Onconomics Extracts

Onconomics Extracts is a laboratory test intended for people with an already confirmed malignancy. According to the catalogue description, it exclusively examines how cancer cells respond to natural biological substances and extracts in the laboratory. The test’s clinical benefit has not been confirmed. It does not test chemotherapy or replace standard diagnosis or treatment, and an oncologist makes treatment decisions.

Who the test is for

• adults with a confirmed malignancy who are receiving treatment or follow-up from an oncologist;
• people considering natural preparations alongside standard treatment who want to discuss this openly with their oncologist;
• people whose doctor has suggested the test or who want to consider it together with their doctor;
• patients and families who want to understand what the test can and cannot show before deciding.

The test is not intended for healthy people or for cancer detection. It is also not a replacement for tissue analysis, imaging or tumour markers ordered by an oncologist.

What the test reveals

According to the catalogue description, the test provides information on the effect of natural biological substances and extracts on cancer cells. The assessment is based on three mechanisms of action:

• direct effect on cancer cells: whether the substance damages those cells in the laboratory;
• stimulation of the immune system: whether the substance stimulates immune cells;
• inhibition of growth signals: whether the substance slows signals that stimulate cancer cells to divide.

It is important to know the limitations. The result shows the cells’ response in the laboratory, rather than the effect in the body, where digestion, the liver, blood vessels and the immune system influence a substance’s action. The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) does not recommend chemotherapy sensitivity tests for treatment selection outside clinical trials. That recommendation is not a specific assessment of this extracts test, but there are likewise no clinical studies confirming that selecting natural substances according to its result benefits the patient. Natural preparations are not a replacement for cancer treatment: in a large American study, people who chose alternative methods alone instead of standard treatment had substantially worse survival.

Sensitivity to conventional chemotherapy drugs is examined by the test Onconomics, while the broader test Onconomics Plus includes natural substances as well as drugs.

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. The blood draw appointment is arranged in advance, when you will also receive sample instructions. Agree with your oncologist when to have blood drawn in relation to surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

What your result means

The report states which natural substances the cancer cells responded to more strongly or weakly in the laboratory. Your oncologist interprets it alongside your diagnosis, disease stage and treatment plan.

• A substance labelled effective acted on cells in the laboratory. This does not mean it treats cancer in the body or is safe alongside your therapy.
• A substance without a pronounced effect did not act on cells in the laboratory. This information also says nothing about whether your standard treatment is working.
• The report as a whole is not a treatment plan. Do not stop, delay or change standard therapy because of the test result.

Some herbal preparations and dietary supplements can reduce chemotherapy’s effect or increase drug side effects. Therefore, tell your oncologist about every preparation you take or plan to take. If you develop a high fever, difficulty breathing or severe pain during treatment, contact your oncologist immediately or call emergency medical services on 194 or 112.

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. Before deciding on the test, we recommend discussing its purpose and limitations with your oncologist.

Frequently asked questions

Can the test show which natural substance treats cancer?

No. The test shows how cells responded in the laboratory. It has not been demonstrated that selecting natural preparations according to this test treats cancer or improves treatment outcomes. Herbal extracts and dietary supplements are not a replacement for standard oncology treatment. Some cancer drugs were developed from natural compounds, but these are tested and approved medicines, rather than herbal preparations.

Can I take natural preparations alongside chemotherapy?

Only in agreement with your oncologist. Some preparations change drug action or place a burden on the liver, so your oncologist assesses whether a particular preparation is safe in your case.

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

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

Can Onconomics Extracts detect cancer?

No. The test is not intended for cancer detection, diagnosis or screening healthy people. It is intended only for people with an already confirmed malignancy.