Cofounder & Director, Actorius Innovations & Research Co. 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

Bioinspired Materials for Wearable Devices and Point-of-Care Testing of Cancer Publications | April 27, 2022 Manuscript: Bioinspired Materials for Wearable Devices and Point-of-Care Testing of Cancer Raj Shankar Hazra, Md Rakib Hasan Khan, Narendra Kale, Tabassum Tanha, Jayant Khandare, Sabha Ganai, and Mohiuddin Quadir* Wearable, point-of-care diagnostics, and biosensors are on the verge of bringing transformative changes in detection, management, and treatment of cancer. Bioinspired materials with new forms and functions have frequently been used, in both translational and commercial spaces, to fabricate such diagnostic platforms. Engineered from organic or inorganic molecules, bioinspired systems are naturally equipped with biorecognition and stimuli-sensitive properties. Mechanisms of action of bioinspired materials are deeply connected with thermodynamically or kinetically controlled self-assembly at the molecular and supramolecular levels. Thus, integration ofbioinspired materials into wearable devices, either as triggers or sensors, brings about unique device properties usable for detection, capture, or rapid readout for an analyte of interest. In this review, we present the basic principles and mechanisms of action of diagnostic devices engineered from bioinspired materials, describe current advances, and discuss future trends of the field, particularly in the context of cancer. 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

Discover Actorius' journey. Learn how our innovation-driven, impact-obsessed start-up is revolutionizing early cancer detection. Our story so far An innovation-driven organisation 11000+ Patients Served 450+ Doctors Trust Us 100+ Publications 13+ Years of Excellence Innovation Driven Impact-obsessed Who we are About Actorius We innovate and create bio materials that have critical applications in the field of life sciences, drug delivery and medical diagnostics. We work with a vision to advance and improve human health. Trusted by: Mission, Vision & Purpose Innovating with Intent Our mission, vision, and purpose reflect our commitment to meaningful progress and measurable outcomes. Mission To develop innovative methodologies to develop diagnostic tests that provide early indicators of oncogenesis and enable informed treatment strategies. Vision To collectively advance and improve human health by developing biomedical innovations into practical applications that have wider reach, accessibility and affordability. Purpose To positively impact everyone, by developing solutions that have reduced time to decision making and providing precise information for a chosen course of action. Our Values What We Stand For Our values define our commitment to rigorous science, responsibility, and meaningful impact. Work on challenges with cutting-edge science and innovation. Work towards making it accessible and affordable to the masses. Ensure critical clinical validations for every outcome. Bio-materials with high specificity, efficiency and sensitivity. Scientific disciplines with interdisciplinary intelligence at the core. Take every little step to ensure cancer patient’s lives are saved. Focused on creating novel cancer diagnostic tests. Know more Rigour in every action. Every product undergoes intense design and development. Leaving no stone unturned. We follow the most stringent quality norms and regulatory requirements. Passionate and emphatic. We are committed to developing solutions for unmet medical needs. We build high-risk innovative products, which have a very long life-cycle, using novel biomaterials. Detect cancer relapse early, when it can be cured. We are committed to bringing stakeholders together to adopt innovative, safe, and effective technologies that can transform cancer care. Filtering Cancer. Fighting Metastasis. Know More

The POP device effectively removes CTCs from blood to reduce metastatic progression. Publications | July 15, 2020 ASCO 2020: Device for the enumeration and continuous removal of circulating tumor cells in improving overall survival of epithelial cancer patients The POP blood fluidic device safely removes CTCs with up to 100% efficiency, offering a new therapeutic path to reduce metastasis and improve survival. Background: The presence of circulating tumor cells (CTC) in the vascular system is a tell-tale signature of metastasis in epithelial origin cancers including lung, breast, colorectal and head and neck cancers. Noteworthy, about 90% of cancer deaths are due to the progression of metastasis. Yet, cancer therapy is focussed on inhibiting tumour growth and there is a paucity of options that target metastasis. We demonstrate the POP ‘device’ that removes circulating tumour