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

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. More...

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
Pharmacogenetics Panel
VeriDose Core Panel v2.0
Serological Pipet Controller
PIPETBOY GENIUS
New
Enterovirus Test
Quanty Enterovirus System
New
Urine Drug Test
Instant-view® Phencyclidine Urine Drug Test
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: Ear wax could be a possible screening medium for Parkinson’s disease (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

Earwax Test Accurately Detects Parkinson’s by Identifying Odor Molecules

Current tests for Parkinson’s disease (PD) rely heavily on clinical scales and neuroimaging, which are often subjective, expensive, and ill-suited for routine screening. Since most treatments only slow... Read more

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: Capsule sponge opened to reveal the sponge (Photo courtesy of StillVision)

Capsule Sponge Test Could Replace Endoscopies for Monitoring Esophageal Cancer Risk

Esophageal cancer remains a challenging disease to treat, with fewer than 20% of patients surviving beyond five years of diagnosis—a statistic that has remained largely unchanged for decades.... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: CitoCBC is the world first cartridge-based CBC to be granted CLIA Waived status by FDA (Photo courtesy of CytoChip)

Disposable Cartridge-Based Test Delivers Rapid and Accurate CBC Results

Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered lab tests, crucial for diagnosing diseases, monitoring therapies, and conducting routine health screenings. However, more than 90% of physician... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.