Blood Test Could Help Doctors Treat Cancer

May 19, 2011 12:00 PM

(Photo Credit: CBS)

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WASHINGTON D.C. (KDKA) — A simple blood test could help doctors decide the best way to treat breast cancer patients.

Researchers at Georgetown found that measuring the number of tumor cells in the blood can predict whether the disease is getting better or worse.

The test, called CTC, may help doctors find out if the treatment they chose for their patient is working.

Joan

This ‘article’ or rather MARKETING BLURT is not very well done – vague, non-specific in regards to types of cancers other than breast it does too, info about the test process itself, and the fact that it is actually a report about a recent select STUDY of this one test method. The process actually came out 3.5 years ago. Also, it does not mention any of the other ‘standardized’ tests that are already out there doing this same job SUCCESSFULLY for most of those same cancers, for instance tumor marker tests. People WITH cancer or supporting those with cancer cannot be tossed vague generalized statements made to attract attention to the news show or marketing/stock concern, leading them on a wild goose chase for supporting and complimenting research. What do ‘reporters’ get paid for anyways? Cut and paste miscellaneous tagline text from ‘Press Releases’? Make sure the word BREAST is in there if you cant have a picture!
Heather

EXCELLENT points Joan.