cells (CTC) from a patient’s blood to reduce the metastatic progression and improve overall survival. Methods: We designed, multi-component glass beads enriched antibody EpCAM conjugate substrates as POP blood fluidic device. We characterized the substrate and accounted for the biocompatibility using whole blood of healthy volunteers. We evaluated, the acute toxicity of substrates using rat (Wistar Albino) whole blood (CPCSEA registration number: 941/PO/Re/S/06/CPCSEA; 31/07/2019) and further studied major histopathological tissues for any toxicity. Finally, we evaluated 06 cancer patients whole blood (1.5 mL) for capturing and for the elimination of CTCs. The captured cells were immuno-stained, and the optimal fluorescence acquisition intensity was critically quantified in accounting CK18 protein overexpression. Results: The multi-component antibody EpCAM based substrate exhibited efficient CTC capture ability with a mean capture efficiency ranging from 40% to 100 % when compared to the OncoDiscover CTC test approved by CDSCO/ drug controller general of India (DCGI). Furthermore, the substrate indicated high biocompatibility primarily exhibited by the absence of haemolysis on whole human blood. Additionally, the preliminary animal experiments in rats showed a 100% survival rate and negligible toxicity to major organs. Conclusions: Removal of circulating tumor cells as a therapeutics is highly implicated in improving the overall survival of epithelial cancer patients. 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 and PD-L1 after radiotherapy indicate MRD and possible tumor re-invasion. Publications | November 25, 2024 ISLB 2024: Transit of Circulating Tumor Cells (CTC) Post Radiotherapy at Irradiated Tumor Regions in Pan-cancer Patients Study links radiotherapy exposure with circulating tumor cells and PD-L1 expression, indicating possible minimal residual disease and metastatic risk. Introduction The presence of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) is a predictor of minimal residual disease (MRD) and treatment outcomes. Abscopal effects of targeted intraoperative radiotherapy have been observed clinically, and the tumor microenvironment may influence these outcomes. Recent reports have shown activation and transit of CTCs following simulated radiotherapy from irradiated regions in vitro. Thus, the cellular extravasation and invasion phenotype cascade of CTCs in irradiated tumor regions could be highly concerning and raises several clinical questions. For the first time, we retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent radiotherapy to observe a clinical correlation between the presence of CTCs and overexpression of the PD-L1 protein in blood circulation as an indicator of minimal residual disease and a potential radiotherapy-associated effect. Methods A cohort of 26 pan-cancer patients (female = 10, male = 16) was analyzed, including cases of colorectal cancer (n = 4), lung cancer (n = 4), endometrial cancer (n = 4), head and neck cancer (n = 4), pancreatic cancer (n = 1), ovarian cancer (n = 1), renal cell carcinoma (n = 4), breast cancer (n = 2), and bone cancer (n = 2). Blood samples were analyzed retrospectively based on clinical and treatment history. Enumeration of CTCs was performed using the immunomagnetic multi-component OncoDiscover platform approved by CDSCO India, mediated by anti-EpCAM antibodies. CTCs were identified based on the presence of CK18+, PD-L1+, DAPI+, and CD45− staining using an automated Zeiss microscope in 1.5 ml of blood samples. Results In the retrospective analysis, a total of 88% (23/26) of patients showed the presence of CTCs in 1.5 ml of blood. Among these patients, 46% (n = 12/26) had undergone radiotherapy at some point during their treatment history. Three patients had received focused radiotherapy for brain metastasis with primary cancers of head and neck (1 case) and endometrium (2 cases). Among patients who underwent radiotherapy, 88% (8/9) were observed to have at least one CTC along with PD-L1 overexpression in at least one CTC. In addition, one patient who underwent radiotherapy showed the presence of a CTC cluster. Conclusions For the first time, we demonstrate the association of CTCs following radiotherapy in irradiated tumor regions. The disseminated CTCs may enhance tumor cell reinvasion through active transit in circulation, supported by a favorable microenvironmental milieu. Further validation with larger clinical cohorts across multiple cancer types is required. 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

