[PITTSFIELD, MA]-Berkshire Hematology Oncology, based in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, is the first private medical practice in a six-state region to offer cancer patients an advanced diagnostic test using a new technology named "Top Medical Innovation of 2009" by the Cleveland Clinic.

By providing the CellSearch™ Circulating Tumor Cell (CTC) Test, Berkshire Hematology Oncology joins leading cancer institutes in offering a simple blood test that helps physicians make more informed decisions about caring for patients with metastatic breast, prostate, or colorectal cancer. The test-the only diagnostic platform intended to capture, identify, and monitor circulating tumor cells in patients with certain types of metastatic cancer-can provide valuable information about the progression of the disease as early as the first cycle of treatment.

Berkshire Hematology Oncology is the first private practice of its kind in the region-including Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire and Rhode Island-to acquire the CellSearch™ Circulating Tumor Cell (CTC) Test.

"We are very excited that we can offer this important tool, which will enhance our ability to provide exemplary care by further tailoring cancer management strategies to individual patients," said Dr. Spyros Triantos. "The sensitive nature of this test will make it possible to consistently and accurately monitor a patient's prognosis, allowing us to make timely, informed decisions about his or her care."

This routine blood test is expected to become an important resource for ongoing patient management. The CellSearch™ CTC Test, which is distributed by Veridex LLC, a Johnson & Johnson company, identifies and counts CTCs in a blood sample to predict disease progression and survival in people with metastatic breast, prostate, or colorectal cancer. The results of ongoing testing for CTCs with the CellSearch™ CTC Test, in conjunction with imaging and other important parts of therapy, can help inform physicians' treatment decisions.

According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer claims approximately 40,000 lives each year, the vast majority of which are a result of recurrent metastatic disease. Metastatic breast cancer occurs when tumor cells spread to other locations in the body and grow. Although there are many options for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer, oncologists often have to wait several months before they can determine if a specific treatment is beneficial to the patient. Through its ability to locate one CTC in the 40 billion cells contained in a 7.5 mL sample of blood - an achievement no other diagnostic approach has been able to accomplish - the CellSearch™ CTC Test can assist oncologists in making more informed decisions about patient care sooner than with other methods.

As one of the largest private medical practices in the county, Berkshire Hematology Oncology is dedicated to comprehensive medical oncology care. BHO's five physicians-including Dr. Harvey Zimbler, Dr. Michael DeLeo, Dr. Paul Rosenthal, Dr. Spyros Triantos, and Dr. Sean Mullally-are all board certified in internal medicine as well as medical oncology and/or hematology. The practice consists of three facilities in Berkshire County: in Pittsfield, Great Barrington, and North Adams. Services include infusion, laboratory, and radiology. Since 1977, the practice has also actively participated in cutting-edge clinical research into the causes, treatment and prevention of cancer. BHO is committed to providing the highest quality, state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment in a caring environment, built on the complete-person approach to medical needs of the cancer patient and his or her family.