FAQs
Q. How is your approach different from other personalized medicine services?
A. We analyze the whole genome of the tumor, not just a select number of diagnostic markers. Our analysis points to a much bigger universe of potential treatments.
Q. Will I need to change my doctor?
A. No, we collaborate with your doctor, who is in charge of your medical care. We are not medical practitioners ourselves. We conduct scientific research on your cancer.
Q. How long will this take?
A. From the time we send the tumor sample to the laboratory, it typically takes two to three months to complete the testing and data analysis.
Q. Is your service covered by insurance?
A. Our approach is experimental, and therefore not covered by Medicare or insurance companies. Patients need to be prepared to pay costs out of pocket. Please contact us for further information.
Q. How does the process work?
A. We will first review your case to determine whether GeneKey is the right answer for you. We will then speak with your oncologist to make sure he or she is comfortable with taking our data into consideration when making treatment decisions. We then arrange to obtain a tumor specimen for whole-genome analysis. When our report is ready, we will review the results with you and your doctor, usually in person.
Q. What type of tumor sample do you need?
A. Our tissue requirements are modest and we are flexible with regard to preservation method. Usually we can get the tissue samples we need from previous biopsies, but we typically will collaborate with your oncologist to determine the best course of action.
Q. What do I get out of your services?
A. We will produce a detailed report of our findings about the biology of your cancer and potential therapies uncovered by our analysis. We will meet with you and your oncologist in person to review the findings. We like to remain involved (at no additional charge) as a "scientific consultant" to your medical team on an ongoing basis.
Q. Every oncologist says this is the future. Are you too far ahead of the times?
A. In 95 percent of our patients we have found one or more options that are on the market or in clinical trials. (We also find additional things that are indeed ahead of their time.)