Inverse 3D lab-on-chip microfilms for selective CTC capture from blood. Publications | July 15, 2024 Manuscript: Inverse 3D ‘lab-on-a-chip’ polymeric microfilms for selective capture of circulating tumor cells from patients' blood Inverse 3D lab-on-chip microfilms for selective CTC capture from blood. Engineering inverse 3D polymeric microfilms with controlled spatial hierarchy is both highly challenging and critically important at the intersection of biology and materials science. These structures hold significant potential for enhancing selective cell–surface interactions, including cell adhesion and growth. Protein-modified inverse 3D polymeric microfilms can further promote selective cell capture and adhesion. In this study, we report the fabrication of inverse 3D polymeric microfilms using composite polymeric–bioligand conjugated films designed to enhance the capture of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from the blood of cancer patients. The microfilms were developed using functionalized poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), mediated with the ligand transferrin. Protein immobilization on the films was achieved by conjugating transferrin (Tf), collagen (Co), and bovine serum albumin (BSA) to promote cellular adhesion and capture. The films were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy (ATR-IR), and contact angle measurements, revealing micropores ranging from 18–26 μm. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) demonstrated enhanced cell attachment on the polymeric-blend microfilms, confirming improved cell adhesion, capture, and the ability of cells to proliferate within the 3D structure. The inverse 3D polymeric microfilms achieved an 80% cell capture efficiency with cultured cancer cells. In clinical utility, their CTC capturing efficiency was comparable to OncoDiscover® CTC enumeration technology. These inverse 3D polymeric microfilms represent a novel ‘lab-on-a-chip’ platform capable of enabling CTC enumeration for monitoring minimal residual disease (MRD), tracking metastatic progression, evaluating treatment response, and enabling early detection of relapse. 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

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. Events | August 18, 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. On 15 August, Actorius Innovations and Research celebrated its 14th Foundation Day —a milestone that marks more than another year on the calendar. It represents years of scientific exploration, technological development, clinical collaboration, and an unwavering focus on advancing cancer diagnostics. What began as an idea has grown into a journey focused on one of the most important challenges in oncology: understanding cancer at the cellular level and developing technologies that can help clinicians monitor how the disease evolves over time. From circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and liquid biopsy to technologies designed to support more informed approaches to cancer monitoring and metastasis research, the journey has always been driven by a simple belief: meaningful innovation in healthcare must ultimately translate into meaningful value for patients and clinicians. A Milestone Year for Actorius This Foundation Day feels particularly significant because this year, three important milestones came together: CDSCO Approved OncoDiscover® became the first and only CDSCO-approved clinical CTC liquid biopsy test in India , enabling standardized clinical use of CTC-based cancer monitoring. ISO 13485:2016 Certified Actorius' medical device Quality Management System complies with ISO 13485:2016 , reflecting internationally recognized standards for the design, development, manufacturing, and regulatory compliance of medical devices. NABL Accredited Testing is performed in an NABL-accredited laboratory , reinforcing technical competence, standardized laboratory processes, and quality in medical testing. Together, these milestones represent different dimensions of what it takes to move a healthcare innovation from scientific concept toward clinical application— regulatory validation, quality systems, and laboratory excellence. But certifications are milestones, not the mission. The Mission Remains Bigger Than the Milestones The purpose behind Actorius has remained consistent: Build meaningful science.Translate it into useful technology.And ultimately help give patients a better chance against cancer. Our work with CTC technologies reflects this approach. CTCs are cancer cells that can enter the bloodstream from tumors. Studying these cells can provide valuable biological information about cancer and how it changes over time. This has made CTCs an important area of research in liquid biopsy and cancer monitoring. Through OncoDiscover® CTC testing , Actorius is bringing CTC-based testing into clinical practice in India, with capabilities that include CTC enumeration and protein expression analysis such as PD-L1 and HER2 . At the same time, our research and development continues