Precision Oncology Program

Several factors are considered when planning a program for which we provide either online or in-person consultation.  We assess the available clinical data, any previous molecular diagnostic results as well as patients' needs and options.  There is no physical examination during the consultation and thus any patients can be represented by an authorized contact if needed.

Our Tumor Board determines the necessary molecular diagnostic tests tailored for the patient's case.  The board is made up of 8-10 members including clinical oncologists, genetic counselor, molecular tumor biologists and molecular diagnostic experts. The board is ultimately responsible for deciding on which genes to test from which available samples by what types of methods while considering deadlines.

Our colleagues contact the pathology of the hospital that holds the patient's tumor sample and request the one likely  suitable for molecular testing based on the tumor board's recommendation. If there is no suitable sample available, we can arrange a new biopsy.

Prior to DNA isolation, an expert pathologist checks the tissue sample received for suitability. The isolated DNA is then assessed for both quality and quantity measures.  In case the sample is not appropriate for testing, we discuss the options of using older samples or arranging a new tissue or liquid biopsy with the treating physician.

The goal of molecular diagnostics is to identify the disease causing gene defects that the tumor harbors.
Of the 25,000 coding human genes, 600 are associated with tumor development.  On average 4-5 different genes mutations per tumor are responsible for uncontrolled cell division. Therefore a detailed genetic profiling of a given tumor is necessary for making the right therapeutic decision. The more mutations are present in a tumor, the harder it is to select for molecular targets.  
A detailed molecular profile is necessary to be sure to select the most appropriate targeted treatment.  

Using our AI-based, award-winning medical software, we can determine the molecular targets based on the genetic alterations. At the end, based on these results, we prepare the molecular diagnostic report.

Digital therapy planning (DTP) refers to the personalized treatment and immunotherapy planning using digital drug assignment. 
Our multiple times award-winning medical software, used for DTP, is unique in being able to rate and prioritize targeted treatment options within 20 milliseconds  in 405 tumor types, based on 52 000 mutations, 26 838 rules and 1417 compounds using up to date scientific evidence.

The molecular tumor board summarizes the personalized treatment options for each case, which could entail either available registered drugs or compounds under development that might be accessible in local or international clinical trials.

When the treating physician is able to join the VMTB, an agreed treatment strategy decision is made on the spot. When unavailable then an expert from the board contacts the treating physician post VMTB to come to an agreed strategy.

Result disclosure is provided by an expert oncologist for our patients. This precision oncology consultation is not a replacement of contacting the treating physician for treatment strategy planning. 

Upon request, Oncompass provides additional support for accessing off-label treatments and clinical trials in the forms of fullfilling  professional, logistical or organizational tasks for cancer patients and/or their treating physicians.