By Dr. Allison Gandre, ND
In the evolving landscape of oncology, precision medicine is not just a buzzword — it’s a radically smarter way to treat cancer. For integrative practitioners and patients looking for evidence-based, non-toxic approaches, technologies like circulating tumor cell (CTC) testing are opening new doors.
One of the most advanced tools in this space is the Datar Exacta™ platform, which leverages blood-based tumor profiling to personalize treatment — not just with pharmaceuticals, but with repurposed drugs, nutraceuticals, and metabolic therapies.
Let’s explore how this test works and why it may be the missing piece in designing individualized cancer protocols.
What Are Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs)?
CTCs are tumor cells that have broken off from the primary tumor and are now freely circulating in the bloodstream. Unlike traditional tissue biopsies, which are invasive and static, CTC testing offers a dynamic, real-time window into tumor biology — and it does so non-invasively, from a simple blood draw.
Some CTC tests also capture circulating glial cells (CGCs), which are specific to central nervous system tumors like gliomas.
What Makes the Datar Exacta Test Unique?
The Datar Exacta™ test goes far beyond standard liquid biopsy. It integrates multiple layers of precision data, including:
1. Immunocytochemistry (ICC)
- Measures protein expression (e.g., VEGFA, EGFR) on tumor cells.
- Helps identify active oncogenic pathways, even in the absence of mutations.
2. Gene Expression Analysis (Fold Change)
- Identifies overexpressed or suppressed genes — such as MMP13, MMP27, HMGCR, or HMGB1.
- Critical for understanding tumor behavior and resistance mechanisms.
3. Functional Drug Cytotoxicity
- Exposes isolated tumor cells to a wide panel of repurposed drugs and natural compounds (e.g., curcumin, mebendazole, artesunate).
- Reports percentage cell death, allowing clinicians to rank and prioritize therapies based on actual tumor response.
4. Disease-Relevant Genomic Findings
- Screens for somatic mutations in common oncogenes and tumor suppressors (e.g., IDH1/2, TP53, EGFRvIII).
- Clarifies the tumor’s genomic landscape without needing a surgical biopsy.
Why It Matters in Integrative and Metabolic Oncology
For patients choosing a holistic, mitochondrial, or metabolic therapy approach, precision CTC testing adds a level of confidence and specificity that’s often missing from conventional care.
Targeting Without Guesswork
Many integrative protocols rely on general anti-inflammatory or immune-supportive strategies. With CTC testing, we can match repurposed drugs and natural compounds to the tumor’s actual vulnerabilities — such as using:
- Mebendazole in tumors overexpressing MMP13
- Artesunate in VEGFA+ cancers
- Statins (like atorvastatin) when HMGCR is upregulated
- Curcumin or EGCG to downregulate EGFR or HMGB1 signaling
Real-Time Treatment Refinement
Because CTC counts and gene expression can be monitored over time, this test allows clinicians to:
- Track tumor dynamics without repeat imaging
- Adjust therapies based on real-time biology
- Identify early signs of resistance or progression
Natural Agents Get Validated
One of the most exciting parts of the Datar platform is its inclusion of natural and repurposed therapies in the drug sensitivity panel. This gives scientific weight to integrative tools that are often overlooked in mainstream oncology — and helps patients make evidence-based decisions about what they take.
A Clinical Example
In a patient with a brain tumor, the Exacta test may reveal:
- EGFR and VEGFA protein overexpression (ICC+)
- Upregulated MMP13 and MMP27 gene expression
- HMGB1 +4.31 FC, indicating immune escape signaling
- Strong in vitro sensitivity to resveratrol, CBD, curcumin, and EGCG
This data allows for a precision-integrative protocol combining:
- Therapeutic ketogenic diet (for metabolic pressure)
- Repurposed drugs like low-dose atorvastatin or artesunate
- Natural agents with direct impact on the tumor’s pathways
- Lifestyle tools (fasting, sauna, breathwork) to support terrain
Final Thoughts
Precision medicine is not limited to targeted chemotherapy or immunotherapy. When applied through tools like the Datar Exacta test, it can inform natural, repurposed, and metabolic strategies — empowering patients with non-toxic, scientifically aligned care.
For patients and practitioners seeking clarity, confidence, and customization, CTC-based precision testing is the future of integrative oncology — and it’s already here.