to explore what may be possible beyond conventional testing. OncoMetastat® , our patented investigational platform for extracorporeal blood processing, is being evaluated for its potential applications in metastasis research and future cancer care strategies. Designed to selectively isolate and analyze CTCs while preserving blood quality, the platform reflects our continued effort to explore new approaches to understanding cancer progression. From India, With a Global Scientific Ambition Our journey is rooted in India, but the questions we are working to address are global. Cancer remains one of the most complex challenges in medicine. Better outcomes will require continued progress across diagnostics, monitoring, treatment, research, and clinical decision-making. For Actorius Innovations and Research , being built in India means more than developing technologies locally. It means contributing Indian scientific and engineering capabilities to a field with global significance. Our goal is to continue building technologies that are scientifically rigorous, clinically relevant, and capable of contributing to the future of cancer care. 13 Years Completed. The Journey Continues. As we celebrate our 14th Foundation Day, we look back with gratitude—but also forward with ambition. A heartfelt thank you to our scientists, clinicians, collaborators, advisors, investors, partners, and every member of the Actorius team who has contributed to this journey. Every experiment, clinical collaboration, regulatory milestone, publication, prototype, conversation, and challenge has helped shape where we are today. 13 years completed. We are only getting started. Here’s to the next chapter of science, innovation, and the pursuit of better possibilities in cancer care. Happy Foundation Day, Team Actorius. 🧬🔬🚀 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 and PD-L1 profiling across cancers supports monitoring, recurrence detection, and MRD. Publications | June 3, 2025 Comparative analysis of circulating tumor cell distribution with PD-L1 expression in baseline and follow ups patients across cancer types. This multi-cancer study shows CTC and PD-L1 prevalence across Indian patients, supporting minimal residual disease monitoring and personalized cancer care. Background India presents a diverse genetic pool with varying cancer incidence patterns. Common cancers in the Indian population include head and neck, lung, breast, colorectal, prostate, ovarian, and gastrointestinal cancers. Understanding the distribution of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) across these cancers may help account for cellular minimal residual disease (MRD) and early recurrence in solid tumors. Surgery with curative intent can be further evaluated for residual disease using dual biomarkers such as ctDNA and CTCs. Methods In this retrospective analysis, peripheral blood samples from 5,935 patients across various cancer types—including head and neck, lung, breast, colorectal, prostate, ovarian, and gastrointestinal cancers—were evaluated for the presence of CTCs, with and without PD-L1 overexpression and CTC clusters. CTCs were detected using the OncoDiscover platform approved by CDSCO in 1.5 mL of peripheral blood. The platform utilizes a multifunctional magneto-nanosystem mediated by anti-epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) antibodies. CTCs were confirmed as EpCAM⁺, CK18⁺, DAPI⁺, and CD45⁻ cells. PD-L1 expression on CTCs was analyzed using linear fluorescence intensity gradients acquired through an automated Zeiss microscope. Additionally, a computational model was developed to evaluate CTC frequency, mean distribution, regression analysis, and normal probability plots to assess predictability across cancer types, age groups, stages, and genders. Results The study included 5,935 patient blood samples, comprising 90.07% baseline and 9.92% follow-up samples. CTC counts ranged from 1 to 10 per 1.5 mL of blood, with a mean value of 1.12. Among the patients, 69.87% (n = 2,854) demonstrated PD-L1 expression on their CTCs, with a mean value of 0.99. The 51–60-year age group exhibited the highest proportion of both total CTCs (19.16%, n = 1,137) and PD-L1–positive CTCs (19.71%, n = 805). Most CTC clusters were identified in breast, colorectal, and endometrial cancers. Pancreatic cancer patients showed the highest mean CTC count (1.4), whereas laryngeal cancer samples had the lowest mean count (0.78). The computational model indicated that the 51–60-year age group had the highest impact on cancer prevalence and mean CTC distribution. The model also demonstrated a strong correlation between blood-based outcomes and normal probability scores. Conclusions Higher CTC counts were strongly associated with advanced disease stages, particularly in cancers prone to hematogenous spread, such as breast, lung, and prostate cancers. Incorporating CTC profiling from baseline into diagnostic and surveillance strategies may enhance personalized cancer management. The presence of CTCs in disease-free survival (DFS) settings suggests potential links to poor therapeutic response, disease progression, and minimal residual disease. 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

