CLBX - New research using circulating tumor cells (CTCs) - 4TH June5 Jun 2026 11:43
New research using circulating tumor cells (CTCs)
https://news.cancerconnect.com/blood-tests-to-track-cancer-understanding-your-ctdna-and-liquid-biopsy-options/
Beyond ctDNA, researchers are also exploring ways to use circulating tumor cells to monitor cancer. In May 2026, CelLBxHealth announced a partnership with AdventHealth to use its Parsortix CTC platform in two large observational studies, ACTION and SUNRISE.
These studies will enroll people with colorectal, gastrointestinal, and lung cancers and will track how CTC counts and other markers change over time with chemotherapy and supportive care.
The research also pairs blood‑based monitoring with remotely delivered exercise programs, to see whether lifestyle interventions can improve treatment tolerance and possibly influence tumor biology.
CTC‑based testing is not as widely used in routine care as ctDNA today, but these trials may help clarify how CTC information could complement ctDNA and imaging in the future.
What this means for patients
For patients, the growing number of ctDNA and liquid biopsy options is both promising and confusing. Key points to keep in mind:
No test is perfect. A positive ctDNA result does not always mean the cancer will definitely come back, and a negative result does not guarantee that it will not.
Different cancers, different evidence. The amount of data supporting ctDNA testing varies by cancer type and stage. In some settings, results may already influence treatment decisions; in others, they are mainly used within clinical trials.
Choice of test matters. Tumor‑informed and blood‑only tests work differently, and your oncologist may recommend one based on your specific cancer, prior treatments, and whether tumor tissue is available.
CTC testing is emerging. CTC‑based monitoring, like the CelLBxHealth/AdventHealth studies, is still largely research‑focused but may eventually offer another layer of information alongside ctDNA.