Most cancers are found one of two ways: through a routine screening test, or after symptoms appear. Routine screening covers only a handful of cancers, such as breast, colon, cervical, and, for some people, lung. Many of the most serious cancers, including pancreatic, ovarian, and stomach cancer, have no routine screening at all and are often found late. That gap is why we are excited to offer our members a blood test that looks for cancer cells circulating in the bloodstream.
A different kind of liquid biopsy
A liquid biopsy is a blood test that looks for evidence of cancer. Many liquid biopsies look for small fragments of DNA that tumors release into the blood. The test we offer takes a different approach. It looks for whole, intact cancer cells.
As a solid tumor grows, some of its cells can break away and enter the bloodstream. These are called circulating tumor cells, or CTCs. Because a CTC is a complete cell rather than a fragment of genetic material, it can be examined directly under a microscope, the same way cells from a traditional tissue biopsy are evaluated.
How the test works
The process is simple for the patient:
- A standard blood draw. About 40 mL of blood is collected, roughly four to five tubes. No fasting is needed.
- Specialized filtration. In the laboratory, the sample goes through a filtration process that separates atypical cells from normal blood cells.
- Pathologist review. The isolated cells are stained for identifying markers and reviewed by a board-certified pathologist, a physician trained specifically in examining cells and tissue.
- A formal pathology report. Results typically come back in about two weeks.
What makes this approach valuable
Broad coverage. The test screens for more than 200 types and subtypes of solid tumor cancers, including many that have no routine screening test.
Direct evidence. Rather than relying only on a molecular signal, the result is based on a physician looking at actual cells. For many patients and physicians, that is a meaningful and reassuring difference.
A clear next step. If circulating tumor cells are found, additional testing can help predict which organ or tissue they came from. That points the diagnostic workup in the right direction and can shorten what might otherwise be a long and uncertain search.
Convenience. One blood draw, no preparation, and no imaging or procedure needed for the screening itself.
Using the test wisely
Like every screening test, this one works best as part of a thoughtful plan. A negative result is reassuring but does not completely rule out cancer, and it does not replace mammography, colonoscopy, or other established screening. A positive result is a signal to look further, not a diagnosis, and it calls for a follow-up evaluation that we coordinate and guide. This test is designed for solid tumors and does not screen for blood cancers such as leukemia or lymphoma. It is not currently covered by insurance.
Who may benefit
This test may be especially worth considering for people with:
- A strong family history of cancer
- A known inherited cancer risk
- A significant smoking history
- An age where cancer risk naturally rises
- A desire to be proactive about their health beyond standard screening
Our approach
At Concierge Medicine of Boca Raton, proactive care means looking ahead, not waiting for symptoms. Circulating tumor cell testing is a promising tool for earlier cancer detection, and we are glad to offer it to members for whom it makes sense. As with everything we do, it starts with a conversation. We will talk through whether the test fits your personal risk, what the results can and cannot tell you, and exactly how we will support you through any next steps. If you would like to learn more, please reach out to schedule a time to discuss it with your physician.