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Press Release | 23 April 2020 Times of India | Liquid biopsy may replace invasive procedure to detect cancer: Experts Liquid biopsy may replace invasive procedure to detect cancer: Experts Read the article Never Miss a Breakthrough. Get the latest news and innovations from OncoMetastat delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe for regular updates Email* Yes, subscribe me for regular updates. * Subscribe

Publications | 24 October 2023 ESMO 2023: Expression of PD-L1 and EGFR on circulating tumor cells in advanced Lung cancer patients CTC analysis using OncoDiscover® enables dynamic detection of PD-L1 and EGFR targets in advanced lung cancer, supporting personalized targeted and immunotherapy decisions. Background: Targeted molecular therapy and immunotherapy have revolutionized the treatment of advanced lung cancer (ALC). Although therapeutically significant, the outcome of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) or tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) depends on the presence of their respective targets in tumor cells. Evaluating targets based on solid tissue biopsy may often be misleading, particularly in progressive patients despite therapy administration. Additionally, tissue biopsy provides a static signature of target protein expression from an evolving tumor. The unmet need for dynamic detection and monitoring of actionable targets could be addressed by circulating tumor cells (CTCs). Here, we report on the utility of CTCs to detect actionable targets in advanced lung cancer (ALC) patients. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 193 ALC patients for programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and EGFR expression on CTCs. CTCs were isolated using the Drug Controller General of India-approved OncoDiscover technology based on immunomagnetic targeting using anti-EpCAM antibodies and immunostaining with anti-EGFR and PD-L1 antibodies. CTCs were detected based on the expression of cytokeratins (CKs), absence of CD45, and prominent DAPI-stained nuclei. The presence or absence of EGFR and PD-L1 was determined using automated immunofluorescence microscopy. Results: Among the evaluated cohort, 67% of patients showed the presence of CTCs with a mean value of 4.2 (range: 1 to 62; SD = 10.65). The absence of CTCs in the remaining 33% of patients could be attributed to therapy response in clinically stable disease. Among all patients showing the presence of CTCs, 66% showed detectable expression of PD-L1, while 42% showed strong expression of EGFR. The presence of PD-L1 demonstrated a significant association with CTCs. Similarly, the expression of EGFR among detected CTCs showed high significance compared to reported tissue biopsy data in the literature. Conclusions: Detection of therapeutic targets on CTCs obtained from advanced lung cancer patients strongly indicates that these patients may qualify for anti-EGFR and PD-L1 targeted therapies. Systematic studies with larger sample sizes are required to further strengthen liquid biopsy–based detection of actionable targets. This approach could significantly benefit advanced lung cancer patients showing progressive disease despite chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Know more Never Miss a Breakthrough. Get the latest news and innovations from OncoMetastat delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe for regular updates Email* Yes, subscribe me for regular updates. * Subscribe

Publications | 1 September 2026 Longitudinal Assessment of Circulating Tumor Cells Expressing PD-L1 and Clusters in Esophageal Cancer Patients A longitudinal study of 110 esophageal cancer patients evaluated CTCs, PD-L1 expression, and CTC clusters, highlighting their potential as predictive biomarkers for treatment outcomes and occult minimal cellular residual disease. Background Carcinoma esophagus (CA esophagus) has a high recurrence rate and poor survival outcomes. Despite complete response (CR), a notable number of patients experience recurrence. Thus, pathological ‘no evidence of disease’ may not always indicate disease-free survival (DFS), particularly in the presence of occult systemic disease and micro-metastasis. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) with PD-L1 overexpression may offer both prognostic and predictive value. Similar approaches, such as AR-V7 expression in the PROPHECY study, have demonstrated the potential of CTC-based biomarkers in predicting treatment outcomes in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Longitudinal CTC assessment may provide evidence of active clonal evolution, minimal cellular residual disease (MCRD), and therapy sequencing. We assessed the presence of PD-L1-overexpressing CTCs and CTC clusters in patients with CA esophagus. Methods We retrospectively assessed 110 patients with CA esophagus using peripheral 1.5 mL blood samples collected at baseline (BL) (n=86; 78.2%) and follow-ups (FU) (n=24; 21.8%). CTC enumeration and PD-L1 expression analysis were performed using the CDSCO-approved OncoDiscover® platform. CTCs were identified based on EpCAM⁺, CK18⁺, DAPI⁺, CD45⁻, and PD-L1⁺ markers using a fluorescence automated microscope. Mean CTC distributions were calculated across multiple time points and longitudinal means were compared between BL and FU. Results Among 110 patients, 83 (75.5%) were CTC-positive. PD-L1 expression was detected in 63 patients (57.3%), while CTC clusters were observed in 14 patients (12.7%). Most patients (89/110; 80.9%) were aged 51–80 years, with a mean age of 59.7 years, and 67.3% were male. At baseline, 65/86 (75.6%) patients were CTC-positive, with 47 (54.7%) showing PD-L1 overexpression. At follow-up, 18/24 (75%) patients remained CTC-positive, of whom 16 (66.7%) demonstrated PD-L1 positivity. The mean CTC count was 1.37 at BL and 1.20 at FU, with a combined mean of 1.32. The mean distribution of PD-L1-positive CTCs was 0.83 at baseline, 0.91 at follow-up, and 0.85 overall. CTC clusters increased at follow-up compared with baseline (0.25 vs. 0.12). Conclusions We longitudinally monitored and assessed PD-L1-expressing CTCs and CTC clusters in esophageal cancer patients at baseline and follow-up. PD-L1-positive CTCs may have potential as a predictive biomarker for treatment outcomes and the detection of occult minimal cellular residual disease. Know more Never Miss a Breakthrough. Get the latest news and innovations from OncoMetastat delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe for regular updates Email* Yes, subscribe me for regular updates. * Subscribe

