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

Chemo-specific designs for the enumeration of CTCs: advances in liquid biopsy Publications | 18 December 2020 Manuscript: Chemo-specific designs for the enumeration of circulating tumor cells: advances in liquid biopsy Review on chemo-specific nano/micro substrates for efficient CTC isolation, enabling liquid biopsy, metastasis detection, and real-time cancer monitoring. Advanced materials and chemo-specific designs at the nano- and micrometer scale have ensured revolutionary progress in next-generation clinically relevant technologies. For example, isolating a rare population of cells, such as circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from blood among billions of other blood cells, is one of the most complex scientific challenges in cancer diagnostics. Achieving this level of exceptional specificity for extracellular biomarker interactions requires chemical tunability through the use of advanced materials and multistep reactions in both solution and insoluble states. This review delineates the chemo-specific substrates, chemical methods, and structure–activity relationships (SARs) of chemical platforms used for the isolation and enumeration of CTCs, thereby advancing the relevance of liquid biopsy in cancer diagnostics and disease management. We highlight the synthesis of cell-specific, tumor biomarker-based chemo-specific substrates utilizing functionalized linkers through chemistry-based conjugation strategies. The capacity of these nano- and micro-scale substrates to enhance interaction specificity and efficiency with targeted tumor cells is discussed in detail. Furthermore, this review emphasizes the importance of CTC capture and downstream processes involving genotypic and phenotypic CTC analysis in real time. These approaches enable early detection of metastasis progression, evaluation of chemotherapy treatment response, and monitoring of progression-free survival (PFS), disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS) in cancer patients. Royal Society of chemistry. 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

Cofounder & Director Actorius Innovations and Research Pvt. Ltd. Rick Kamble Cofounder & Director LinkedIn Qualification Master of Business Administration University of Phoenix, US Bachelor of Engineering Nagpur University, India Professional Summary Rick is an early investor in Actorius Innovations and Research (AIR) and chairman of the board. He is a serial entrepreneur based our of Los Angeles, US with expertise in Healthcare and Information Technology solutions. Rick is also the CEO and President of HealthNspire solutions, a HealthCare Technology solution provider focused on managed care software solutions. He is also the co-founder and CTO of Mediccio, a company dedicated to provide healthcare billing solutions using NLP. In the past, Rick has served as Senior VP of Product Strategies at AssistMed, a company dedicated to the application of Healthcare IT solutions. He has held leadership positions at Lakeside Medical Group, Jacobs Engineering, Farmers Insurance, L.A. CARE Health Plan, Cardinal Health, Countrywide Home Lo 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

Dr. Jayant Khandare interview with Metro News Gujarat Press Release | 9 August 2022 Revolutionary OncoDiscover® Blood Test for Early Cancer Detection - Metro News Gujarat Dr. Jayant Khandare interview with Metro News Gujarat Watch Video 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

Preventing Stage 4 Cancer: India’s Revolutionary Blood Test | Dr. Nirmal Raut Expert Insight | 9 August 2022 Preventing Stage 4 Cancer: India’s Revolutionary Blood Test | Dr. Nirmal Raut Leading oncologists discuss OncoDiscover, India's first indigenous CTC blood test. By detecting Circulating Tumor Cells post-treatment, this affordable "Made in India" innovation catches cancer relapse before it reaches incurable Stage 4, dramatically changing the landscape of cancer care. Cancer metastasis (Stage 4) is the deadliest and often incurable phase of the disease. While mass screening the entire population is practically impossible, preventing early-stage cancers from progressing is now a reality thanks to OncoDiscover. In this video, leading experts—Dr. Jayant Khandare, Dr. Pankaj Chaturvedi (Director, ACTREC), and Dr. Nirmal Raut (Sr. Medical Oncologist)—explain the life-saving impact of India's first indigenous medical device for detecting Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs). Because CTCs evade traditional CT and MRI scans, this simple and highly affordable blood draw is used post-surgery or radiation to detect minimal residual disease. If CTCs are detected, oncologists can intervene with curative treatments before the disease reaches Stage 4. Clinically validated at Tata Memorial Hospital and approved by the Drug Controller General of India, this "Made in India" breakthrough drastically reduces patient costs while offering immense hope to families worldwide. 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

Made in India: The Low-Cost Blood Test Revolutionizing Cancer Care | Dr. Pankaj Chaturvedi Expert Insight | 9 August 2022 Made in India: The Low-Cost Blood Test Revolutionizing Cancer Care | Dr. Pankaj Chaturvedi Dr. Pankaj Chaturvedi (Director, ACTREC) and Dr. Jayant Khandare discuss OncoDiscover, India's first indigenous CTC blood test. By detecting cancer relapse earlier than traditional scans, this groundbreaking "Made in India" technology drastically lowers patient costs and paves the way for future medical innovations. Know more Stay One Step Ahead of Cancer. Get the latest news and innovations from Actorius delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe for regular updates Email* Yes, subscribe me for regular updates. * Subscribe

Discover groundbreaking events where innovation meets action in oncology. Join us to explore the future of biotechnology events today! Events & Conferences Where Innovation Meets Action Stay updated with our latest events, scientific discussions, collaborations, and milestones that continue to shape the future of cancer research and innovation. Upcoming Events Conference Meet us at ISLB Annual Congress 2026 Madrid, Spain | November 7-9 Know More Book appointment All Events and Conferences 7 Nov 2026 ISLB Annual Congress 2026 | 7-9 November | Madrid, Spain Actorius will present seven scientific posters at ISLB 2026 in Madrid, showcasing research advancing the clinical potential of CTCs across treatment monitoring, biomarker analysis, residual disease, and metastasis research. Read More 13 Sept 2026 Reflections from FHNO 2026 | Kashmir Reflections from FHNO 2026 in Kashmir, where Dr. Jayant Khandare engaged with leading Indian oncologists to exchange perspectives on cancer research, innovation, and the future of oncology. Read More 18 Aug 2026 14 Years of Actorius: A Journey of Innovation & Impact From circulating tumor cells and liquid biopsy to better cancer diagnostics —a journey driven by innovation, persistence, and the belief that better diagnostics can change lives. Read More 23 Apr 2026 AACR 2026 Highlights | April 17-22 | San Diego, California Highlights from AACR 2026 Read More 20 Feb 2026 Meeting with our International KOLs Our team meeting with oncology KOLs from the US and Europe. Read More 3 Nov 2025 ISLB 2025 | 1-3 November 2025 Actorius ISLB 2025 | 1-3 November 2025 Read More 17 Oct 2025 ESMO 2025 | 17–21 October 2025 Actorius at ESMO 2025 Read More 9 May 2025 ISMRC 2025 | 7-9 May, 2025 Actorius at ISMRC 2025 Read More First Prev 1 Page 1 Next Last

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

Explore Expert Insights for the latest in Oncology. Discover how Expert Insights shape the domain with cutting-edge knowledge. Expert Insights Insights that shape the domain Deep-dive into expert opinions, scientific perspectives, and thought leadership shaping the future of cancer care. First Prev 1 Page 1 Next Last

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

Actorius at ESMO 2025 Events | 17 October 2025 ESMO 2025 | 17–21 October 2025 Actorius at ESMO 2025 Some Glimpses from ESMO Know more Stay One Step Ahead of Cancer. Get the latest news and innovations from Actorius delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe for regular updates Email* Yes, subscribe me for regular updates. * Subscribe