CTCs as biomarkers for relapse detection in rectal cancer with liver metastasis. Publications | June 29, 2024 Manuscript: Circulating Tumor Cells as Biomarkers for Relapse Detection in Rectal Cancer with Liver Metastasis: Insights from a Case Report In this case report we demonstrate the utility of CTC as a sensitive marker to detect MRD. CTCs play a crucial role in the context of MRD in colorectal cancer, offering a valuable biomarker for prognosis, treatment monitoring, and early detection of recurrence. A 70-year-old female diagnosed case of rectal carcinoma (T3N2M0) received FOLFOX × 2 cycles followed by CAPOX × 2 cycles. She then underwent chemoradiation using capecitabine as a radiosensitiser, followed by laparoscopic tumor resection. The histopathology report showed tumour regression grade 2 (TRG2) response. Subsequently, the patient received 4 cycles of CAPOX but developed grade 2 peripheral neuropathy, leading to modification of her treatment to capecitabine alone for an additional 2 cycles. A whole-body positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET-CT) scan at this stage showed no evidence of disease. However, a liquid biopsy test detected the presence of two circulating tumor cells (CTCs). An MRI of the abdomen and pelvis was conducted, revealing multiple live lesions (4 mm–6 mm) in segment IV/VIII of the liver, with no sign of local disease. To manage liver metastasis, the patient received 1 cycle of FOLFIRI while awaiting selective internal radiotherapy (SIRT), followed by 5 cycles of FOLFIRI. Three years later, her PET scans were observed to be completely normal. This case highlights the critical role of CTCs as a biomarker for detecting minimal residual disease (MRD) or relapse. Without CTC monitoring, the liver metastasis—which was successfully treated with SIRT—would likely have been missed under standard cancer care guidelines. As of today, the patient is completely disease-free, underscoring the importance of thorough investigation using advanced CTC liquid biopsy biomarkers in managing rectal cancer with liver metastasis. 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

Ayurveda therapy reduces CTC counts and improves quality of life in cancer patients. Publications | June 7, 2022 ASCO 2022: Correlation of circulating tumor cells as a positive interventional biomarker in cancer patients Ayurveda therapy significantly reduced CTC counts and improved quality of life in a study of 72 patients across 17 cancer types. Background Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are a predictive biomarker for accounting for disease progression and for minimal residual disease (MRD). The effect of conventional anticancer therapy on CTC count is well documented; however, there is a paucity of data related to the effect of CAM-based modalities on CTC count in cancer patients. This study provides a preliminary observation about the effect of Ayurveda therapy on CTC count. Methods The retrospective study involved the stratification of 72 cancer patients undergoing cancer and maintenance treatment in a non-conventional, Ayurveda cancer treatment center in India. For monitoring of prognosis in cancer patients, CTC count was assessed in patients attending the Rasayu Cancer Clinic. Seventeen cancer types were included, namely, breast cancer, cervix and ovarian cancer, bladder, lung, head and neck squamous carcinoma, follicular thyroid, diffuse B-cell lymphoma, Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s, colorectal, hepatocellular, stomach with abdominal metastasis, metastatic prostate cancer, SCC with lung and skeletal metastasis, etc. A total of 33 (46%) male and 39 (54.1%) female patients of various types and stages were analyzed for the presence of CTCs retrospectively. CTCs were isolated and enumerated from 1.5 ml of the patient’s blood sample using the OncoDiscover Liquid Biopsy Technology platform enriched with an anti-EpCAM antibody immunomagnetic kit, approved by the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI). CTCs were confirmed for cytokeratin 18+ (CK18), DAPI+, and CD45-. Subsequently, CTCs were imaged using a Zeiss Axio Observer 7 fluorescence microscope. In 28 patients (50%), CTCs were accounted for at both pre- and post-treatment over a duration of 3-6 months. Twenty-eight patients were assessed for quality of life measured by the FACT-G questionnaire. The outcome was quantified for