Single CTC genomics reveals mutations and therapy resistance beyond ctDNA in CRC. Publications | 17 September 2024 ESMO 2024: True single-circulating tumor cell genomics reveals enriched therapy-resistance signatures in advanced colorectal cancer patients Single CTC genomics reveals actionable mutations and therapy resistance signatures not detected in paired ctDNA in advanced colorectal cancer. Background Plasma ctDNA (circulating tumor DNA) has emerged as a novel biomarker for detecting genomic alterations and for longitudinal monitoring of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. However, nearly 30% of patients show no mutations detected, potentially missing opportunities for companion therapy. Single circulating tumor cell (sCTC) genomics can provide greater sensitivity in detecting actionable targets. We report comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) of live sCTCs and paired ctDNA from an advanced CRC patient population. Methods Retrospectively, live sCTCs and CTC clusters were isolated from six patients with stage IV CRC using OncoRADAR technology. Whole genomes of sCTCs were amplified and target-enriched using hybridization capture with OncoIndx, a comprehensive 1080-gene panel, to generate sequencing libraries. These libraries were sequenced on the Illumina NextSeq 2000 platform in paired-end mode with a sequencing depth of 500×. Raw sequence alignment and variant calling were performed using iCare software. Paired ctDNA samples were processed similarly but sequenced at a higher depth of 5500×. Results A total of 22 sCTCs were isolated, including four CTC clusters. The combined mutational landscape revealed 142 clinically relevant mutations, including 65 missense (45.77%), 25 nonsense (17.61%), 16 frameshift (11.27%), 7 indels (4.93%), 10 splice variants (7.04%), and 19 structural variants (13.38%). NRAS was the most frequently mutated gene, occurring in 52% of samples, followed by SMO (47.6%), TAP1 (42.85%), and TP53 (42.5%). In paired ctDNA samples, TP53 (66%), KRAS (50%), and TAP1 (33.33%) were the most frequently mutated genes. At the individual gene level, a 40% concordance was observed between sCTC and ctDNA. The genomic profile of sCTCs was particularly enriched with mutations in proliferative and stemness-maintenance signaling pathways, including NRAS:p.A146T and SMO:p.V392G, suggesting potential therapy evasion mechanisms. CTCs also showed a higher accumulation of immunotherapy resistance signatures, including loss-of-function mutations in STK11 and STAT5B, which were not detected in paired ctDNA samples. Conclusions The genomic profile of sCTCs exhibited enriched mutations in proliferative and stemness-maintenance signaling pathways. Therapy resistance signatures were more prevalent in sCTCs compared to ctDNA and may provide important clinical insights, particularly for patients who cannot provide tissue biopsy samples or show negative ctDNA results. 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

PD-L1-positive CTCs may predict treatment outcomes and occult residual disease. Publications | 1 September 2026 Longitudinal Assessment of Circulating Tumor Cells Expressing PD-L1 and Clusters in Esophageal Cancer Patients A longitudinal study of 110 esophageal cancer patients evaluated CTCs, PD-L1 expression, and CTC clusters, highlighting their potential as predictive biomarkers for treatment outcomes and occult minimal cellular residual disease. Background Carcinoma esophagus (CA esophagus) has a high recurrence rate and poor survival outcomes. Despite complete response (CR), a notable number of patients experience recurrence. Thus, pathological ‘no evidence of disease’ may not always indicate disease-free survival (DFS), particularly in the presence of occult systemic disease and micro-metastasis. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) with PD-L1 overexpression may offer both prognostic and predictive value. Similar approaches, such as AR-V7 expression in the PROPHECY study, have demonstrated the potential of CTC-based biomarkers in predicting treatment outcomes in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Longitudinal CTC assessment may provide evidence of active clonal evolution, minimal cellular residual disease (MCRD), and therapy sequencing. We assessed the presence of PD-L1-overexpressing CTCs and CTC clusters in patients with CA esophagus. Methods We retrospectively assessed 110 patients with CA esophagus using peripheral 1.5 mL blood samples collected at baseline (BL) (n=86; 78.2%) and follow-ups (FU) (n=24; 21.8%). CTC enumeration and PD-L1 expression analysis were performed using the CDSCO-approved OncoDiscover® platform. CTCs were identified based on EpCAM⁺, CK18⁺, DAPI⁺, CD45⁻, and PD-L1⁺ markers using a fluorescence automated microscope. Mean CTC distributions were calculated across multiple time points and longitudinal means were compared between BL and FU. Results Among 110 patients, 