Single Biggest Cancer Dictionary in the World

What is

CTC

?

Pronunciation: /ctc*/

CTC

Definition

A cancer cell that breaks away from the original (primary) tumor and enters the bloodstream. CTCs can travel through the blood and form new tumors in other parts of the body. A sample of blood can be used to detect CTCs and learn more about the primary tumor. CTCs are being used as a biomarker in some types of cancer to help plan treatment or make a likely prognosis. Also called circulating tumor cell.