Onconomics Plus

Onconomics Plus is a laboratory test intended for people with an already confirmed malignancy. According to the test description, it examines how cancer cells obtained from the patient respond to chemotherapy drugs, targeted therapies and natural substances in the laboratory. The clinical value of such tests has not been confirmed, so the test does not replace standard diagnosis, and an oncologist makes treatment decisions.

Who the test is for

• people with a confirmed malignancy who are receiving treatment or follow-up from an oncologist;
• people who, after discussing it with their oncologist, want additional laboratory information about cancer cell sensitivity to drugs;
• people considering natural preparations alongside treatment who want to discuss this openly with their oncologist;
• patients and families who want to understand what the test can and cannot show before deciding.

The test is not intended for cancer detection in healthy people, diagnosis or disease monitoring in place of standard tests.

What the test reveals

According to the test description, Onconomics Plus includes:

• cytotoxic drugs (conventional chemotherapy): the same examination as the test Onconomics;
• targeted therapies: monoclonal antibodies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors;
• natural biological substances and extracts: their direct effect on cancer cells, stimulation of the immune system and inhibition of cell growth signals.

It is important to know the limitations. Laboratory drug sensitivity testing cannot faithfully reproduce conditions in the body. The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) does not recommend such tests for selecting chemotherapy outside clinical trials, because they have not been shown to improve treatment outcomes. For natural substances and extracts, there are no clinical studies confirming that an effect in the laboratory means a benefit for the patient. Treatment is therefore determined according to guidelines, the histopathology report and tumour tests requested by the oncologist.

The procedure and preparation

The sample is blood from a vein, and the blood draw itself takes a few minutes. Special preparation, such as fasting, is not specified in the test description. Agree with your oncologist when to have blood drawn in relation to surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Before deciding on the test, speak to your treating oncologist.

What your result means

The report states which substances the cells were more or less sensitive to in the laboratory. Your oncologist interprets it alongside your diagnosis, disease stage and standard results.

• Sensitivity to a drug does not mean that the drug will definitely work in your body or that it is better than guideline-based treatment.
• Low sensitivity or resistance does not mean the prescribed treatment is not working. Do not stop or change therapy based on this result.
• The effect of natural substances in the laboratory does not prove a benefit for the patient. Some preparations can interfere with chemotherapy or other drugs, so tell your oncologist about every one.

How to arrange testing

The test is available without a referral. A blood draw appointment is arranged in advance through the page Contact, where you will also receive sample instructions. Prices for all tests and panels are listed in the price list.

Frequently asked questions

Can the test determine which chemotherapy will help me?

No. The test shows how cells responded in the laboratory, but selecting a drug according to such tests has not been shown to improve outcomes. Your oncologist determines therapy according to guidelines and tumour findings.

Can Onconomics Plus detect cancer?

No. The test is not intended for cancer detection or diagnosis and is not used to screen healthy people.

What is the difference between Onconomics, Onconomics Plus and Onconomics Extracts?

According to the test descriptions, Onconomics examines sensitivity to cytotoxic drugs, Onconomics Extracts only to natural substances, and Onconomics Plus combines cytotoxic drugs, targeted therapies and natural substances. The same limitations apply to all.

Do I need this test if an oncologist is already treating me?

Decide this together with your oncologist. The test does not replace standard diagnosis or medical recommendations, and treatment decisions remain with the oncologist.