We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
LGC Clinical Diagnostics

Download Mobile App




Groundbreaking Test Monitors Radiation Therapy Toxicity in Cancer Patients

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 18 Mar 2024
Print article
Image: The DiaCarta RadTox Test is intended to offer an early assessment of patient response to treatment (Photo courtesy of DiaCarta)
Image: The DiaCarta RadTox Test is intended to offer an early assessment of patient response to treatment (Photo courtesy of DiaCarta)

The concentration of circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in the bloodstream is an important indicator that can help track how well cancer treatments are working. Before starting treatment, measuring cfDNA levels can give doctors a snapshot of the extent of the cancer’s spread in the body. High levels of cfDNA often mean the cancer is widespread or aggressive. As treatment goes on, doctors can keep an eye on cfDNA levels to see if the treatment is effective. A drop in cfDNA levels could mean the treatment is working and the tumor is getting smaller. But if cfDNA levels remain unchanged or rise, it might mean the treatment isn't working, and the cancer is still growing or has become resistant to treatment. Now, a simple blood test monitors this liquid biomarker in real time to track how well a cancer treatment is working.

DiaCarta’s (Pleasanton, CA, USA) RadTox Test is a liquid biopsy test designed to monitor tumor response and progression by observing changes in cfDNA levels. This test is crucial for determining early on if a patient's treatment plan is effective, helping avoid unnecessary side effects. The RadTox Test uses DiaCarta's unique QuantiDNA Direct cfDNA Test technology to measure cfDNA concentrations in a blood sample without the need for sample purification. This method allows doctors to quickly assess how well a treatment is working. With this information, doctors can adjust treatments in a more accurately and timely manner than before.

The RadTox Test is particularly useful during various treatments, including radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and other cancer therapies, monitoring cfDNA levels throughout the entire course of treatment. This provides early insights into how the cancer is responding to treatment, well before imaging tests might show changes, often three months after therapy starts. This timely feedback is crucial for making informed treatment decisions. Unlike traditional molecular residual disease (MRD) monitoring that only look for specific cancer mutations after treatment, the RadTox Test offers a broader perspective by tracking overall cfDNA changes. This gives doctors a clearer understanding of the treatment's impact, helping tailor care to each patient's needs.

"With just 10 microliters of plasma, our test has generated significant clinical data across a broad spectrum of cancer treatments," explained Dr. Aiguo (Adam) Zhang, President, and CEO of DiaCarta. "Our initial findings across 22 tumor types with over 250,000 samples performed globally demonstrate the immense potential of this pan-cancer monitoring test."

Gold Member
Fully Automated Cell Density/Viability Analyzer
BioProfile FAST CDV
Gold Member
Turnkey Packaging Solution
HLX
New
Hematology Analyzer
BH-6180
New
Moxifloxacin Resistance Assay
Allplex MG & MoxiR Assay

Print article

Channels

Hematology

view channel
Image: The new test could improve specialist transplant and transfusion practice as well as blood banking (Photo courtesy of NHS Blood and Transplant)

New Test Assesses Oxygen Delivering Ability of Red Blood Cells by Measuring Their Shape

The release of oxygen by red blood cells is a critical process for oxygenating the body's tissues, including organs and muscles, particularly in individuals receiving large blood transfusions.... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image: The iFAST reader scans 5000 individual bacteria with each sample analyzed in less than a minute (Photo courtesy of iFAST)

High-Throughput AST System Uses Microchip Technology to Rapidly Analyze Bacterial Samples

Bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics, with resistance levels ranging from 20% to 98%, and these levels are unpredictable. Currently, antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) takes... Read more

Technology

view channel
Image: Human tear film protein sampling methods (Photo courtesy of Clinical Proteomics. 2024 Mar 13;21:23. doi: 10.1186/s12014-024-09475-8)

New Lens Method Analyzes Tears for Early Disease Detection

Bodily fluids, including tears and saliva, carry proteins that are released from different parts of the body. The presence of specific proteins in these biofluids can be a sign of health issues.... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.