83 (75.5%) were CTC-positive. PD-L1 expression was detected in 63 patients (57.3%), while CTC clusters were observed in 14 patients (12.7%). Most patients (89/110; 80.9%) were aged 51–80 years, with a mean age of 59.7 years, and 67.3% were male. At baseline, 65/86 (75.6%) patients were CTC-positive, with 47 (54.7%) showing PD-L1 overexpression. At follow-up, 18/24 (75%) patients remained CTC-positive, of whom 16 (66.7%) demonstrated PD-L1 positivity. The mean CTC count was 1.37 at BL and 1.20 at FU, with a combined mean of 1.32. The mean distribution of PD-L1-positive CTCs was 0.83 at baseline, 0.91 at follow-up, and 0.85 overall. CTC clusters increased at follow-up compared with baseline (0.25 vs. 0.12). Conclusions We longitudinally monitored and assessed PD-L1-expressing CTCs and CTC clusters in esophageal cancer patients at baseline and follow-up. PD-L1-positive CTCs may have potential as a predictive biomarker for treatment outcomes and the detection of occult minimal cellular residual disease. 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 track residual disease and therapy response in breast cancer patients. Publications | 6 June 2023 ASCO 2023: Effect of circulating tumor cells distribution in treatment naive and treated patients with advance stage breast cancer on disease burden. A study of 417 breast cancer patients shows tracking circulating tumor cells (CTCs) effectively monitors therapy response and recurrence risk. Background Breast malignancies are a leading cause of cancer-related mortalities and show an ascending incidence rate. Despite advancements in our understanding of the disease, its clinical outcome is often dismal. This largely remains owing to the characteristic wide window of relapse, spanning months to decades after primary treatment. Therefore, continuous monitoring of the disease is an offered choice to detect metastatic progression and recurrence. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have emerged as a powerful prognostic tool to predict the disease outcome in many epithelial cancers. CTCs are a real-time surrogate biomarker accounting for minimal residual disease (MRD) which is often missed in CT PET scanning. This leads to a progression of metastasis when the patient is often considered as 'clinically disease free'. Here, we analyzed the presence of CTCs in treatment-naive and chemo-recipient breast cancer patients. Methods In this retrospective study on 417 breast cancer patients, CTCs were isolated from 1.5 ml of blood using the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) approved OncoDiscover CTC test. This platform contains affinity-based magnetic nanoparticles to mediate EpCAM-based CTC isolation. CTCs were detected as CK18+, DAPI+ and CD45- cells based on an automated digital imaging platform. Results 42.6% (n=178) of patients were clinically at a progressive stage (stage II and III) and treatment-naive. On the other hand, 47.4% of patients received treatment including surgery and chemotherapy. CTCs were not observed in 5.6% (n=10) of the treatment-naive population, while 32% (n=75) of patients who received therapy did not show CTCs. The mean CTC number in treatment-naive patients was 15, while the mean CTC count in patients receiving therapy was drastically reduced to 2. This implied that therapy effectively countered the tumor progression and reduced the shedding of tumor cells in circulation. The distribution of CTC in treatment-naive patients exhibited a bimodal trend centered at values of 10 and 50, suggesting two distinct populations of patients with respect to CTC count. CTC count did not show any correlation with the age in both population groups. Surprisingly, CTC count in younger patients (20-50 years) was 50% higher compared to the older population (50-75 years). Conclusions The presence of CTCs in treatment-naive, progressive breast cancer patients indicated biologically aggravated disease. Although therapeutic intervention drastically reduced the CTC burden, their presence in a large population was suggestive of an MRD and the likelihood of recurrence after discontinuation of therapy. A distinct pattern of CTC occurrences in Tx naive and Tx recipient patients suggested that CTCs can be an important clinical indicator to monitor the therapy response, progression, and residual disease. 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

