Merely counting CTCs (enumeration) is not enough; which molecular profile they carry is critical for therapeutic decisions.
Characterization Markers
| Marker | Information | Clinical Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| PD-L1 | Immune checkpoint | Immunotherapy response prediction |
| HER2 | Receptor tyrosine kinase | HER2-targeted therapy selection |
| ER/PR | Hormone receptors | Hormonal therapy response |
| Vimentin/N-cadherin | EMT markers | Metastatic potential |
| Ki-67 | Proliferation | Tumor aggressiveness |
Characterization Method
CTCs are stained with a multicolor flow cytometry panel. Surface markers (PD-L1, HER2, ER/PR) and, when needed, intracellular markers (Ki-67, vimentin) are evaluated simultaneously. DAPI nuclear staining confirms cell integrity.
For more about our CTC characterization service, contact us.
Rx-only — prescription screening test. Galleri® is not a diagnostic test. A positive result does not mean a cancer diagnosis; a negative result does not rule out cancer. The test does not replace the routine cancer screenings recommended by your physician. Galleri® does not detect all cancers.