospectively, we analyzed 328 cancer patients (male 163, female 165) across stages, consisting of a total of 383 samples with baseline and follow-ups (n = 55). Cancer types included lung (27.13%), colorectal cancer (21.95%), breast (9.75%), ovary (4.2%), prostate (3.9%), and others. CTCs and clusters were detected from 1.5 ml peripheral blood using the OncoDiscover platform approved by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization of India. The platform contains a multifunctional magneto-nanosystem mediated by anti-epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) antibody. CTCs were confirmed as EpCAM+ve, CK18+ve, DAPI+ve, and CD45–ve. PD-L1 expression on CTCs was detected based on the linear intensity gradients of fluorescence signals using image acquisition on an automated fluorescence microscope. Results Among the 383 samples with baseline and follow-ups, 69.45% of patients had CTCs ranging from 1–11. Approximately 77% of patients were above the age of 50. The total number of CTCs observed was ~649 with a mean distribution of ~1.69. CTCs with PD-L1 overexpression were observed in 55.35% of patients (n = 266). Higher CTC prevalence was observed in lung cancer (24.75%), followed by colorectal cancer (21.57%) and breast cancer (5.89%). CTC clusters were observed in 10.18% of patient samples. Notably, concurrent positivity for both CTCs and PD-L1 expression was most prevalent in lung cancer patients, suggesting a potential aggressive disease phenotype and therapeutic vulnerability. Conclusions The findings support the integrated use of CTCs and their PD-L1 expression as a composite biomarker strategy to stratify patients for targeted therapies, immunotherapeutic interventions, and longitudinal monitoring. 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

Biofunctionalized capillary platform with 3D matrix for efficient CTC capture. Publications 17 January 2017 Manuscript: Biofunctionalized Capillary Flow Channel Platform Integrated with 3D Nanostructured Matrix to Capture Circulating Tumor Cells Continuous-flow 3D microchannel platform captures circulating tumor cells with ~90% efficiency, enabling liquid biopsy and real-time cancer monitoring. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in peripheral blood provide valuable genetic information for cancer diagnosis and overall disease monitoring. The analysis of “liquid biopsy” holds immense promise, as it may lead to new approaches for cancer treatment. This study reports an effective continuous-flow microchannel system for isolating CTCs using a transferrin-conjugated 3D matrix synthesized by crosslinking polyethylene glycol–Fe₃O₄ nanostructures. This design enables rapid and efficient capture of CTCs. The platform also allows the use of multiple microchannel units in series, which can enhance cell capture efficiency by increasing the frequency of cell–substrate contact. CTCs were captured with high efficiency even at low target cell concentrations, achieving approximately 90% capture efficiency at 25 cells per mL of blood. Furthermore, the study demonstrates that cell capture performance is influenced by topographic interactions between the nanostructure-based matrix and the cancer cells of interest. In addition, this work presents a proof of concept using a 3D microchannel system capable of simultaneously capturing and permanently eliminating CTCs from peripheral blood samples. The study also evaluates clinical samples from colon and breast cancer patients for the rapid isolation of CTCs. Conclusively, the platform demonstrates a strong capacity for cancer cell sorting, biological studies of CTCs, and investigation of cancer metastasis, potentially benefiting real-time liquid biopsy applications and early cancer prognosis. 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 PD-L1 CTC testing improves lung cancer monitoring and response. Publications 3 June 2025 Quadrant of co-occurrence of circulating tumor DNA and PD-L1 expression on circulating tumor cells in monitoring disease aggressiveness and metastasis in lung cancer. Combined ctDNA and PD-L1–positive CTC analysis improves monitoring of metastasis, minimal residual disease, and treatment response in lung cancer. Background Liquid biopsies analyzing circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and circulating tumor cells (CTCs) enable minimally invasive monitoring and testing of lung cancer across different stages. Approximately 90% of patients succumb due to