Manuscript | 29 June 2024 Manuscript: Circulating Tumor Cells as Biomarkers for Relapse Detection in Rectal Cancer with Liver Metastasis: Insights from a Case Report In this case report we demonstrate the utility of CTC as a sensitive marker to detect MRD. CTCs play a crucial role in the context of MRD in colorectal cancer, offering a valuable biomarker for prognosis, treatment monitoring, and early detection of recurrence. A 70-year-old female diagnosed case of rectal carcinoma (T3N2M0) received FOLFOX × 2 cycles followed by CAPOX × 2 cycles. She then underwent chemoradiation using capecitabine as a radiosensitiser, followed by laparoscopic tumor resection. The histopathology report showed tumour regression grade 2 (TRG2) response. Subsequently, the patient received 4 cycles of CAPOX but developed grade 2 peripheral neuropathy, leading to modification of her treatment to capecitabine alone for an additional 2 cycles. A whole-body positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET-CT) scan at this stage showed no evidence of disease. However, a liquid biopsy test detected the presence of two circulating tumor cells (CTCs). An MRI of the abdomen and pelvis was conducted, revealing multiple live lesions (4 mm–6 mm) in segment IV/VIII of the liver, with no sign of local disease. To manage liver metastasis, the patient received 1 cycle of FOLFIRI while awaiting selective internal radiotherapy (SIRT), followed by 5 cycles of FOLFIRI. Three years later, her PET scans were observed to be completely normal. This case highlights the critical role of CTCs as a biomarker for detecting minimal residual disease (MRD) or relapse. Without CTC monitoring, the liver metastasis—which was successfully treated with SIRT—would likely have been missed under standard cancer care guidelines. As of today, the patient is completely disease-free, underscoring the importance of thorough investigation using advanced CTC liquid biopsy biomarkers in managing rectal cancer with liver metastasis. View Manuscript Never Miss a Breakthrough. Get the latest news and innovations from OncoMetastat delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe for regular updates Email* Yes, subscribe me for regular updates. * Subscribe

Press Release | 24 August 2019 Startup Mantra: Making cancer detection more accessible and affordable to people Launching ‘OncoDiscover Liquid Biopsy Test’, a minimally invasive test which can be performed multiple times requiring 1.5ml blood volume... Actorius Innovations and Research Pvt. Ltd. Read full release Never Miss a Breakthrough. Get the latest news and innovations from OncoMetastat delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe for regular updates Email* Yes, subscribe me for regular updates. * Subscribe