Discover the latest press releases, media coverage, and important announcements from Actorius Innovations and Research and see how we're making headlines in the industry. News & Press Updates News, Media & Announcements Latest press releases, media coverage, and important announcements from Actorius Innovations and Research. 29 Aug 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. Read More 24 May 2026 The Hidden Threat of a Single Cell: Dr. Jayant Khandare on How One Circulating Tumor Cell Can Restart the Cancer Journey The deadliest cancer threat may be invisible — just one surviving cell can be enough to restart the disease journey. Read More 17 Mar 2026 Actorius Innovations pioneers' oncology care with its OncoDiscover and OncoMetastat solutions Dr. Jayant Khandare Leads Actorius with Pathbreaking Innovations in Cancer Detection and Metastasis Control Read More 14 Mar 2026 डॉ. जयंत खंदारे के नेतृत्व में एक्टोरियस इनोवेशन्स ऍंड रिसर्च प्राइवेट लिमिटेड करेगी कैंसर की पहचान और मेटास्टेसिस नियंत्रण में नई क्रांतिकारी पहल एक्टोरियस इनोवेशन्स ऍंड रिसर्च प्राइवेट लिमिटेड, एक अग्रणी भारत-अमेरिकी जैव-प्रौद्योगिकी कंपनी है जो आधुनिक सर्कुलेटिंग टयूमर सेल्स (CTC) तकनीकों के माध्यम से ऑन्कोलॉजी के क्षेत्र में परिवर्तन ला रही है। कंपनी के संस्थापक, प्रबंध निदेशक और मुख्य वैज्ञानिक अधिकारी डॉ. जयंत खंदारे के दूरदर्शी नेतृत्व में कंपनी यह उल्लेखनीय प्रगति कर रही है। Read More 14 Mar 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. Read More 5 Feb 2026 Actorius and ACTREC Partner to Advance Clinical Cancer Research. A collaborative research initiative to study the practical utility of Circulating Tumor Cells and their capture and depletion from patient's blood as possible aid to adjunct therapeutics. Read More 11 Feb 2024 Magnetic nanocrystals capture tumour cells from blood samples These nanomaterials could speed up discovery of anti-cancer drugs Read More 6 Mar 2023 Pune start-up gets US patent for delivering drugs to site-specific organs The patent was granted to Actorius Innovations and Research and its team that designed capsule shells using natural polymer to obtain a delayed release profile suitable for delivery of drugs to colon and rectum, said Dr Jayant Khandare, founder-director and Chief Scientific Officer of the start-up. Read More 9 Aug 2022 Revolutionary OncoDiscover® Blood Test for Early Cancer Detection - Metro News Gujarat Dr. Jayant Khandare interview with Metro News Gujarat Read More 23 Apr 2020 Times of India | Liquid biopsy may replace invasive procedure to detect cancer: Experts Liquid biopsy may replace invasive procedure to detect cancer: Experts Read More 29 Aug 2019 Early Detection of Cancer Recurrence Now Possible in Marathi A feature highlighting innovative liquid biopsy technology that enables early detection of cancer recurrence, with expert insights from Dr. Jayant Khandare of Actorius Innovations and Research in Marathi News Paper Read More 28 Aug 2019 Dr. Jayant Khandare – Interview Excerpts on DD Sahyadri Dr. Jayant Khandare shares insights on cancer diagnostics and liquid biopsy advancements in his edited interview on DD Sahyadri, aired by Doordarshan Sahyadri. Read More 24 Aug 2019 Pune scientists discover tech, first in India, to detect early spread of cancer. The new "OncoDiscover" technology discovered by a team led by Dr Jayant Khandare not only detects the early spread of cancer but doctors say it can also speed up the cancer detection process… Read More 24 Aug 2019 Startup Mantra: Making cancer detection more accessible and affordable to people Launching ‘OncoDiscover Liquid Biopsy Test’, a minimally invasive test which can be performed multiple times requiring 1.5ml blood volume... Read More 22 Mar 2019 Actorius Innovations Featured on BBC News Click Kannada Actorius Innovations and Research was showcased on BBC News Click (Kannada edition), featuring an interview with Dr. Jayant Khandare and testimonials from leading oncologists including Dr. Kumar Prabhash and Dr. Pankaj Chaturvedi, along with patient experiences. Read More First Prev 1 Page 1 Next Last

AR-V7 detection in CTCs may predict ARSI resistance and guide prostate cancer therapy. Publications | 30 August 2026 Detection of Androgen Receptor Splice Variant 7 in Circulating Tumor Cells for Dynamic Treatment Decision in Prostate Cancer Patients This study evaluated AR-V7 in CTCs and clusters from prostate cancer patients, highlighting its potential to predict ARSI resistance and support dynamic treatment decisions. Introduction: The androgen receptor (AR) is the principal driver of prostate cancer (PC) progression and the primary therapeutic target of androgen receptor signaling inhibitors (ARSIs). Androgen receptor splice variant 7 (AR-V7) is a constitutively active splice variant of AR that lacks the ligand-binding domain targeted by ARSIs, enabling persistent AR signaling despite therapy. AR-V7 has emerged as a predictive biomarker of resistance to ARSI therapy in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), with shorter progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) with abiraterone or enzalutamide. Detection of AR-V7 in circulating tumour cells (CTCs) is a strong predictive biomarker for identifying patients who are less likely to benefit from ARSI therapy. Dynamic treatment decisions (DTD) based on AR-V7 expression in CTCs may have significant implications for improving clinical outcomes. We evaluated AR-V7 expression in CTCs and CTC clusters from patients with prostate cancer (PC). Methods: