ABSTRACT
The overall objective of this research proposal is to conduct the initial development of a rapid circulating tumor cell-based blood test that can identify men with micrometastatic disease in order to facilitate patient selection for salvage radiotherapy. Aim 1 of this study was do perform a technical validation study and Aim 2 to embark upon testing of banked clinical specimens then to test the new assay in the setting of the NRG-GU-006 clinical trial (salvage radiotherapy /- apalutamide). In the first year of work we have begun a series of key technical validation studies while completing the sample collection from the now fully accrued NRG-GU-006 trial. Due to COVID-19 there were delays in progress but due to rapid clinical accrual and regearing of our studies, this effort is still on time.