metastasis. However, identifying patients with early metastatic signatures remains extremely challenging. In addition, monitoring minimal residual disease (MRD) and identifying patients at risk of recurrence is highly important. While the prognostic role of CTCs in predicting survival has been established in several cancers, the combined role of CTCs and ctDNA in monitoring disease aggressiveness, treatment response, and therapeutic decision-making has not been extensively explored. In this study, we investigated the combined roles of ctDNA and CTCs in monitoring disease aggressiveness and metastasis in lung cancer patients. Methods A cohort of 265 late-stage lung cancer patients was retrospectively analyzed for the co-occurrence of the dual biomarkers ctDNA and CTCs. The results were correlated in a quadrant-based model to assess clinical disease states derived from PET scans and histopathological examination (HPE) findings. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was performed using the OncoMonitor dual biomarker assay, which includes CTC enumeration with PD-L1 expression analysis. CTC counts were determined using the OncoDiscover Liquid Biopsy Test, approved by CDSCO-India, from 1.5 mL of blood. Results CTC distribution ranged from 1 to 8 cells, with a mean value of 1.22. Among the patients, 75.47% (n = 200) were CTC-positive, and among these, 91.50% (n = 183) exhibited PD-L1 expression on their CTCs, with a mean PD-L1–positive CTC value of 0.99. Both biomarkers were positive (ctDNA⁺/CTC⁺) in 135 patients (50.94%). Only 19 patients (7.17%) were negative for both biomarkers (ctDNA⁻/CTC⁻). Additionally, 43 patients (16.23%) were ctDNA⁺/CTC⁻, while 68 patients (25.66%) were ctDNA⁻/CTC⁺. The ctDNA⁺/CTC⁻ cohort exhibited the highest metastatic rate at 62.8%, followed by the ctDNA⁺/CTC⁺ group at 57.0%. The ctDNA-positive cohort showed the highest proportion of progressive disease (20.2% and 18.6% in CTC⁺ and CTC⁻ subgroups, respectively). Mutations in EGFR, TP53, and KRAS were observed in 62.64% (166/265) of patients. Stable disease was observed in 29.4% of patients when both biomarkers were absent (ctDNA⁻/CTC⁻). Conclusions Overall, the ctDNA-positive cohort demonstrated higher rates of MRD, disease progression, and metastasis, with no cases of stable disease. The combined quadrant analysis of CTC-PD-L1 cells and ctDNA provides a non-invasive approach for monitoring disease progression, treatment response, complete remission, and early metastatic detection in lung cancer patients. 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

TSG mutations predict early relapse in mEGFR lung adenocarcinoma. Publications 14 March 2025 Manuscript: The impact of co-occurring tumor suppressor mutations with mEGFR as early indicators of relapse in lung cancer A set of 17 co-occurring TSG mutations has been identified as key biomarkers for early relapse in mEGFR lung adenocarcinoma. Longitudinal genomic monitoring, with a focus on clonal evolution, offers valuable insights that can inform personalized treatment strategies and potentially improve patient outcomes. Background: Lung adenocarcinoma frequently presents with EGFR mutations, often progressing on EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKls) despite an initial response. Progression is frequently driven by additional genetic changes, including mutations in tumor suppressor genes (TSGs). Understanding the role of these concurrent TSG mutations can help elucidate resistance mechanisms and guide the development of more effective treatment approaches. Materials and methods: We examined survival outcomes in 483 EGFR-mutant (mEGFR) patients from the GENIE BPC non-small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) dataset. To understand the mutational landscape and clonal dynamics, whole exome sequencing (WES) was carried out on 48 tumor samples from 16 mEGFR patients at both baseline and post-relapse. A comprehensive gene panel was applied to 200 liquid biopsy samples obtained longitudinally from 25 patients to track clonal evolution. Results: mEGFR patients with co-occurring TSG mutations exhibited significantly worse outcomes. In the GENIE dataset, overall survival (OS) was shorter [51.11 versus 99.3 months; hazard ratio (HR) 1.8, confidence interval (CI) 1.22-2.75, P = 0.003] and progression-free survival (PFS) was reduced (9.83 versus 11.48 months; HR 1.4, CI 1.03-1.91, P=0.026). WES analysis revealed 17 TSG mutations that were retained and showed