Investigators are studying samples from a group of 100 patients to try to lock down patterns in circulating tumor DNA that can be used to validate monitoring methods for the clinic.
The partners aim to optimize DNA nanoball technology, accelerate the use of CTC technology, and work on a diagnostic tool for use at the point of care.
A new trial has compared the two most prominent tests, showing that both have clear predictive ability, but leaving several other questions unanswered so far.
The method uses hydrogel encapsulation, which mimics a tissue sample, in order to allow circulating tumor cell isolation and extraction through laser dissection.
Evidence is accumulating that analyzing cell-free DNA and/or samples from circulating tumor cells provides a good surrogate for bone marrow in these patients.
Yahoo News reports millions of dollars are being transferred from NIH, CDC, and other programs to pay for the housing of detained undocumented immigrant children.
