Actorius Innovations at ASCO 2026 Publications | March 17, 2026 ASCO 2026: Comparative enumeration of circulating tumor cells with PD-L1 over expression using anti EpCAM antibody to N-Cadherin in solid cancers Dual EpCAM and N-cadherin profiling improves circulating tumor cell detection, enhancing minimal residual disease surveillance and identifying metastasis-prone cells. Abstract Background Minimal cellular residual disease (MCRD) with PD-L1 expression on circulating tumor cells (CTCs) is highly evidenced for possible aggressive diseases systemically. CTCs captured using N-cadherin—a calcium-dependent transmembrane glycoprotein—targets epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) tumor cells. There is a difference in phenotypic specificity, as EpCAM likely misses CTCs that have undergone EMT, while N-cadherin enables the detection of these aggressive, invasive cells. Thus, N-cadherin-based CTC capture is more effective for identifying metastasis-prone CTCs. Using both markers together may improve overall CTC capture efficiency to provide a more comprehensive landscape of tumor heterogeneity and disease progression. We show the comparative and paired outcome of CTC capture using both anti-EpCAM antibodies versus N-cadherin across solid cancers. Methods Retrospectively, we compared 33 patients with different stages of breast, rectal, colon, prostate, lung, and other cancers. CTCs were detected using an affinity marker-independent isolation platform to avoid EpCAM bias. CTCs were isolated using a marker-independent, anti-EpCAM-positive, and N-cadherin-positive OncoDiscover platform evaluating PD-L1+ expression using automated Zeiss microscopy. Anti-EpCAM-positive and N-cadherin-positive CTCs were classified using validated intensity thresholds, concordance/discordance rates, cluster frequency, and the mean distribution of CTCs. Results OncoDiscover platform EpCAM and N-cadherin expression showed an overall concordance of 60.61% and a discordance of 39.39%, indicating EMT-related phenotypic divergence. The mean CTC counts were comparable between anti-EpCAM-positive and N-cadherin-positive samples (0.66 and 0.70 per sample, respectively). Among EpCAM-positive CTCs, 42.85% expressed PD-L1, whereas PD-L1 positivity was lower and present in 30.30% of N-cadherin-positive CTCs. Importantly, 4 N-cadherin+/EpCAM- PD-L1-positive CTCs were identified, which were not captured by EpCAM affinity; conversely, 6 EpCAM+/PD-L1+ CTCs lacked N-cadherin expression. Notably, CTC clusters were found in 12.12% of EpCAM+ cases and 6.06% of N-cadherin-positive cases. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that dual-marker profiling improves detection sensitivity relative to single-marker interrogation. Conclusions Using both EpCAM and N-cadherin together improved CTC capture efficiency. However, N-cadherin-based CTC capture is more implicative in identifying metastasis-prone CTCs. The dual affinity accounts for CTCs for MCRD surveillance for the presence of disease systemically and is indicative of the progression of micro-metastasis. 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

Actorius and ACTREC Partner to Advance Clinical Cancer Research. Press Release | February 5, 2026 Actorius and ACTREC Partner to Advance Clinical Cancer Research. A collaborative research initiative to study the practical utility of Circulating Tumor Cells and their capture and depletion from patient's blood as possible aid to adjunct therapeutics. Big step forward for Actorius Innovations and Research 🙌 Actorius recently signed an MOU with Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer(ACTREC) to collaborate on clinical studies and research spanning - practical utility of Circulating Tumor Cells and their capture and depletion from patient’s blood as possible aid to adjunct therapeutics. Slowing down or blocking metastasis cascade in early stage patients. Extremely bold and breakthrough innovation hypothesis. This partnership is about taking science closer to patients—generating meaningful real-world evidence, strengthening translational research, and asking the right clinical questions where it truly matters. The MOU was signed by Dr. Pankaj Chaturvedi , Director, ACTREC, and Dr. Jayant Khandare , Co-Founder & CSO, Actorius Innovations and Research. Excited about what lies ahead and the impact this collaboration can create together. Aravindan Vasudevan Rick Kamble 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