clonal enrichment, particularly in early relapse (progression within 10 months of TKI initiation) or intermediate-stage relapse (relapse occurred between 10 and 20 months), indicated by increased variant allele frequency and their presence was strongly linked to early relapse. Longitudinal clonal studies further confirmed that TSG mutations co-occurring with mEGFR were often truncal, predominantly in early relapsers. Survival analysis using this subset of 17 TSGs showed significantly shorter OS (55.26 versus 99.3 months; HR 1.7, CI 1.12-2.65, P = 0.011) and PFS (9.67 versus 13.12 months; HR 1.5, CI 1.08-2.10, P = 0.013). Conclusions: A set of 17 co-occurring TSG mutations has been identified as key biomarkers for early relapse in mEGFR lung adenocarcinoma. Longitudinal genomic monitoring, with a focus on clonal evolution, offers valuable insights that can inform personalized treatment strategies and potentially improve patient outcomes. Key words: lung adenocarcinoma, tyrosine kinase inhibitor, whole exome sequencing, comprehensive gene panel, tumor suppressor genes 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

PD-L1 on CTCs and ctDNA enables real-time monitoring of breast cancer progression. Publications 3 June 2025 PD-L1 expression on circulating tumor cells and CTC clusters as a minimal cellular disease in breast cancer patients. This breast cancer study shows high prevalence of PD-L1–positive circulating tumor cells, supporting their role in minimal residual disease and metastasis risk. Background Tumor-derived components, such as dual biomarkers including circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and circulating tumor cells (CTCs), provide comprehensive real-time insights into the tumor microenvironment. Minimal cellular residual disease (MCRD), dynamic cell surface protein overexpression, residual tumor burden after curative-intent resection, and decisions regarding adjunct therapy or therapy de-escalation are critical aspects of patient management. Similar to the PD-L1 combined positive score (CPS) in tissue samples, PD-L1 expression on CTCs represents a promising dynamic biomarker, particularly in the context of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT may contribute to immune evasion by deactivating T cells, thereby facilitating micro-metastatic progression, which remains challenging to detect and manage. In this study, we report PD-L1 expression as a dynamic biomarker on circulating tumor cells across early- to late-stage breast cancer patients. Methods In this retrospective analysis, peripheral blood samples from 1,294 breast cancer patients were evaluated for the presence of CTCs, PD-L1 expression on CTCs, and CTC clusters. CTCs were enumerated using the OncoDiscover platform, approved by CDSCO-India, from 1.5 mL of peripheral blood. The system consists of a multi-component magneto-nanosystem mediated by anti-epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) antibodies. CTCs were identified based on EpCAM⁺, CK18⁺, DAPI⁺, and CD45⁻ markers. PD-L1 expression on CTCs was quantified using linear intensity gradients of fluorescence signals acquired through an automated Zeiss microscope. Additionally, a computational model was developed to evaluate mean CTC distribution, perform regression analysis, and assess CTC predictability. Results CTC counts ranged from 1 to 20 per 1.5 mL of blood. At baseline analysis, 73.20% (n = 978) of patients had ≥1 CTC. Among patients with detectable CTCs, 87.69% (n = 406 of 463) exhibited PD-L1 expression. The highest proportion of total CTCs (~21.61%, n = 1,125) was observed in the 41–50-year age group. The highest frequency of CTC clusters (~29.08%, n = 41) and PD-L1–positive CTCs (~42.91%, n = 324) was observed in the 51–60-year age group. CTC clusters were detected in 2.71% (n = 141) of total patients. The mean CTC count (including clusters) was 3.90, while the mean PD-L1–positive CTC count was 3.40. The computational model demonstrated a correlation between blood-based outcomes and normal probability scores. Conclusions The observed inter-patient heterogeneity suggests potential biological and pharmacodynamic relevance of both CTCs and PD-L1 expression. Larger clinical studies are warranted to further evaluate PD-L1 expression on CTCs, particularly in early-stage cancers. Patients with minimal cellular residual disease, despite the absence of radiographic evidence, may represent a higher-risk group for metastasis progression and may benefit from enhanced stratification strategies. 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

