Diagnostic Basis
A robust assessment begins with pathology/histology, current stage, imaging, relevant biomarkers and a chronological overview of previous therapies. The exact selection of further examinations depends on the individual disease situation.
Established oncological treatment
Standard therapy is guided by clinical guidelines, tumour biology, extent of disease, general condition, previous treatments and individual risks. Depending on the situation, surgery, radiotherapy, systemic therapy, targeted agents, hormone therapy or approved immunotherapies may be considered.
Immune status as an additional level
An immune status can show selected populations such as T cells, B cells, NK cells, NKT cells and monocytes. Interpretation must always consider the blood count, infections, medications and clinical situation.
Tumour count and tumour dynamics
When a CTC method is used, standardized serial measurements are more informative than a single value. CTC measurements do not replace imaging or pathology and should not be the sole basis for a treatment decision.
Dendritic cell therapy for gastric cancer
Dendritic-cell approaches follow the immunological concept of making tumour antigens accessible to T cells through antigen-presenting cells. Scientific results must be evaluated for each tumour type according to study design, patient population, endpoints and comparator group.
Combination and timing
If DCT is being considered, current or planned standard treatments must be taken into account. Blood collection, cell manufacturing, administrations and follow-up monitoring should be coordinated with the treatment team.
Documents for a structured assessment
- Pathology / Histology
- current CT, MRI or PET reports
- medical letters and previous treatments
- current blood values
- molecular findings, if available
- current medication list