Tests That Monitor Response to Cancer Treatment
Once cancer treatment has started, one of the most important questions is whether it is actually working. A range of tests can help monitor response over time, giving patients and clinicians a clearer picture of how the cancer is behaving during treatment.
These monitoring tests may include imaging scans, blood tests, tumour markers, circulating tumour DNA, and other forms of assessment, depending on the type of cancer and the treatment being used. Some are already well established in standard oncology practice, while others are newer and still being evaluated for how reliably they can track treatment response in real time.
No single test can provide a complete picture on its own. Results usually need to be interpreted in context, alongside symptoms, clinical examination, and the broader course of treatment. Even so, response-monitoring tests can sometimes help show whether a treatment appears effective, whether the cancer is stable, or whether a change in strategy may need to be considered.
where can I get Tests That Monitor Treatment?
Oncotrace
The test can be used as a baseline assessment for patients undergoing cancer treatment to evaluate therapy effectiveness, assess the risk of recurrence, and improve the monitoring of cancer progression.
Additionally, it can be used as a follow-up tool for long-term surveillance for patients who are in remission, offering reassurance and early detection in case of disease return.
Available from R.G.C.C Group
Maintrac
Therapy Monitoring: maintrac® allows regular monitoring of circulating tumor cell counts to show whether ongoing treatment is effective.
Available from: maintrac and Genostics
CTC analysis
A simple, actionable blood test that can monitor treatment efficacy and the progression of the disease over time, including remission
Test available from: NextGenOncology (Germany)
Metastatic breast, prostate, or colorectal cancer:
CellSearch
The presence of CTCs in the peripheral blood, as detected by the CELLSEARCH® CTC Test, is associated with decreased progression-free survival and decreased overall survival in patients treated for metastatic breast, colorectal, or prostate* cancer. The test is to be used as an aid in the monitoring of patients with metastatic breast, colorectal, or prostate cancer.
Tests available from: CellSearch.
Last updated May 2026