Retrospectively, 1.5 mL of peripheral blood samples from 30 cancer patients, comprising 24 patients with advanced prostate cancer and 6 negative controls (non-PC), were processed using the CDSCO-approved OncoDiscover immunomagnetic affinity platform. CTC enrichment was performed using anti-EpCAM antibody-based immunomagnetic capture, followed by identification of CK18-positive, CD45-negative, DAPI-positive cells. CTCs and CTC clusters were immunostained with antibodies against total AR and the AR-V7 splice variant and analysed using microscopy. Individual CTCs and CTC clusters were evaluated for AR and AR-V7 expression at single-CTC resolution. Results: Among 23 patients with advanced PC, CTCs and/or CTC clusters were detected in 73.9% (17/23) of patients. A total of 31 CTCs were isolated, corresponding to a mean CTC distribution of 1.35 per patient, including 61.29% (19/31) individual CTCs and 38.70% (12/31) CTC clusters. AR-V7-positive CTCs and/or CTC clusters were detected in 43.47% (10/23) of patients. Overall, 35.5% (11/31) of CTCs were AR-V7-positive, comprising 6 individual CTCs and 5 CTC clusters. Among the 12 CTC clusters, 5 (41.7%) expressed AR-V7. Seven of 10 AR-V7-positive patients (70.0%) demonstrated both AR-V7-positive and AR-V7-negative CTCs and CTC clusters, highlighting interpatient and intrapatient heterogeneity. Conclusion: We detected AR-V7-positive CTCs and CTC clusters in patients with PC, demonstrating heterogeneity in AR-V7 expression. Further clinical studies correlating AR-V7 status with dynamic treatment decisions and therapeutic response outcomes are warranted. 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 AACR 2026 Publications Publications | 17 March 2026 AACR 2026: Depletion of circulating tumor cells using an automated device using non-hemolytic affinity-based substrates Actorius Innovations presents accepted research abstracts at the AACR Annual Meeting 2026, highlighting advances in cancer diagnostics, therapeutics and liquid biopsy. Abstract Background While 90% of cancer deaths are associated with metastasis, it is imperative to monitor early-stage cancer patients for the presence of systemic disease to improve overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Despite complete remission, up to 25–50% of colorectal cancer (CRC) stage II–III and early breast cancer cases are known to relapse. Furthermore, the existence of microtumors often remains undetected by radio-imaging tools due to their limited detection thresholds. Following curative-intent therapies, minimal residual cellular disease (MRCD) may persist and is often represented by circulating tumour cells (CTCs). These cells are known for their ability to extravasate and invade distant sites from the primary tumor. They can also evade immune surveillance. Therefore, there is a need to design safer extracorporeal devices for the capture and depletion of CTCs, particularly those overexpressing PD-L1. In this study, we designed an automated device to capture and remove CTCs from whole blood. Methods We developed an automated microprocessor-operated fluidic device, OncoMetastat, equipped with cartridges for blood and reagent tubes, along with a 3D-printed biocompatible spiral channel. The controller unit powers peristaltic pumps that circulate blood through the spiral channel (96 mm diameter × 6 mm height). The system incorporates 2 mm glass beads conjugated with antibodies and transferrin. Additionally, four vibrators provide micro-stirring to enhance CTC capture from 5–10 mL of patient blood samples (n = 54). White blood cell (WBC) count, hemolysis, and protein binding were measured. The beads were scanned for CTCs using markers CK18⁺, DAPI⁺, and CD45⁻ through an automated imaging system and compared with the OncoDiscover CTC enumeration platform approved by CDSCO India. We analyzed true positives, false negatives, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy. Results Retrospectively, blood samples from 54 pan-cancer patients—including breast, colorectal, prostate, and lung cancer—were analyzed to capture and deplete CTCs. The OncoMetastat platform demonstrated a capture efficiency of over 90% when compared with the OncoDiscover platform. Automated scanning achieved 100% efficiency in CTC imaging compared with manual imaging. Leukocyte adhesion was low with anti-EpCAM and transferrin-coated glass beads (2 ± 1 WBCs per sample, n = 54). WBC counts showed cancer-type-specific trends (mean WBC count/mL: 4.9 × 10⁶ for breast cancer, 3.9 × 10⁶ for rectal cancer, and 3.5 × 10⁶ for prostate cancer), representing a 40% decrease compared with healthy controls (mean 6.9 × 10⁶ WBCs/mL). Clinically insignificant hemolysis (<1%) and minimal protein binding (~1.5%) were observed. Vibration-assisted operation enhanced CTC sequestration, achieving more than 90% cell capture efficiency. The platform demonstrated sensitivity of 94.4%, specificity of 92.9%, PPV of 94.4%, NPV of 92.9%, and overall accuracy of 93.8% for CTC capture. Conclusion This study demonstrates efficient and specific depletion of CTCs using the automated device. The platform shows potential as an extracorporeal system capable of removing CTCs from whole blood, thereby offering a promising strategy to enhance cancer therapy outcomes. 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

