ANGLE PLC (AIM:AGL, OTCQX:ANPCY) showcased two methods for analysing circulating tumour cells (CTCs) at a major cancer research conference in France.
It highlighted advances using its Parsortix system, which captures and evaluates CTCs from blood samples, without relying on specific markers that identify only certain cell types.
In one study, ANGLE combined the Parsortix system with a staining kit to detect and characterise various forms of CTCs in patients with metastatic prostate cancer.
Findings showed most patients had mesenchymal CTCs, which may have a higher risk of spreading cancer. This approach could be valuable for patient monitoring, as CTC changes may signal disease progression.
A second study presented multiplexing techniques to enhance digital PCR — a method for amplifying DNA in samples.
When used with Parsortix, this approach allowed for detailed genetic profiling from very small samples, improving real-time tumour assessment.
ANGLE’s research indicates potential for earlier intervention and a more precise understanding of treatment responses in advanced cancer cases.
Chief medical officer Karen Miller said: "The results of these studies further demonstrate the utility of ANGLE's technology for capturing and characterising CTCs at both the cellular and molecular level.
"Advances in molecular characterisation will be key to building a comprehensive picture of cancer and providing insight during targeted drug discovery and development.
"We are continuing to develop Parsortix-based molecular assays to provide a range of highly sensitive and specific assays to serve the needs of our pharma customers."