Actorius Innovations at ASCO 2026 Publications 2 June 2026 ASCO 2026: Comparative enumeration of circulating tumor cells with PD-L1 over expression using anti EpCAM antibody to N-Cadherin in solid cancers Dual EpCAM and N-cadherin profiling improves circulating tumor cell detection, enhancing minimal residual disease surveillance and identifying metastasis-prone cells. Abstract Background Minimal cellular residual disease (MCRD) with PD-L1 expression on circulating tumor cells (CTCs) is highly evidenced for possible aggressive diseases systemically. CTCs captured using N-cadherin—a calcium-dependent transmembrane glycoprotein—targets epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) tumor cells. There is a difference in phenotypic specificity, as EpCAM likely misses CTCs that have undergone EMT, while N-cadherin enables the detection of these aggressive, invasive cells. Thus, N-cadherin-based CTC capture is more effective for identifying metastasis-prone CTCs. Using both markers together may improve overall CTC capture efficiency to provide a more comprehensive landscape of tumor heterogeneity and disease progression. We show the comparative and paired outcome of CTC capture using both anti-EpCAM antibodies versus N-cadherin across solid cancers. Methods Retrospectively, we compared 33 patients with different stages of breast, rectal, colon, prostate, lung, and other cancers. CTCs were detected using an affinity marker-independent isolation platform to avoid EpCAM bias. CTCs were isolated using a marker-independent, anti-EpCAM-positive, and N-cadherin-positive OncoDiscover platform evaluating PD-L1+ expression using automated Zeiss microscopy. Anti-EpCAM-positive and N-cadherin-positive CTCs were classified using validated intensity thresholds, concordance/discordance rates, cluster frequency, and the mean distribution of CTCs. Results OncoDiscover platform EpCAM and N-cadherin expression showed an overall concordance of 60.61% and a discordance of 39.39%, indicating EMT-related phenotypic divergence. The mean CTC counts were comparable between anti-EpCAM-positive and N-cadherin-positive samples (0.66 and 0.70 per sample, respectively). Among EpCAM-positive CTCs, 42.85% expressed PD-L1, whereas PD-L1 positivity was lower and present in 30.30% of N-cadherin-positive CTCs. Importantly, 4 N-cadherin+/EpCAM- PD-L1-positive CTCs were identified, which were not captured by EpCAM affinity; conversely, 6 EpCAM+/PD-L1+ CTCs lacked N-cadherin expression. Notably, CTC clusters were found in 12.12% of EpCAM+ cases and 6.06% of N-cadherin-positive cases. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that dual-marker profiling improves detection sensitivity relative to single-marker interrogation. Conclusions Using both EpCAM and N-cadherin together improved CTC capture efficiency. However, N-cadherin-based CTC capture is more implicative in identifying metastasis-prone CTCs. The dual affinity accounts for CTCs for MCRD surveillance for the presence of disease systemically and is indicative of the progression of micro-metastasis. 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

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

Real-Time Therapy Response Monitoring Using Surface Biomarkers on Circulating Tumor Cells Publications 27 January 2026 Manuscript: Real-Time Therapy Response Monitoring Using Surface Biomarkers on Circulating Tumor Cells Circulating tumor cells (CTCs), cancer cells shed from primary tumors into the bloodstream, are emerging as dynamic, non-invasive biomarkers for real-time cancer monitoring, especially when tissue biopsies are inaccessible or inadequate... Simple Summary Circulating tumor cells (CTCs), cancer cells shed from primary tumors into the bloodstream, are emerging as dynamic, non-invasive biomarkers for real-time cancer monitoring, especially when tissue biopsies are inaccessible or inadequate. Unlike static tissue samples, CTCs allow repeated assessments that track tumor evolution, therapeutic response, and minimal residual disease. Hence, CTCs offer a minimally invasive, real-time alternative to tissue biopsies for cancer monitoring, particularly through surface protein biomarkers like PD-L1, HER2, and EGFR. As detection technologies improve and the clinical relevance of CTC continues to be established, CTC profiling is poised to significantly influence the future of precision