Publications | 15 July 2020 ASCO 2020: Device for the enumeration and continuous removal of circulating tumor cells in improving overall survival of epithelial cancer patients The POP blood fluidic device safely removes CTCs with up to 100% efficiency, offering a new therapeutic path to reduce metastasis and improve survival. Background: The presence of circulating tumor cells (CTC) in the vascular system is a tell-tale signature of metastasis in epithelial origin cancers including lung, breast, colorectal and head and neck cancers. Noteworthy, about 90% of cancer deaths are due to the progression of metastasis. Yet, cancer therapy is focussed on inhibiting tumour growth and there is a paucity of options that target metastasis. We demonstrate the POP ‘device’ that removes circulating tumour cells (CTC) from a patient’s blood to reduce the metastatic progression and improve overall survival. Methods: We designed, multi-component glass beads enriched antibody EpCAM conjugate substrates as POP blood fluidic device. We characterized the substrate and accounted for the biocompatibility using whole blood of healthy volunteers. We evaluated, the acute toxicity of substrates using rat (Wistar Albino) whole blood (CPCSEA registration number: 941/PO/Re/S/06/CPCSEA; 31/07/2019) and further studied major histopathological tissues for any toxicity. Finally, we evaluated 06 cancer patients whole blood (1.5 mL) for capturing and for the elimination of CTCs. The captured cells were immuno-stained, and the optimal fluorescence acquisition intensity was critically quantified in accounting CK18 protein overexpression. Results: The multi-component antibody EpCAM based substrate exhibited efficient CTC capture ability with a mean capture efficiency ranging from 40% to 100 % when compared to the OncoDiscover CTC test approved by CDSCO/ drug controller general of India (DCGI). Furthermore, the substrate indicated high biocompatibility primarily exhibited by the absence of haemolysis on whole human blood. Additionally, the preliminary animal experiments in rats showed a 100% survival rate and negligible toxicity to major organs. Conclusions: Removal of circulating tumor cells as a therapeutics is highly implicated in improving the overall survival of epithelial cancer patients. Know more Never Miss a Breakthrough. Get the latest news and innovations from OncoMetastat delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe for regular updates Email* Yes, subscribe me for regular updates. * Subscribe

Publications | 7 June 2022 ASCO 2022: A feasibility study of EMF (erlotinib+methotrexate+5-fluorouracil) regimen in recurrent HNSCC and role of CTCs in assessment of outcomes. A phase II trial shows EMF triplet therapy is a safe, effective option for HNSCC, with CTCs serving as a promising biomarker for therapy response. Background Head and neck cancer is a huge burden in South East Asia with frequent relapse after curative therapy, while the rest present in advanced unresectable stages. Financial constraints for targeted and immunotherapy make it inaccessible for the bulk of the population. Thus, a low-cost but efficacious regimen is highly implicated. We assessed if the readily available triplet therapy of EMF is superior in terms of extending life and maintaining quality of life, along with the evaluation of CTCs as a predictive biomarker in such patients. Methods This was a single-arm, phase II, investigator-initiated interventional study, wherein 35 patients were enrolled. Platinum-resistant/refractory patients of HNSCC were treated with a combination of erlotinib 150 mg daily, methotrexate 40 mg/m2, and 5-fluorouracil 500 mg/m2 (d1, d8) q28 days till progression or unacceptable toxicities. The primary endpoint was the overall response rate (ORR) at 3 months; additional endpoints were disease control rate (DCR) at 3 months, overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), safety, and patient-reported quality of life (QOL). The role of CTCs in gauging the responders and non-responders was monitored using anti-Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule antibody-based enrichment on the OncoDiscover Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) approved platform. Results The ORR and DCR at 3 months were 45.7% and 68.5%, respectively. The median PFS was 5 months (95% CI: 3.9-6 months) and median OS was 9 months (95% CI: 7.4-10.5 months). The 3- and 6-month PFS rates were 86 ± 6% and 45 ± 9%, respectively, while OS rates at 3 and 6 months were 91 ± 5% and 68 ± 8%, respectively. Rash, mucositis, and fatigue were common adverse events occurring in 23 (65%), 14 (40%), and 9 (25.7%) patients respectively. The grade 3 events seen were rash in 5 (14.2%) and diarrhea in 2 (5.7%). Clinically significant improvement was seen in domains of role functioning, social functioning, fatigue, pain and global health status, swallowing, dryness of mouth, and feeling ill. The mean CTC count at baseline was 0.90 ± 1.1 / 1.5 ml of blood. Responders showed a decline in levels from 1.19 ± 0.25 to 0.33 ± 0.48, while non-responders had an increasing trend: 0.29 ± 0.48 to 1 ± 0.10 at 3 months (p = 0.010); with concordance rates with response being 52.9%. Additionally, CTC clearance at 3 months had a numerically better PFS of ~6 months (95% CI: 4.72-7.72) and OS of 10 months (95% CI: 2.3-5.65) vs 4 months (95% CI: 2.3-5.65), p = 0.258, and 8 months (95% CI: 4.3-11.6), p = 0.203 in those with persistence of CTCs. Conclusions The triplet regimen of EMF is a feasible, safe therapeutic option with favorable response rates and improved QOL in patients with platinum-resistant/refractory HNSCC. CTCs have a promising futuristic role as a predictive biomarker and can be extrapolated in the clinical upfront setting too. Clinical Trial Information CTRI/2020/02/023378. Know more Never Miss a Breakthrough. Get the latest news and innovations from OncoMetastat delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe for regular updates Email* Yes, subscribe me for regular updates. * Subscribe