Automated CTC image analysis using CellMatrics shows rapid concordance with manual analysis. Publications | August 30, 2026 Algorithm based analysis of circulating tumour cells in cancer patients A study evaluating CellMatrics, a Python-based automated image analysis algorithm for CTC detection, demonstrated rapid and robust concordance with manual CTC analysis across blood samples from 32 cancer patients. Introduction: The role of circulating tumour cells (CTCs) in solid cancers for prognostication, treatment response, and early metastasis detection is well established. Based on fluorescence microscopy and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), the enumeration of CTCs with varied protein biomarkers has routinely been performed. CTC detection methods require more robust image analysis. We developed CTC image analysis using an algorithm that assesses red, green, and blue fluorescent signals along with cellular morphological traits. We compared the concordance and outcome with manual image analysis. Methods: Retrospectively, we processed blood samples from 32 cancer patients (27 at baseline and 5 follow-ups) to determine CTC prevalence. Cancer types included colorectal (n=16), breast (n=9), glioblastoma (n=2), periampullary (n=1), urothelial (n=1), ovary (n=1), lung (n=1), and melanoma (n=1). To capture CTCs, we processed 1.5 mL of peripheral blood using the OncoMetastat device, with affinity-conjugated glass beads (GBs). CTC images were captured and confirmed on GBs based on CK18-positive (Green), DAPI-positive (Blue), and CD45-negative (Red) signals using a Zeiss Microscope (Method 1). Further, the cells were qualified using brightfield imaging and cell size. Cells were selected based on the highest CTC traits, namely size, shape, and intensities. Furthermore, we developed a Python-based image analysis algorithm, “CellMatrics,” for CTCs based on morphology, size, brightfield, and RGB intensities (Method 2). The CTC images were imported into the algorithm using a drag-and-drop interface. The algorithm applies broad criteria for RGB intensities and finally assesses true positives while eliminating false negatives in 10 seconds. The outcome is represented by the CTC image, count, RGB intensities, size, and surface area. Finally, we compared the concordance between CTCs identified manually and those identified by the algorithm. Results: A total of 24 CTCs were detected in 23/32 (71.88%) cancer patients using Method 1. The number of CTCs ranged from 1–3, and the overall mean CTC distribution was approximately 1.04. Patients aged 20–29, 30–39, and 40–49 years demonstrated the highest mean CTC count (1.00), while the lowest mean CTC count (0.50) was observed in patients aged 50–59 years. Colorectal samples showed 11 CTCs, breast showed 6, ovary showed 3, and samples from periampullary, urothelial, glioblastoma, and lung cancer types each showed 1 CTC. The melanoma sample showed 0 CTCs. Upon importing CTC images into the algorithm (Method 2), an identical CTC outcome was observed. Conclusion: We evaluated CTCs in blood samples from 32 cancer patients. Comparing the outcome from manual CTC analysis (Method 1) with Method 2 qualified the CTCs detected using the automated algorithm. We observed rapid and robust concordance in CTC counts, matching the manual CTC count. 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

