FAQs
What is the CancerTYPE ID® test?
CancerTYPE ID, developed by bioTheranostics, is an objective molecular cancer classification test capable of classifying 54 different tumor types.1
Which patients would most benefit from this test?
For those patients with hard-to-identify cancers, the CancerTYPE ID test gives additional information to help physicians determine the primary cancer site.
Why is it important to identify the primary cancer site?
Identifying the primary cancer site enables your physician to select the most appropriate treatment for you. CancerTYPE ID provides critical data to help determine your cancer type, shortening the time between your initial diagnosis and the start of the most appropriate therapy, which may improve your outcome.
How does CancerTYPE ID help determine the primary site of origin?
The CancerTYPE ID test measures the expression pattern of 92 genes.1,2 The pattern of activity among these 92 genes is recognized as a “molecular fingerprint” which provides information beyond what can be seen under a microscope. This molecular fingerprint is compared with a reference database of 54 known cancer types. Based on this comparison, the original location of the tumor and the type of cancer can be identified with a high rate of accuracy.
Is this test able to classify the most common types of cancer?
The 54 known cancer types that CancerTYPE ID is able to recognize represents well over 95% of all solid tumors, covering all typical cancers.1
How is the test performed?
The CancerTYPE ID test requires a very small sample of the tumor tissue removed during a biopsy procedure. This is typically the same tissue already examined by your pathologist, so no additional procedure is required. That sample is sent to the certified laboratory of bioTheranostics where the CancerTYPE ID test classification is performed.
How long does it take to get the results of the test?
It usually takes one week after the tumor sample is received by bioTheranostics for the results to be available. The report is then sent to both the doctor and the pathologist who submitted the tissue sample.
Does the CancerTYPE ID test replace other laboratory tests or procedures?
No. The results of the CancerTYPE ID test are used together with the results of other laboratory tests to evaluate and classify cancer.
Does adding CancerTYPE ID lengthen the diagnostic process?
No, just the opposite. Even after the most thorough clinical workup, accurate identification of the primary cancer site may not be possible. By incorporating CancerTYPE ID into the diagnostic process, your doctor can reduce identification time, confirm a classification more quickly, avoid expensive and redundant imaging procedures, and determine the appropriate therapy based on your primary cancer before it can potentially metastasize.
Can the CancerTYPE ID test help my doctor determine which treatment is right for me?
Yes. There is an appropriate and generally accepted treatment approach for most types of cancer. Once your doctor knows what type of cancer you have, he or she can develop an individual treatment regimen that is best for you.
What if I don’t have insurance or my insurance doesn’t completely cover the test?
bioTheranostics believes that every eligible patient should have access to the CancerTYPE ID test. Programs for uninsured and qualified underinsured patients, and payment plans that can be tailored to meet specific financial needs, are available.
What if I need additional information or help on reimbursement?
A Client Services Representative can help determine the patient coverage available through insurance plans. An assistance program is available. For more information on insurance coverage, contact bioTheranostics Customer Service at 877-886-6739.
References:
1. Ma, et al. Molecular Classification of Human Cancers Using a 92-Gene Real Time Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay. Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, 130: 465-473, 2006.
2. Data on file. Technical Report 021510, bioTheranostics.
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