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), which are 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 CTCs 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 overexpression 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 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

Combined ctDNA and CTC profiling correlates with PET-CT in cancer progression monitoring. Publications | 25 November 2024 ISLB 2024: Comprehensive Analysis of ctDNA and CTCs Reveals Resistance signatures and Correlations with PET Scan Outcomes in Cancer Patients Integrated ctDNA and CTC analysis correlates with PET-CT outcomes to reveal treatment resistance and aggressive cancer progression. Introduction Liquid biopsy offers real-time insights into tumor dynamics. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and circulating tumor cells (CTCs) stand out as promising biomarkers due to their potential to provide comprehensive information about tumor evolution, treatment response, and the emergence of resistance. Concordance between ctDNA, CTCs, and PET-CT scans holds immense promise in cancer management, including identifying treatment resistance and correlating with PET scan outcomes. Methods Retrospectively, 18 patients with progressive and/or metastatic disease undergoing treatment were monitored. Paired samples for ctDNA and CTCs were evaluated. NGS libraries were prepared using a hybridization-capture method based on the custom-designed OncoIndx 1080 CGP panel and deep sequenced on the Illumina NextSeq 2000 in paired-end mode (150 × 2). Variant calling was performed using the proprietary bioinformatics pipeline iCare. CTCs were isolated using the OncoDiscover platform possessing an anti-EpCAM antibody-based immunomagnetic system from 1.5 ml of blood. CTCs were confirmed with CK18+, PD-L1+, DAPI+, and CD45– markers. Results ctDNA analysis showed that every patient (100%, n = 18) had at least one actionable genomic finding. Among them, 44.44% (n = 8) had concurrent mutations in the BRCA1/2 and TP53 genes, and 87.5% (n = 7) of these patients also possessed detectable CTCs. A smaller subset, 11.11% (n = 2), showed driver mutations in the EGFR gene. The remaining patients exhibited mutations in genes including KRAS, PTEN, STK11, RB1, AR, KIT, MET, and CDKN2A. These molecular profiles correlated with treatment resistance and were consistent with PET scan results showing disease progression in 88.88% (n = 16) of patients. Only 11.11% (n = 2) of the cohort demonstrated therapeutic response in recent PET scans. Notably, the combination of BRCA1/2 and TP53 mutations, along with the presence of CTCs, was primarily observed in patients with advanced or metastatic aggressive disease. These co-occurring mutations were identified in ovarian, biliary duct, and breast cancers. Conclusions The concurrent presence of BRCA1/2 and TP53 mutations alongside CTCs suggests aggressive disease progression and metastasis across the patient group. Moreover, the molecular interplay between BRCA1/2 and TP53 mutations has been associated with resistance to PARP inhibitors. These findings emphasize the urgent need for longitudinal monitoring in patients with both BRCA1/2 and TP53 mutations coupled with CTC detection. 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

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

AI-based image analysis rapidly profiles CTC morphology and biomarker expression. Publications | 16 September 2025 Profiling of PD-L1 and HER2 over expression on cancer cells using AI based macro-driven automation AI-based image analysis rapidly profiles circulating tumor cells, quantifying morphology and biomarkers like PD-L1 and HER2 for cancer research. Abstract Background Extravasation, invasion, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transitions, metastasis progression, immune evasion, and therapeutic resistance are driven by phenotypic alterations in cancer cells. Assessing cell morphology, stiffness, and deformability is therefore crucial. The expression of PD-L1, HER2, EGFR, and cytokeratins (CKs) serves as key phenotypic biomarkers for precision oncology. We developed an AI-based image analysis tool that rapidly captures these transitions in cell assays, including specific protein biomarkers expressed on circulating tumor cells (CTCs). Methods We extended an ImageJ macro to enable rapid and reproducible extraction of biophysical parameters. The macro processes .lif, .nd2, and .czi file formats, using DAPI for nuclear segmentation and fluorophore-conjugated antibodies to