PD-L1 on CTCs and ctDNA enables real-time monitoring of breast cancer progression. Publications | June 3, 2025 PD-L1 expression on circulating tumor cells and CTC clusters as a minimal cellular disease in breast cancer patients. This breast cancer study shows high prevalence of PD-L1–positive circulating tumor cells, supporting their role in minimal residual disease and metastasis risk. Background Tumor-derived components, such as dual biomarkers including circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and circulating tumor cells (CTCs), provide comprehensive real-time insights into the tumor microenvironment. Minimal cellular residual disease (MCRD), dynamic cell surface protein overexpression, residual tumor burden after curative-intent resection, and decisions regarding adjunct therapy or therapy de-escalation are critical aspects of patient management. Similar to the PD-L1 combined positive score (CPS) in tissue samples, PD-L1 expression on CTCs represents a promising dynamic biomarker, particularly in the context of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT may contribute to immune evasion by deactivating T cells, thereby facilitating micro-metastatic progression, which remains challenging to detect and manage. In this study, we report PD-L1 expression as a dynamic biomarker on circulating tumor cells across early- to late-stage breast cancer patients. Methods In this retrospective analysis, peripheral blood samples from 1,294 breast cancer patients were evaluated for the presence of CTCs, PD-L1 expression on CTCs, and CTC clusters. CTCs were enumerated using the OncoDiscover platform, approved by CDSCO-India, from 1.5 mL of peripheral blood. The system consists of a multi-component magneto-nanosystem mediated by anti-epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) antibodies. CTCs were identified based on EpCAM⁺, CK18⁺, DAPI⁺, and CD45⁻ markers. PD-L1 expression on CTCs was quantified using linear intensity gradients of fluorescence signals acquired through an automated Zeiss microscope. Additionally, a computational model was developed to evaluate mean CTC distribution, perform regression analysis, and assess CTC predictability. Results CTC counts ranged from 1 to 20 per 1.5 mL of blood. At baseline analysis, 73.20% (n = 978) of patients had ≥1 CTC. Among patients with detectable CTCs, 87.69% (n = 406 of 463) exhibited PD-L1 expression. The highest proportion of total CTCs (~21.61%, n = 1,125) was observed in the 41–50-year age group. The highest frequency of CTC clusters (~29.08%, n = 41) and PD-L1–positive CTCs (~42.91%, n = 324) was observed in the 51–60-year age group. CTC clusters were detected in 2.71% (n = 141) of total patients. The mean CTC count (including clusters) was 3.90, while the mean PD-L1–positive CTC count was 3.40. The computational model demonstrated a correlation between blood-based outcomes and normal probability scores. Conclusions The observed inter-patient heterogeneity suggests potential biological and pharmacodynamic relevance of both CTCs and PD-L1 expression. Larger clinical studies are warranted to further evaluate PD-L1 expression on CTCs, particularly in early-stage cancers. Patients with minimal cellular residual disease, despite the absence of radiographic evidence, may represent a higher-risk group for metastasis progression and may benefit from enhanced stratification strategies. 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

CTC together with Shh and Nrf2 are prospective diagnostic markers for HNSCC Publications | April 4, 2024 Manuscript: CTC together with Shh and Nrf2 are prospective diagnostic markers for HNSCC Study links Shh/Nrf2 overexpression with circulating tumor cells in HNSCC, highlighting their potential as biomarkers for early detection and survival prediction. Background The lack of appropriate prognostic biomarkers remains a significant obstacle in the early detection of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC), a cancer type with a high mortality rate. Despite considerable advancements in treatment, the success in diagnosing HNSCC at an early stage still needs to be improved. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) are overexpressed in various cancers, including HNSCC, and have recently been proposed as possible therapeutic targets for HNSCC. Circulating Tumor Cell (CTC) is a novel concept used for the early detection of cancers, and studies have suggested that a higher CTC count is associated with the aggressiveness of HNSCC and poor survival rates. Therefore, we aimed to establish molecular markers for the early diagnosis of HNSCC considering Shh/Nrf2 overexpression in the background. In addition, the relation between Shh/Nrf2 and CTCs is still unexplored in HNSCC patients. Methods In the present study, we selected a cohort of 151 HNSCC patients and categorized them as CTC positive or negative based on the presence or absence of CTCs in their peripheral blood. Data on demographic and clinicopathological features with the survival of the patients were analyzed to select the patient cohort to study Shh/Nrf2 expression. Shh and Nrf2 expression was measured by qRT-PCR. Results Considering significant demographic [smoking, betel leaf (p-value < 0.0001)] and clinicopathological risk factors [RBC count (p < 0.05), Platelet count (p < 0.05), Neutrophil count (p < 0.005), MCV (p < 0.0001), NLR (p < 0.05), MLR (p < 0.05)], patients who tested positive for CTC also exhibited significant overexpression of Shh/Nrf2 in both blood and tissue compared to CTC-negative patients. A strong association exists between CTCs and tumor grade. Following chemotherapy (a combination of Cisplatin, 5FU, and Paclitaxel), the frequency of CTCs was significantly decreased in patients with HNSCC who had tested positive for CTCs. The Kaplan–Meier plot illustrated that a higher number of CTCs is associated with poorer overall survival (OS) in patients with HNSCC. 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

