Micro CTC inspection
What is micro-CTC testing?
Simply put, it is a more advanced version of the CTC test .
Micro-CTC testing uses a special antibody called "CSV (cell surface vimentin antibody)" developed by MD Anderson Cancer Center, a cancer research and treatment facility in the United States, to detect with extremely high accuracy only highly malignant "mesenchymal cancer cells" that have undergone epithelial-mesenchymal transition among CTCs. Because "mesenchymal cancer cells" have the ability to invade and metastasize, detecting the presence of these cells in the blood can determine whether cancer has progressed elsewhere in the body or the risk of future progression.
Characteristics of micro CTC testing
● Only blood is collected, so there is little strain on the body
A single blood draw takes about five minutes, and the results are available in about a week.
● High accuracy in detecting "mesenchymal cancer cells"
Specificity: 94.45%.
● Useful information for determining suspected cancer
Cancer is diagnosed when abnormal findings are found through imaging tests, etc., and a definitive diagnosis is made by taking cells from the abnormal area (biopsy) and conducting a pathological examination. However, if a biopsy is difficult or the abnormality is in a risky area, a definitive diagnosis may not be possible. In such cases, micro-CTC testing can provide information to determine whether or not there is cancer.
● Minimally invasive and allows for checking for signs of recurrence
Post-operative recurrence checks are performed using imaging tests such as PET and CT scans, which carry the risk of radiation exposure. Micro-CTC testing does not pose the risk of radiation exposure and can detect signs of recurrence early, making it possible to address the issue at an early stage.
Micro CTC testing is recommended for the following people:
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People in their late 30s who are worried about cancer specific to women
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Managers and busy business people with big responsibilities
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People with a family history of cancer who are worried about cancer
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Elderly people at high risk of cancer
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Those who have had cancer surgery less than 5 years ago
Fees (private medical treatment)
198,000 yen (tax included) per session