clinicopathological parameters: age/gender, cancer types, and CTC distribution. Results The mean and median CTC distribution was observed to be 15.34 and 12.5, respectively. Eight percent of patients showed the absence of any CTCs (6 subjects: 1 male and 5 females), while 32 males (96%) and 34 females (87%) showed the presence of CTCs. The correlation coefficient of CTC presence in males and females was significant at 0.4799 (p < 0.05). The Ayurveda Rasayana therapy showed a significant reduction in post-interventional CTC count (-3.94 ± 1.2) (p = 0.02). In addition, this group of patients also showed significant improvement in health-related quality of life as measured by the FACT-G questionnaire (p < 0.05). Conclusions CTCs are a validated predictive biomarker for accounting for minimal residual disease, both in pre- and post-cancer treatments. The enumeration of CTCs represents an effective prognostic biomarker in assessing disease progression. A reduction in CTC count was seen to be associated with an improvement in health-related quality of life (QoL), which needs to be investigated further to establish a firm correlation. 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

OncoDiscover Blood Test Detects Cancer Relapse Early | Dr. Jayant Khandare Expert Insights | August 28, 2022 Revolutionary Blood Test Detects Cancer Relapse Early | Dr. Jayant Khandare Discover India's first approved, highly affordable blood test that detects cancer relapse and metastasis earlier than traditional CT or MRI scans. Developed by Dr. Jayant Khandare and clinically validated with Tata Memorial Hospital, this painless test catches circulating tumor cells before it's too late. Cancer relapse and metastasis are responsible for the vast majority of cancer-related fatalities, often because traditional imaging tools like CT and MRI scans fail to catch the disease's return in time. This video highlights a groundbreaking and highly affordable blood test—India's first-in-class medical device approved by the Drug Controller General of India. Developed by Dr. Jayant Khandare, the OncoDiscover test requires only a small volume of blood to identify circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and detect minimal residual disease before it becomes uncontrollable. Clinically validated in partnership with Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai, this painless innovation provides oncologists with a powerful tool to monitor patients, optimize treatment, and ensure families never have to hear the dreaded words, "It's too late." 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

Preoperative CTC levels predict prognosis and survival in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Publications | July 1, 2022 Manuscript: Circulating tumor cells as a predictor for poor prognostic factors and overall survival in treatment nay¨ve oral squamous cell carcinoma patients Preoperative circulating tumor cell levels strongly correlate with metastasis, disease severity, and reduced survival in oral squamous cell carcinoma patients. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and their correlation with prognostic factors and clinical outcomes in treatment-naive patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma. Study design: CTCs were isolated using the OncoDiscover technique from presurgically obtained peripheral blood of 152 patients with treatment-naive oral squamous cell carcinoma. Sensitivity analysis was performed by including 40 healthy controls. CTC cutoff values for clinicopathologic factors were obtained from receiver operating characteristic curves. Multivariate models determined the significance of CTCs as independent variables. Kaplan–Meier analysis differentiated overall survival based on CTC values corresponding to disease stage. Results: Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of CTC detection were 94.32%, 98%, and 95.17%, respectively. The platform differentiated true positives at >3.5 CTCs (P < .00001). CTC counts above 20.5 were suggestive of nodal metastasis (P < .0001), with a linear trend for detecting occult metastasis (P = .061). Early and advanced stages could be differentiated by >13.5 CTCs (P < .0001). Elevated CTC levels were significantly associated with extranodal extension (>21.45 CTCs, P = .025), perineural invasion (>19.35 CTCs, P = .049), and depth of invasion (>12.5 CTCs, P = .0038). Median survival was reduced by 19 months when CTC levels were >13. Conclusions: Preoperative CTC levels demonstrated a strong correlation with adverse clinicopathologic factors and suggested their role as a sensitive prognostic marker for predicting survival outcomes and disease progression. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol 2022;134:73–83) 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