OncoDiscover enables early cancer spread detection and faster diagnosis. | ET Health Press Release | August 24, 2019 Pune scientists discover tech, first in India, to detect early spread of cancer. The new "OncoDiscover" technology discovered by a team led by Dr Jayant Khandare not only detects the early spread of cancer but doctors say it can also speed up the cancer detection process… A team of Pune scientists have discovered a technology that can detect within mere hours, the spread of cancer and claim that the new finding reduces considerably the time taken for detecting the disease. The new "OncoDiscover" technology discovered by a team led by Dr Jayant Khandare not only detects the early spread of cancer but doctors say it can also speed up the cancer detection process. Presently, in India, the final diagnosis report to detect the spread of cancer takes about 12 days whereas, with OncoDiscover technology, doctors can detect it in a mere 3.5 hours. Dr Khandare told ANI, "We felt the need for this technology because global cancer is spreading. 90 per cent of the people get to know they have cancer when it is at the second stage but through this technology, we can try saving that 90 per cent. This technology is needed to detect cancer at an early stage." Read the Full Story on The Economic Times - https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/diagnostics/pune-scientists-develop-tech-to-detect-early-spread-of-cancer/70739264 Business Standards - https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/pune-scientists-discover-tech-first-in-india-to-detect-early-spread-of-cancer-119082400816_1.html View full 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

Explore career opportunities at Actorius Innovations. Join us to innovate with intent and make a difference in patient lives. Careers Join us to be a part of our Journey 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 People Driven by People, Defined by Purpose. Whether you’re an experienced professional or a recent graduate, working with Actorius could be an enriching experience and rewarding next step in your career. Our Culture For us, at Actorius, commitment to team work comes first. We have a flat hierarchy. We believe that it takes all sorts to make a formidable team. That’s why we are, at times, open to welcoming passionate and driven people to be a part of our growing team. Team Building We are open to welcoming passionate and driven people to be a part of our growing team. We hold off-sites and affiliation events to bring together members of the team. We take pride in investing in individualised talent development programme and mentoring. 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. 50+ and counting We’re looking for dynamic thinkers and doers to help us make a difference to patient lives. Apply Now Jobs Current Job Openings Current openings at Actorius Innovations and Research Didn't find any relevant openings? You think you are driven by a vision to positively changes the lives of cancer patients? or you have a passion for research, fill in the following form. if we have a position that we think you're suitable for, we'll reach out to you. Apply Proactively

CTC counts correlate with nodal stage and aggressive features in Indian HNC patients. Publications | March 7, 2026 AACR 2020: Clinical correlation of circulating tumor cells as a blood marker in Indian head and neck cancer patients. A study of 350 Indian HNC patients confirms CTCs correlate with nodal stage and aggressive features, validating their use as a clinical staging marker. Objectives To establish a rapid, highly specific, efficient, sensitive, and affordable CTC enumeration liquid biopsy technology and to validate its efficacy to isolate CTCs disseminating from epithelial tumors of the HNC subpopulation in India. Furthermore, the study aimed to investigate the correlation of CTC distribution from peripheral blood with respect to various clinicopathologic factors in these patients. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using peripheral blood from 350 enrolled HNC patients. CTCs were isolated using DCGI (India) approved technology that exploits EpCAM-based immunomagnetic separation. EpCAM+ tumor cells were isolated from only 1.5 ml of blood and critically assayed for cytokeratin 18 (CK18) expression. These cells were quantified using fluorescence imaging to obtain a threshold to further minimize nonspecific and false-positive enumeration. CTC enumeration was subsequently subjected to statistical correlation with various clinical and pathologic parameters. Results CTCs were detected in all HNC patients across various subsites. There was a minimum threshold of at least 12 CTCs in early oral cancer patients according to their clinicopathologic signatures. Compared to early oral cancer patients, advanced nodal patients showed a 40% escalation in CTC count, while an increase of up to 80% was observed when associated with aggressive features such as lymphovascular emboli (LVE) and extranodal extensions. Notably, laryngopharyngeal primary cases had the highest mean CTC count of 33 in 1.5 ml of blood. Conversely, patients with advanced disease had higher CTC counts, and this was staggered in comparison with nearly—but not all—clinical features. Remarkably, a higher clinical N (nodal) stage statistically correlated with increased CTC counts. A marked increase in CTCs was also seen in tumors that showed lymphovascular emboli on histopathology and extranodal extension. The CTC counts were independent of parameters such as age, sex, T stage, perineural invasion, bone involvement, or skin involvement. There was a notable trend toward reduced CTC counts after chemotherapy; however, it was not statistically significant. Conclusion This rapid and efficient CTC platform has been clinically validated for use in Indian HNC phenotypes. This is the first comprehensive study to show a staggering positive correlation between CTCs and various clinicopathologic factors, encompassing the largest number of oral cancer patients across the entire spectrum of HNSCC—the most common cancer in India. High CTC counts among HNC patients could possibly be one of the reasons for dismal outcomes, and further studies correlating CTCs with patient survival in HNC are warranted. However, this study strongly implicates the prospective utility of CTCs as a tumor marker in establishing clinical staging for HNC 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