Publications | 3 November 2025 Automated Continual Flow Device to Deplete Circulating Tumor Cells using Spiral Cartridge Mediated by Antibody and Transferrin Glass Substrate Automated OncoMetastat device captures and depletes circulating tumor cells from whole blood safely, supporting extracorporeal cancer therapy and monitoring. Introduction Despite no radiological evidence of minimal residual disease, up to 25–50% of colorectal cancer (CRC) stage II–III and breast cancer cases experience relapse. Identifying patients at risk of recurrence remains challenging, as approximately 90% of cancer-related deaths are associated with metastasis. The role of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in extravasation and seeding of distant organs is well established; however, their extracorporeal isolation has not been widely demonstrated in routine practice. Current ex vivo CTC isolation systems often require complex setups and extensive manual handling. In this study, we present an automated device designed to capture and remove CTCs from whole blood using biocompatible cartridges mediated by antibody- and transferrin-conjugated glass bead substrates. Methods We developed the OncoMetastat touchscreen-based operational control device, integrating six roller peristaltic pumps and a cartridge containing 680 targeting 2 mm glass beads functionalized with anti-epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) antibodies and transferrin protein. The device housing (365 × 200 × 30 mm) contains a bi-spiral channel (95 × 95 × 10 mm) with 680 beads and eight cross-section channels (3.50 × 3.55 mm). A 3D-printed spring-loaded quick-release mechanism ensures secure tube attachment and rapid cartridge exchange. Flow performance, hemolysis, protein adsorption, and leukocyte interaction were evaluated using blood samples from healthy individuals and cancer patients across multiple cancer types, including breast, CRC, lung, and head and neck cancers. Pyrogenicity was assessed in rabbits according to ISO 10993-11 guidelines. Results The device maintained stable blood circulation at 0.5 mL/min for 5–10 mL whole blood samples using a dual snap-fit holder with a 2° angled offset. The peristaltic pump ensured consistent flow without compromising sample integrity. The bead-filled spiral channel effectively retained CTCs, while the integrated design reduced manual handling and improved reproducibility. Low hemolysis (1%), along with reduced serum protein and leukocyte interactions, was observed in both healthy and cancer patient samples. Selective CTC capture was demonstrated in 24 clinical samples across cancer types. All materials passed pyrogenicity testing, with no temperature elevation observed in accordance with guidelines. Conclusions The OncoMetastat device successfully depleted CTCs from cancer patient whole blood without adversely affecting blood components. The automated system provides stable blood flow and demonstrates proof of performance for extracorporeal CTC removal, with potential to enhance cancer therapy outcomes. View Publication Never Miss a Breakthrough. Get the latest news and innovations from OncoMetastat delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe for regular updates Email* Yes, subscribe me for regular updates. * Subscribe

