Finding the Right Treatment for Your Cancer
Understanding how PredictRx™ can help you and your oncologist make more informed treatment decisions
What is PredictRx™?
Cancer is unique to each person. What works for one patient may not work for another, even with the same type of cancer. PredictRx™ is a laboratory test that uses your own living cancer cells to predict which treatments are most likely to be effective for you specifically.
Rather than guessing or relying solely on general statistics, PredictRx™ provides your oncologist with personalised information about how your cancer responds to different treatments before you receive them.
How Does It Work?
A small sample of your tumour (collected during biopsy or surgery) is sent to our laboratory. We break it down into individual living cancer cells and expose them to approximately 60 different cancer treatments.
We measure how effectively each drug kills your specific cancer cells, then compare the results against our database of hundreds of other patients to identify which treatments show the most promise.
What Makes It Different?
PredictRx™ goes beyond genetic testing alone by showing how your cancer actually responds to treatment, not just what mutations it has. This functional approach can reveal treatment options that genetic tests might miss.
We test approximately 60 treatments comprehensively, giving you and your doctor a detailed picture of your options.
Important: PredictRx™ is designed to support your oncologist’s clinical judgment, not replace it. The results provide additional information to help guide treatment decisions in difficult cases.
Is PredictRx™ Right for You?
PredictRx™ is particularly valuable in specific clinical situations where treatment decisions are challenging. It may be appropriate if you have:
Rare Cancer
When there isn’t a clearly defined standard of care, and your oncologist is considering multiple treatment options.
Aggressive Disease
Fast-growing cancers where choosing the most effective treatment quickly is crucial.
Metastatic or Recurrent Cancer
Cancer that has spread or returned after initial treatment, where finding effective next-line therapy is challenging.
Before Considering PredictRx™
It’s important to consider whether this test is right for your situation. Ask yourself:
- Do I want and am I well enough for further treatment?
- Can a fresh tumour sample be obtained safely?
- Is my oncologist facing uncertainty about which treatment to recommend?
- Would having more information help me feel more confident about treatment decisions?
Remember: PredictRx™ cannot test every type of cancer drug. It currently does not test immunotherapies, prodrugs (such as Xeloda), or certain biologics such as Avastin. Your oncologist can advise whether the treatments we test are relevant for your specific situation.
What to Expect
Understanding the process can help you prepare for PredictRx™ testing.
1. Discussion with Your Oncologist
Your oncologist will determine if PredictRx™ is appropriate for your situation and explain how the results might influence your treatment plan.
2. Sample Collection
A fresh tumour sample is obtained, typically during a planned biopsy or surgery. This is sent to our laboratory via medical courier in a special preservation kit.
Sample requirements: Approximately 1cm³ of solid tissue, or 250ml of fluid (ascites or pleural fluid), or 4 biopsy cores.
3. Laboratory Analysis (3-4 Weeks)
Your cancer cells are cultured and tested against approximately 60 different treatments. Each treatment is tested at multiple dose levels to understand how your cancer responds.
4. Results Report
A detailed report is sent to your oncologist showing which treatments were most and least effective against your cancer cells. Your oncologist will discuss these findings with you.
5. Treatment Decision
Your oncologist will use the PredictRx™ results alongside other clinical information to recommend the most appropriate treatment for you.
Common Questions
How accurate is PredictRx™?
Early clinical data suggests PredictRx™ has greater than 90% positive predictive value (correctly identifying effective treatments) and 100% negative predictive value (correctly identifying treatments that won’t work). However, it’s important to understand that PredictRx™ is not yet fully validated as a clinical diagnostic test.
How long does it take to get results?
From the time your sample reaches our laboratory, results typically take 4-5 weeks. This timeframe allows for careful cell culture, comprehensive testing, and thorough analysis.
What if my cancer cells don’t grow in the lab?
Unfortunately, not all tumour samples produce viable cancer cells for testing. Our success rate varies by cancer type, with some being easier to culture than others. If this happens, your oncologist will be informed, and no test results will be provided.
Will this delay my treatment?
This depends on your specific situation. In some cases, oncologists may choose to begin standard treatment while awaiting PredictRx™ results, which can then inform subsequent treatment decisions. Your oncologist will advise on the best approach for you.
What does the test cost?
Pricing varies by region and healthcare setting. Please contact us or speak with your oncologist about the cost in your specific situation. We are working to make PredictRx™ accessible to patients who can benefit from it.
Does PredictRx™ replace genetic testing?
No, PredictRx™ complements genetic testing rather than replacing it. While genetic tests identify mutations, PredictRx™ shows how your cancer actually responds to treatment. Both types of information can be valuable for treatment planning.
Is PredictRx™ available through the NHS?
PredictRx™ is not currently available through the NHS. The test is offered as a private service. Your oncologist can provide guidance on whether this test would be beneficial for your specific situation.
Can I claim this through my health insurance?
Coverage varies by insurance provider and policy. PredictRx™ is not typically covered by standard health insurance policies at this time. We recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to enquire about potential coverage for advanced diagnostic testing.
How do I know if the 60 drugs tested are relevant to my cancer type?
Our drug panel includes treatments commonly used across many cancer types, including both chemotherapies and targeted therapies. Your oncologist will review the panel with you before testing to ensure it includes treatments that are clinically relevant for your specific cancer. We regularly update our panel to reflect current clinical practice.
Can I track my sample through the testing process?
We are developing a tracking system to keep you informed as your sample progresses through each stage of testing. Your oncologist will receive updates on your sample’s status and will be notified when results are ready.
Note: If we anticipate your sample has a high likelihood of not producing viable cells based on the cancer type or sample characteristics, we will inform you and your oncologist before proceeding with the test.
Interested in Learning More?
If you think PredictRx™ might be appropriate for your situation, the first step is to discuss it with your oncologist. They can assess whether this test would provide useful information for your specific case.
Your oncologist can contact us directly, or you can reach out for more information: