Introduction

ChemoFx is a laboratory test, developed by and performed in the labs of Precision Therapeutics Inc. (Precision). ChemoFx measures a specific patient's tumor response to single or multiple chemotherapy agents. It examines how many cancer cells are killed after exposure to treatment. The test results can help your doctor determine which chemotherapy drugs are likely to be the most or least effective against your particular cancer, offering you the potential for a better quality of life.

Types of cancer that can be tested

ChemoFx can be used to test over 15 types of primary, recurrent and metastatic cancer, including ovarian and breast cancer, colorectal, prostate, and lung cancer. Leukemia or lymphoma cannot be tested at present.

   • Breast
   • Ovarian
   • Endometrial
   • Colorectal
   • Genitourinary
   • Head & Neck
   • Lung
   • Brain
   • Pancreatic
   • Hepato-Biliary

Your cancer can be tested before your first treatment, but it can also be tested if you have already had treatment that has failed, if your cancer has returned, or has spread to other parts of your body. It is recommended that there be at least 4 weeks between your last chemotherapy treatment and the extraction of a tumor sample to be sent to Precision to test with ChemoFx. Fresh tissue samples can be collected from fluid specimens ( ascites, pleural fluid), core biopsies or surgical extraction.

Drugs Tested
Your doctor will decide which chemotherapy agents should be tested for your particular cancer, as the drugs used vary according to the type of cancer you have. A wide range of different drugs can be tested.

ChemoFx - Five Steps
This test is a simple process and you only need to be involved at the start and finish, but you may be interested to learn what happens to your tissue sample once it is sent to Precision laboratories.

1) Cells from your tumor or associated fluids are removed during a biopsy, aspiration or surgical procedure that your doctor has determined is necessary for your care. A portion of the sample removed during the procedure is sent to Precision Therapeutics.

2) The tumor cells are then grown in the laboratory to ensure there are enough to do the requested tests. These are now called tumor-derived cells.

3) Once appropriate growth is achieved, the tumor-derived cells are treated with the chemotherapy agents selected by your doctor.

4) After treatment, a team of Precision scientists determines the amount of tumor-derived cells that are killed with each drug.

5) A final report summarizing your tumor-derived cell responses is prepared and sent to your doctor for his/her interpretation and discussion with you.