Publications | 9 May 2025 Accounts of circulating tumor cells and CTC clusters with PD-L1 expression in sarcoma patients Study shows circulating tumor cells with PD-L1 expression and clusters in sarcoma, indicating minimal residual disease and need for long-term monitoring. Abstract Background: Sarcomas are characterized by significant heterogeneity, diverse histological subtypes, and variable clinical behavior. Dynamic epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) processes in solid tumors contribute to disease aggressiveness. Characterization of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in sarcomas remains challenging due to the lack of well-defined, cell-specific markers and limited molecular characterization. Compared with adenocarcinomas, studies on sarcoma-derived CTCs are relatively limited. Therefore, isolation and characterization of CTCs, including assessment of protein expression and cellular transitions using affinity ligands such as anti-epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) antibodies, may improve clinical outcomes in sarcoma patients. The role of CTCs as minimal cellular residual disease (MCRD) is particularly relevant post-treatment, including after curative-intent surgery. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of CTCs and CTC clusters as indicators of minimal cellular residual disease (MCRD), along with PD-L1 expression, in sarcoma patients. Methods: In this retrospective study, peripheral blood samples from 97 sarcoma patients (55.95% male and 44.05% female) were analyzed for the presence of CTCs, PD-L1 expression, and CTC clusters. CTCs were isolated using the OncoDiscover platform approved by CDSCO from 1.5 mL of blood. The platform utilizes a multifunctional magneto-nanosystem mediated by anti-EpCAM antibodies. CTCs were identified as EpCAM⁺, CK18⁺, DAPI⁺, and CD45⁻ cells. PD-L1 expression on CTCs was quantified based on linear fluorescence intensity gradients using image acquisition on an automated Zeiss microscope. Results: Among the 97 patients, 86.59% had baseline CTC assessments, while 13.40% had follow-up samples. At baseline analysis, 68.04% (n = 66) of patients demonstrated ≥1 CTC per 1.5 mL of blood. The CTC count ranged from 1 to 6 cells, with a mean value of 1.17. Additionally, 61.44% (n = 51) of patients with detectable CTCs exhibited PD-L1 expression, with a mean value of 0.92. The highest proportion of CTCs (31.11%, n = 28) and CTC clusters (6.14%, n = 7) was observed in the 31–40-year age group. Conclusions: The presence of CTCs with CTC clusters and PD-L1 expression suggests minimal cellular residual disease (MCRD) and may indicate aggressive disease behavior in sarcoma patients. Following treatment, the detection of such CTCs may be associated with metastasis progression. Therefore, longitudinal monitoring of these patients is recommended to support improved clinical outcomes. View Publication Never Miss a Breakthrough. Get the latest news and innovations from OncoMetastat delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe for regular updates Email* Yes, subscribe me for regular updates. * Subscribe

Publications | 25 November 2024 ISLB 2024: Comprehensive Analysis of ctDNA and CTCs Reveals Resistance signatures and Correlations with PET Scan Outcomes in Cancer Patients Integrated ctDNA and CTC analysis correlates with PET-CT outcomes to reveal treatment resistance and aggressive cancer progression. Introduction Liquid biopsy offers real-time insights into tumor dynamics. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and circulating tumor cells (CTCs) stand out as promising biomarkers due to their potential to provide comprehensive information about tumor evolution, treatment response, and the emergence of resistance. Concordance between ctDNA, CTCs, and PET-CT scans holds immense promise in cancer management, including identifying treatment resistance and correlating with PET scan outcomes. Methods Retrospectively, 18 patients with progressive and/or metastatic disease undergoing treatment were monitored. Paired samples for ctDNA and CTCs were evaluated. NGS libraries were prepared using a hybridization-capture method based on the custom-designed OncoIndx 1080 CGP panel and deep sequenced on the Illumina NextSeq 2000 in paired-end mode (150 × 2). Variant calling was performed using the proprietary bioinformatics pipeline iCare. CTCs were isolated using the OncoDiscover platform possessing an anti-EpCAM antibody-based immunomagnetic system from 1.5 ml of blood. CTCs were confirmed with CK18+, PD-L1+, DAPI+, and CD45– markers. Results ctDNA analysis showed that every patient (100%, n = 18) had at least one actionable genomic finding. Among them, 44.44% (n = 8) had concurrent mutations in the BRCA1/2 and TP53 genes, and 87.5% (n = 7) of these patients also possessed detectable CTCs. A smaller subset, 11.11% (n = 2), showed driver mutations in the EGFR gene. The remaining patients exhibited mutations in genes including KRAS, PTEN, STK11, RB1, AR, KIT, MET, and CDKN2A. These molecular profiles correlated with treatment resistance and were consistent with PET scan results showing disease progression in 88.88% (n = 16) of patients. Only 11.11% (n = 2) of the cohort demonstrated therapeutic response in recent PET scans. Notably, the combination of BRCA1/2 and TP53 mutations, along with the presence of CTCs, was primarily observed in patients with advanced or metastatic aggressive disease. These co-occurring mutations were identified in ovarian, biliary duct, and breast cancers. Conclusions The concurrent presence of BRCA1/2 and TP53 mutations alongside CTCs suggests aggressive disease progression and metastasis across the patient group. Moreover, the molecular interplay between BRCA1/2 and TP53 mutations has been associated with resistance to PARP inhibitors. These findings emphasize the urgent need for longitudinal monitoring in patients with both BRCA1/2 and TP53 mutations coupled with CTC detection. View Publication Never Miss a Breakthrough. Get the latest news and innovations from OncoMetastat delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe for regular updates Email* Yes, subscribe me for regular updates. * Subscribe

