Anthem Blue Cross Connecticut Commercial Clinical Policy

Anthem Blue Cross Connecticut LAB.00015 Detection of Circulating Tumor Cells Form

Effective Date

04/12/2023

Last Reviewed

02/16/2023

Original Document

  Reference



This document addresses the management of individuals with cancer using immunological techniques designed to detect epithelial cells circulating in the blood to quantify circulating tumor cells. The CellSearch® System (Janssen Diagnostics, LLC, Raritan, New Jersey) is an example of the technology. This document does not address circulating tumor DNA testing for cancer (liquid biopsy).

Note: Please see the following related document for additional information:

  • CG-GENE-19 Measurable Residual Disease Assessment in Lymphoid Cancers Using Next Generation Sequencing
  • GENE.00052 Whole Genome Sequencing, Whole Exome Sequencing, Gene Panels, and Molecular Profiling

Position Statement

Investigational and Not Medically Necessary:

Detection of circulating tumor cells in the blood is considered investigational and not medically necessary in the management of individuals with cancer.