New Liquid Biopsy Test Used in Cancer Trial

Liquid biopsies represent a significant shift in cancer diagnostics, moving from invasive tissue removal to a simple blood draw. These tests analyze bodily fluids for signs of cancer, such as circulating tumor cells (CTCs) or fragments of tumor DNA (ctDNA). This approach allows for more frequent and less risky monitoring of a patient's cancer compared to traditional surgical biopsies. Creatv Bio's LifeTracDx test is unique in that it analyzes both CTCs and another biomarker called Cancer Associated Macrophage-Like cells (CAMLs). CAMLs are immune cells that have engulfed tumor cells, and by analyzing them, the test can provide information on the cancer's characteristics. This dual-biomarker approach aims to offer a more comprehensive picture of the disease. The Phase 2 trial is evaluating CytoDyn's drug, leronlimab, in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer that is microsatellite stable (MSS). Leronlimab is an antibody designed to block a protein called CCR5, which is believed to play a role in various diseases, including some cancers. The LifeTracDx test will be used to monitor changes in the expressions of CCR5 and another marker, PD-L1, on the tumor cells found in the blood. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. The incidence of this cancer has been on the rise in people under 50 for at least two decades. The current trial is focused on patients whose cancer has returned or is resistant to other treatments, a difficult-to-treat population. The LifeTracDx test can provide insights into how a patient is responding to a new therapy in as little as 30 days. It can also offer prognostic information and help detect minimal residual disease after treatment. This ability to quickly assess treatment effectiveness is a key advantage of liquid biopsies in personalized cancer care. This collaboration is part of a broader trend of using liquid biopsies to guide and monitor cancer treatment. These tests are increasingly being used in clinical trials and practice to identify patients eligible for targeted therapies and to track the evolution of the disease. The technology holds promise for earlier cancer detection and more personalized treatment strategies across various cancer types.