Although the existence of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) has been known for well over a century, actually finding them in the bloodstream for further investigation has been virtually impossible. Until now. Using a microchip, investigators from the Massachusetts General Hospital BioMicroElectroMechanical Systems (BioMEMS) Resource Center and the MGH Cancer Center are now able to isolate these CTCs from a simple blood sample. The ability to do this could potentially change how doctors manage cancer care. Imagine using a blood test to manage how a tumor is responding to treatment or better yet, as a tool for early detection.
