CTC and PD-L1 profiling supports therapy stratification and monitoring in cancers. Publications | September 16, 2025 PD-L1 overexpression on circulating tumor cells and CTC clusters: A potential biomarker across solid carcinomas Correlation of CTC detection, PD-L1 expression, and CTC clusters highlights biomarkers for minimal residual disease and cancer progression monitoring. Abstract Background Overexpression of the dynamic protein PD-L1 on circulating tumor cells (CTCs) is a highly implicative biomarker that represents post–curative intent status, minimal residual disease (MRD), disease aggressiveness, therapeutic response, and metastatic progression. We evaluated the correlation among CTC detection, PD-L1 expression, and CTC clusters present in solid tumors, namely lung, breast, colorectal, ovarian, and prostate carcinomas. Longitudinal monitoring of CTCs remains a major focus after treatments, including surgical intervention with curative intent. Methods Retrospectively, we analyzed 328 cancer patients (male 163, female 165) across stages, consisting of a total of 383 samples with baseline and follow-ups (n = 55). Cancer types included lung (27.13%), colorectal cancer (21.95%), breast (9.75%), ovary (4.2%), prostate (3.9%), and others. CTCs and clusters were detected from 1.5 ml peripheral blood using the OncoDiscover platform approved by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization of India. The platform contains a multifunctional magneto-nanosystem mediated by anti-epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) antibody. CTCs were confirmed as EpCAM+ve, CK18+ve, DAPI+ve, and CD45–ve. PD-L1 expression on CTCs was detected based on the linear intensity gradients of fluorescence signals using image acquisition on an automated fluorescence microscope. Results Among the 383 samples with baseline and follow-ups, 69.45% of patients had CTCs ranging from 1–11. Approximately 77% of patients were above the age of 50. The total number of CTCs observed was ~649 with a mean distribution of ~1.69. CTCs with PD-L1 overexpression were observed in 55.35% of patients (n = 266). Higher CTC prevalence was observed in lung cancer (24.75%), followed by colorectal cancer (21.57%) and breast cancer (5.89%). CTC clusters were observed in 10.18% of patient samples. Notably, concurrent positivity for both CTCs and PD-L1 expression was most prevalent in lung cancer patients, suggesting a potential aggressive disease phenotype and therapeutic vulnerability. Conclusions The findings support the integrated use of CTCs and their PD-L1 expression as a composite biomarker strategy to stratify patients for targeted therapies, immunotherapeutic interventions, and longitudinal monitoring. 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 & Research Co. 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

CTC monitoring tracks therapy response and disease progression in advanced cancers. Publications | June 7, 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

Cofounder, MD & CSO, Actorius Innovations & Research Co. 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

Magnetically activated nanocellulose enables efficient CTC capture in head & neck cancer. Publications | September 20, 2023 Manuscript: Magnetically-activated, nanostructured cellulose for efficient capture of CTCs from the blood sample of head and neck cancer patients Study compares CNC and CNF cellulose nanostructures for EpCAM-based CTC capture in head and neck cancer, enabling affordable real-time cancer monitoring. In this report, the relative efficiency of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and nanofibers (CNFs) to capture circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from the blood samples of head and neck cancer (HNC) patients was evaluated. Detection and enumeration of CTCs are critical for monitoring cancer progression. Both types of nanostructured cellulose were chemically modified with epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) antibody and iron oxide nanoparticles. The EpCAM antibody facilitated the engagement of CTCs, promoting their entrapment within the cellulose cage structure. Iron oxide nanoparticles, on the other hand, rendered the cages magnetically activatable, enabling the capture and separation of entrapped CTCs using a magnet. The efficiency of the network structures was demonstrated using blood samples from head and neck cancer patients. It was observed that the degree of chemical functionalization of hydroxyl groups within the CNCs or CNFs with anti-EpCAM determined the efficiency of the system’s interaction with CTCs. Furthermore, the results indicated that the inflexible scaffolds of nanocrystals interacted more efficiently with CTCs than the fibrous CNF scaffolds. Network structures derived from CNCs demonstrated comparable CTC-capturing efficiency to the commercial standard, OncoDiscover®. The findings of this work provide chemical design principles for cellulosic materials intended to construct affordable platforms for monitoring cancer progression in real time. 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

Chemical tunability of advanced materials used in the fabrication of micro/nanobots Publications | April 11, 2023 Manuscript: Chemical tunability of advanced materials used in the fabrication of micro/nanobots Review on chemically tunable micro- and nanobots for targeted nanomedicine, highlighting AI materials, applications, and biosafety considerations. Micro and nanobots (MNBs) are unprecedented in their ability to be chemically tuned for autonomous tasks with enhanced targeting and functionality while maintaining their mobility. A myriad of chemical modifications involving a large variety of advanced materials has been demonstrated to be effective in the design of MNBs. Furthermore, they can be controlled for autonomous motion and for their ability to carry chemical or biological payloads. In addition, MNBs can be modified to achieve targetability with specificity for biological applications. However, MNBs, by virtue of their chemical compositions, may face limitations related to biocompatibility, tissue accumulation, poor biodegradability, and potential toxicity. This review presents a note on artificial intelligence materials (AIMs), their importance, and the dimensional scales at which intrinsic autonomy can be achieved for diverse applications. We briefly discuss the evolution of such systems with a focus on their advancements in nanomedicine. We highlight MNBs by covering their contemporary traits and the emergence of a few start-ups in specific areas. Furthermore, we showcase various examples demonstrating that chemical tunability is an attractive primary approach for designing MNBs with immense capabilities in both biology and chemistry. Finally, we discuss biosafety and ethical considerations in designing MNBs in the era of artificial intelligence for varied applications. 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

