Providers

EarlyCDT^® and Autoantibody Technology

EarlyCDT^® detects autoantibodies that our immune system produces in response to antigens generated by cancerous tumors.  These autoantibodies are present in far greater numbers than the antigens, making them a good marker for cancer.

Since cancer is a heterogeneous disease, different tumors may express a variety of antigenic proteins.  The test panel therefore has been developed to contain a number of antigens that are known markers for the type of cancer under scrutiny. The diverse test panel, along with the ability of the autoantibody assays to identify low levels of antibodies, results in detection of cancer earlier than other routine testing procedures and improves the potential for a positive outcome.

EarlyCDT^® requires a small blood sample and is performed in a CLIA-compliant Oncimmune^® laboratory. Results of the test are positive or negative and are determined by the level of autoantibodies detected. If one or more autoantibody levels fall above a statistically derived cutoff value, then the test is positive. A positive result suggests that a tumor might be present.