delineate cytoplasmic boundaries. We evaluated automatic channel detection, intensity normalization, Otsu thresholding, and per-cell quantification of parameters such as surface area, circularity index (CI), and mean fluorescence intensity. Violin plots illustrated temporal variations in CI across A549 and MCF7 cells. Validation was conducted on CTCs isolated from cancer patient samples (n = 100) for PD-L1 and HER2 expression. Results The macro reduced image processing time from 7 minutes to 3 seconds per sample. A549 cells showed higher and more consistent CI values across all time points, while MCF7 cells demonstrated lower CI with greater variability, particularly at 24 and 72 hours. Quantitative measurements of PD-L1 and HER2 expression showed 100% concordance between the ImageJ macro and Zeiss software outputs, confirming analytical accuracy. CK18 intensity (~60–400) and PD-L1 (~20–50) levels measured by both platforms validated the macro’s ability to detect a wide range of marker expression in CTC subsets. CTCs exhibited higher CI values and greater morphological heterogeneity, consistent with their invasive phenotype. Conclusions We present an AI-driven macro that quantifies the biophysical characteristics of cancer cells, enabling precise phenotypic profiling, including circularity index, proliferation rates, and overexpression of biomarkers such as PD-L1 and HER2 in both cultured cell lines and patient-derived CTCs. 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

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

Cofounder, MD & CSO Actorius Innovations and Research Pvt. Ltd. Dr. Jayant Khandare Cofounder, MD & CSO LinkedIn Qualification Master of Pharmacy (M. Pharm.) University of Mumbai | 1995 Ph.D. (Chemical Engineering) National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), Pune | 2003 Alexander von Humboldt (AvH) Experienced Researcher. Humboldt Foundation, Germany | 2008 Fellow of Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC). Royal Society of Chemistry, UK | 2014 25+ US Patents, 100+ Peer Reviewed Scientific Articles Postdoctoral stints at Wayne State University (USA), Rutgers University (USA) and Freie Universität Berlin (Germany) in the area of targeted drug delivery for cancer. Research interests at the interface of macromolecular chemistry, biopolymer sciences, cancer biology, and cellular imaging. Professional Summary Dr. Jayant J. Khandare is a globally recognized cancer innovator and entrepreneur with more than two decades of experience at the intersection of chemical engineering, biomaterials, cancer biology, and translational oncology . He is the scientific architect behind multiple breakthrough platforms spanning cancer diagnostics, circulating tumor cell (CTC) technologies, and therapeutic intervention systems , many of which have progressed from concept to clinical and commercial validation. Dr. Khandare has authored over 150+ peer-reviewed scientific publications and is a named inventor on 25+ U.S. patents , reflecting a sustained track record of converting deep science into protectable, scalable intellectual property. His innovations form the foundation of several clinically relevant oncology platforms, including OncoDiscover® (CTC detection and enumeration) and OncoMetastat® (extracorporeal CTC filtration for metastasis mitigation) —technologies designed to address the most critical unmet need in cancer: the prevention and control of metastasis . Internationally trained, Dr. Khandare has held advanced research appointments in the United States and Germany , including postdoctoral work at Wayne State University , Rutgers University , and Freie Universität Berlin , with a strong focus on targeted drug delivery, macromolecular therapeutics, and cancer cell–material interactions . He is an Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Experienced Researcher and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (UK) , honors reserved for scientists with sustained international impact. As a scientific founder and operator, Dr. Khandare brings a rare combination of visionary platform thinking and execution discipline . He has successfully built technologies across the full innovation lifecycle—from fundamental materials science and device engineering to translational studies, regulatory pathways, and clinical adoption . Under his leadership, Actorius’ platforms have generated extensive clinical evidence, international publications (ASCO, AACR, ESMO, ISLB), and a growing global IP estate. Dr. Khandare’s entrepreneurial mission is clear and consistent: to create first-in-class technologies that redefine how cancer is detected, monitored, and treated , with a particular focus on systemic disease biology rather than organ-limited paradigms. His work positions Actorius at the forefront of a new category in oncology—interventional cancer diagnostics and therapeutics . 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