Therapy Monitoring

Therapy Monitoring

The cell count serves as an additional tool for regularly monitoring cancer, providing valuable insights to the treating physician. We can simply count the number of circulating tumour cells (CETCs / CTCs) by analysing a blood sample. These cell counts are repeated at appropriate intervals, allowing for a comparison of values and interpretation of disease progression over time. For instance, a decrease in cell count during chemotherapy indicates the effectiveness of the therapy.

We can provide therapy monitoring in neoadjuvant, adjuvant, hormone or maintenance therapy, or alternative treatments. It is particularly beneficial in breast cancer and in “watch-and-wait” situations in the case of prostate cancer.

Even if circulating tumour cells in the blood are no longer detectable due to a positive response to therapy, it is crucial not to discontinue treatment prematurely. Hidden cells within the body tissues may re-enter the bloodstream. Only by completing the entire course of treatment most of these cells can be eliminated.

Tumour cells can undergo changes during therapy or experience regrowth after treatment completion. Therefore, long-term monitoring of treatment success is essential. With its sensitivity and ability to detect increased tumour cell counts, the maintrac® test enables timely and personalised therapy optimisation months before imaging techniques show new metastases.

In summary, we empower patients to receive optimised, targeted, and personalised forms of therapy through cell count monitoring throughout the course of the disease.