oncology. Abstract Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are shed from the primary tumor into the bloodstream and represent dynamic molecular biomarkers for monitoring the progression of cancer. While profiling tumor tissues with over expression of cell surface markers, such as PD-L1 or HER2, is standard in guiding therapy, tissue samples are often inaccessible and inadequate, especially post-surgery or in cases of recurrence. Emerging clinical evidence indicates that CTC counts and biomarker surface expression can predict prognosis and therapeutic resistance more accurately than imaging or tissue-based approaches. Recent advancements in the CTC detection methods, based on physical properties or surface markers (e.g., EpCAM), coupled with next-generation sequencing (NGS) have enabled the isolation of these rare cells and their molecular characterization. Consequently, CTCs provide a real-time alternative, enabling repeated, longitudinal assessment of tumor phenotype and therapeutic response. This review emphasizes the translational potential of surface protein biomarkers on CTCs for profiling, namely PD-L1, HER2, and EGFR, as a clinically actionable approach to stratify patients, guide immunotherapy decisions, and monitor minimal residual disease (MRD), especially when longitudinal tissue biopsies are not feasible. 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

OncoDiscover liquid biopsy enables CTC detection for cancer diagnosis and monitoring. Expert Insights 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

CTC counts correlate with OSCC stage and aggressive pathological features in India. Publications 15 March 2020 ASCO 2020: Correlation of CTCs with disease progression in Indian oral cancer patients. In 230 OSCC patients, CTC counts correlated with cancer stage and aggressive features, proving CTCs are a reliable marker for disease stratification. Background Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is the leading cancer in India, with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) as the most frequent subtype. OSCC is classified as a locoregional disease, and its increased frequency is attributed to a lack of effective biomarkers compared to other epithelial cancers. At the time of diagnosis, above 50% of cases present with advanced-stage disease and are predisposed to treatment failure despite appropriate intervention. Thus, early diagnosis of OSCC can significantly reduce the disease burden. Here, we describe a regulatory-approved method to establish the presence of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in Indian OSCC patients and its positive correlation with various clinicopathological parameters, suggesting the potential use of CTCs as a significant parameter to stratify oral cancer with respect to disease advancement. Methods In a cross-sectional observational study, 230 OSCC patients at different pathological stages of the disease and treatment modes were enrolled. CTCs were isolated using the approved OncoDiscover liquid biopsy technology (approved by the Drug Controller General of India), a platform based on immunomagnetic CTC enumeration. CTCs were detected for CK18 presence and well-defined, DAPI-stained nuclei. Enumerated CTCs were subsequently analyzed for various clinicopathological parameters such as pathological stage (pStage), extra-capsular spread (ECS), lymphovascular emboli (LVE), perineural invasion (PNI), and depth of invasion (DOI). CTC cut-off values were obtained to differentiate early vs. advanced stages with respect to different clinical stages and parameters. Results CTCs of OSCC patients correlated positively with cancer stages (clinical as well as pathological) as well as aggressive pathological features. In the presence of aggressive pathological features that often suggest a poor disease outcome, we observed a 25–50% increase in CTC numbers. Early-stage, treatment-naive patients had a lower number of CTCs. The mean CTC number in advanced-stage patients was 50% higher than in early-stage OSCC patients. Conclusions Considering the positive correlation of CTC numbers with various pathophysiological features, CTCs can be contemplated as a reliable parameter to predict disease outcome in oral cancer. The consistent presence of CTCs across all disease stages also suggests the probable nature of OSCC as a biological systemic disease. Clinical Trial Information CTRI/2018/03/012905. 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