The deadliest cancer threat may be invisible — just one surviving cell can be enough to restart the disease journey - Dr Jayant Khandare Press Release | May 24, 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. It takes just one cell to restart the story. In a thought-provoking insight into cancer progression, Dr. Jayant Khandare, Co-founder of Actorius Innovations and a leading researcher in circulating tumor cells, asks a pivotal question: “Can a single cell restart the cancer journey?” 🔗 Read the featured articles: English Article: https://english.dainikjagranmpcg.com/education/6a1285a923ea1/article-19162 Explore more research publications: https://www.actorius.com/newsroom #Actorius #DrJayantKhandare #CancerResearch #OncologyInnovation #LiquidBiopsy #OncoDiscover #CancerDiagnostics #HealthcareInnovation #PrecisionMedicine #CTC #CancerAwareness #MedicalResearch #Biotechnology #EarlyDetection #CancerCare Read Article 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 | October 17, 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

Magneto-polymeric nanosystems for rapid CTC targeting, detection & imaging. Patents | April 22, 2021 Multifunctional magneto-polymeric nanosystems for rapid targeting, isolation, detection and simultaneous imaging of circulating tumor cells A multifunctional magneto-polymeric nanosystem for rapid targeting, isolation, detection, and imaging of circulating tumor cells to support cancer diagnostics and monitoring. Patent Details Related patent documents CA2976614 TH175113 WO/2016/132265 EP3259598 ES2828025 PL3259598 US20230408525 Granted Canadian, European and Indian Patent Actorius Innovations and Research Pvt. Ltd. View Patent 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

Dr. Jayant Khandare Leads Actorius with Pathbreaking Innovations | Dainik Jagran Press Release | March 14, 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. 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. Click the button below to read the full story 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

Self-propelled CNT microrockets enable rapid capture and isolation of CTCs. Publications | April 13, 2015 Manuscript: Self-propelled Carbon Nanotube Based Microrockets for Rapid Capture and Isolation of Circulating Tumor Cells Self-propelled CNT microrockets rapidly capture and magnetically isolate circulating tumor cells, enabling faster liquid biopsy and early cancer detection. We demonstrated a novel carbon nanotube (CNT)-based microrocket that propels efficiently through the thrust generated by oxygen (O₂) bubbles. These self-propelled microrockets exhibit ultrafast propulsion in aqueous solutions as well as in Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium (DMEM). The microrocket generated a driving force of over 231 and 300 pN in DMEM containing 4% hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). The speed and distance traveled by the microrocket can be controlled by adjusting the concentration of H₂O₂. The designed multifunctional microrocket has the ability to (i) rapidly target (~5 minutes) and efficiently capture (~85%) transferrin receptor–positive (TfR⁺) cancer cells from an artificial CTC-like suspension, (ii) magnetically isolate the captured cells from peripheral blood cells, and (iii) enable subsequent high-resolution imaging. We envision that such self-powered micromotors could provide a novel and effective approach for the rapid and efficient extraction of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from biological fluids, supporting early cancer diagnosis and detection of recurrence. 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

Cellulose-based transferrin nanocages for CTC enumeration in head & neck cancer. Publications | October 10, 2020 Manuscript: Cellulose Mediated Transferrin Nanocages for Enumeration of Circulating Tumor Cells for Head and Neck Cancer Magnetic transferrin-functionalized cellulose nanocages capture circulating tumor cells from blood, enabling liquid biopsy for early metastasis detection in head and neck cancer. Herein, we report a hierarchically organized, water-dispersible “nanocage” composed of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), magnetically powered by iron oxide (Fe₃O₄) nanoparticles to capture circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from the blood of head and neck cancer (HNC) patients. Capturing CTCs from peripheral blood is extremely challenging due to their low abundance, yet their enumeration is clinically validated in assessing progression-free survival in HNC patients. By engaging multiple hydroxyl groups along the molecular backbone of CNCs, Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were coordinated onto the CNC scaffold. This structure was further modified through conjugation with the protein transferrin (Tf) to enable targeted capture of CTCs. Owing to the presence of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles, the nanocages exhibited magnetic properties, allowing CTCs to be captured under the influence of a magnetic field. Tf–CNC-based nanocages were evaluated using blood samples from HNC patients and their CTC capturing efficiency was compared with the clinically relevant Oncoviu platform. The results demonstrated that CNC-derived nanocages efficiently isolated CTCs from patient blood, achieving approximately 85% capture efficiency relative to the standard platform. The capture efficiency was found to vary depending on the concentration of transferrin and Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles immobilized onto the CNC scaffold. We envision that the Tf–CNC platform holds significant potential in liquid biopsy applications for the isolation and enumeration of CTCs, enabling early detection of metastasis in 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