Real-Time Therapy Response Monitoring Using Surface Biomarkers on Circulating Tumor Cells Publications | January 27, 2026 Manuscript: Real-Time Therapy Response Monitoring Using Surface Biomarkers on Circulating Tumor Cells Circulating tumor cells (CTCs), cancer cells shed from primary tumors into the bloodstream, are emerging as dynamic, non-invasive biomarkers for real-time cancer monitoring, especially when tissue biopsies are inaccessible or inadequate... Simple summary Circulating tumor cells (CTCs), which are cancer cells shed from primary tumors into the bloodstream, are emerging as dynamic, non-invasive biomarkers for real-time cancer monitoring, especially when tissue biopsies are inaccessible or inadequate. Unlike static tissue samples, CTCs allow repeated assessments that track tumor evolution, therapeutic response, and minimal residual disease. Hence, CTCs offer a minimally invasive, real-time alternative to tissue biopsies for cancer monitoring, particularly through surface protein biomarkers like PD-L1, HER2, and EGFR. As detection technologies improve and the clinical relevance of CTCs continues to be established, CTC profiling is poised to significantly influence the future of precision oncology. Abstract Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are shed from the primary tumor into the bloodstream and represent dynamic molecular biomarkers for monitoring the progression of cancer. While profiling tumor tissues with overexpression of cell surface markers, such as PD-L1 or HER2, is standard in guiding therapy, tissue samples are often inaccessible and inadequate, especially post-surgery or in cases of recurrence. Emerging clinical evidence indicates that CTC counts and biomarker surface expression can predict prognosis and therapeutic resistance more accurately than imaging or tissue-based approaches. Recent advancements in CTC detection methods, based on physical properties or surface markers (e.g., EpCAM), coupled with next-generation sequencing (NGS), have enabled the isolation of these rare cells and their molecular characterization. Consequently, CTCs provide a real-time alternative, enabling repeated, longitudinal assessment of tumor phenotype and therapeutic response. This review emphasizes the translational potential of surface protein biomarkers on CTCs for profiling, namely PD-L1, HER2, and EGFR, as a clinically actionable approach to stratify patients, guide immunotherapy decisions, and monitor minimal residual disease (MRD), especially when longitudinal tissue biopsies are not feasible. 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

TEDx Talk — by Aravindan Vasudevan – CEO, Actorius Innovations and Research Expert Insights | February 28, 2023 TEDx Talk — Capturing cancer cells-Uncovering secrets for treatments by Aravindan Vasudevan – CEO, Actorius Innovations Aravindan discusses innovative cancer research in early detection, precision medicine, tumor modeling, and liquid biopsy for advanced cancer insights. Describing cancer cell as the ‘Perfect Villain’ and focusing on how we could help eradicate its conception altogether, Aravindan talks about how they have successfully been able to research and develop various ways to detect early, decode cancer diversity with precision medicine, mimic the tumor microenvironment and liquid biopsy that helps find markers of cancer that has travelled through the bloodstream. Aravindan Vasudevan is the co-founder of Actorius Innovations and Research. At Actorius, Aravindan was part of the team which developed the OncoDiscover – Circulating Tumor Cell Technology, India’s first indigenously developed DCGi approved IVD technology. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. TEDx Talk Link: https://www.ted.com/talks/aravindan_vasudevan_capt 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

Liquid biopsy may replace invasive procedure to detect cancer Press Release | April 23, 2020 Times of India | Liquid biopsy may replace invasive procedure to detect cancer: Experts Liquid biopsy may replace invasive procedure to detect cancer: Experts Read the 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 ISMRC 2025 Events | May 9, 2025 ISMRC 2025 | 7-9 May, 2025 Actorius at ISMRC 2025 Dr. Jayant Khandare with Dr. Catherine Alix-Panabières , PhD Dr ( Associate Professor at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Montpellier, Director of the Laboratory Rare Circulating Human Cells (LCCRH) à l'Université et CHU de Montpellier) 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