Press Release | 14 March 2026 Dr. Jayant Khandare Leads Actorius with Pathbreaking Innovations in Cancer Detection and Metastasis Control Actorius Innovations and Research Pvt Ltd, a pioneering Indo-US biotechnology company revolutionizing oncology through advanced circulating tumor cell (CTC) technologies, continues to make significant strides under the visionary leadership of Dr. Jayant Khandare, Founder, Managing Director, and Chief Scientific Officer. Actorius Innovations and Research Pvt Ltd, a pioneering Indo-US biotechnology company revolutionizing oncology through advanced circulating tumor cell (CTC) technologies, continues to make significant strides under the visionary leadership of Dr. Jayant Khandare, Founder, Managing Director, and Chief Scientific Officer. Click the button below to read the full story Know more Never Miss a Breakthrough. Get the latest news and innovations from OncoMetastat delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe for regular updates Email* Yes, subscribe me for regular updates. * Subscribe

Publications | 30 August 2026 Algorithm based analysis of circulating tumour cells in cancer patients A study evaluating CellMatrics, a Python-based automated image analysis algorithm for CTC detection, demonstrated rapid and robust concordance with manual CTC analysis across blood samples from 32 cancer patients. Introduction: The role of circulating tumour cells (CTCs) in solid cancers for prognostication, treatment response, and early metastasis detection is well established. Based on fluorescence microscopy and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), the enumeration of CTCs with varied protein biomarkers has routinely been performed. CTC detection methods require more robust image analysis. We developed CTC image analysis using an algorithm that assesses red, green, and blue fluorescent signals along with cellular morphological traits. We compared the concordance and outcome with manual image analysis. Methods: Retrospectively, we processed blood samples from 32 cancer patients (27 at baseline and 5 follow-ups) to determine CTC prevalence. Cancer types included colorectal (n=16), breast (n=9), glioblastoma (n=2), periampullary (n=1), urothelial (n=1), ovary (n=1), lung (n=1), and melanoma (n=1). To capture CTCs, we processed 1.5 mL of peripheral blood using the OncoMetastat device, with affinity-conjugated glass beads (GBs). CTC images were captured and confirmed on GBs based on CK18-positive (Green), DAPI-positive (Blue), and CD45-negative (Red) signals using a Zeiss Microscope (Method 1). Further, the cells were qualified using brightfield imaging and cell size. Cells were selected based on the highest CTC traits, namely size, shape, and intensities. Furthermore, we developed a Python-based image analysis algorithm, “CellMatrics,” for CTCs based on morphology, size, brightfield, and RGB intensities (Method 2). The CTC images were imported into the algorithm using a drag-and-drop interface. The algorithm applies broad criteria for RGB intensities and finally assesses true positives while eliminating false negatives in 10 seconds. The outcome is represented by the CTC image, count, RGB intensities, size, and surface area. Finally, we compared the concordance between CTCs identified manually and those identified by the algorithm. Results: A total of 24 CTCs were detected in 23/32 (71.88%) cancer patients using Method 1. The number of CTCs ranged from 1–3, and the overall mean CTC distribution was approximately 1.04. Patients aged 20–29, 30–39, and 40–49 years demonstrated the highest mean CTC count (1.00), while the lowest mean CTC count (0.50) was observed in patients aged 50–59 years. Colorectal samples showed 11 CTCs, breast showed 6, ovary showed 3, and samples from periampullary, urothelial, glioblastoma, and lung cancer types each showed 1 CTC. The melanoma sample showed 0 CTCs. Upon importing CTC images into the algorithm (Method 2), an identical CTC outcome was observed. Conclusion: We evaluated CTCs in blood samples from 32 cancer patients. Comparing the outcome from manual CTC analysis (Method 1) with Method 2 qualified the CTCs detected using the automated algorithm. We observed rapid and robust concordance in CTC counts, matching the manual CTC count. Know more Never Miss a Breakthrough. Get the latest news and innovations from OncoMetastat delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe for regular updates Email* Yes, subscribe me for regular updates. * Subscribe