Functional Tests We Offer at Cancer Options

There are a variety of functional tests which can help you monitor your progress and delve further into underlying elements which may have contributed to developing cancer.

This enables you to apply science to your integrative approach and look into areas influencing cancer that your doctor may not. It also helps us identify the areas and metabolic factors which need to be focused on most so your time and resources are used in a structured way.

These are some examples of functional tests we offer and a brief outline of how you can put the results into practice

Circulating Cancer Cells  

The cells from solid tumours circulating in blood (CETC) determine the risk of blood-borne metastases and hence the persons course of disease.   
  

Sample type: Blood 

Laboratory: Maintrac Laboratories Germany 

Method: Phlebotomy service most local to you, ask us for details or at Cancer Options HQ

Treatment Sensitivity Testing 

 Every patient is unique, every tumour individual. 
Sensitivity of tumour cells to different drugs varies the degree of efficacy of drugs administered can therefore vary. The chemosensitivity test Maintrac sensitivity can test in a simple blood sample, which therapeutic agents have the highest probability of working in your individual patient. The drugs are tested on the epithelial tumour cells (CETC) circulating in the blood.   
 
The cells are exposed to substances over varying periods of time and at different concentrations. Thus, the decay rate of circulating tumour cells using cytotoxic drugs, natural remedies or homeopathic substances can be determined.  This tells you if a chemotherapy will work for you and how much and if intravenous vitamin C will be successful and at what dose, or we can arrange to have any compound tested for you.
 
In the case of testing for chemotherapy sensitivity it is advised to check with your oncologist first if they would be prepared to use the information provided. Oncologists often have to follow the protocols laid down by the hospitals for each cancer type and are not able to individualise their treatment.  

Sample type: Blood 

Laboratory: Maintrac Laboratories Germany 

Method: Method: Phlebotomy service most local to you, ask us for details or at Cancer Options HQ

DetoxiGenomic Profile 

 This test evaluates SNPs associated with increased risk of impaired detoxification capacity especially when exposed to environmental toxins. It also identifies individuals potentially susceptible to adverse drug reactions. 

This is a test that gives us information about any familial and genetic influences on how the liver detoxifies and methylate’s the toxic load we are exposed to. If the body is not functioning well at its most basic levels insidiously levels of toxins and imbalances build up over the years. This often answers the question of why the body has become ill and of importantly where we need to focus our efforts to get it right.  

It plays an important role in identifying which drugs your body can cope with and which it can’t which is very useful information when looking at the wide range of re-purposed drugs.

Type of sample: Buccal Swab (inside of mouth) 

Laboratory Genova Diagnostics 

Method; Kit goes to home, take the swab and post back to the lab 

Complete Hormones  

 The most comprehensive urinary hormone metabolism evaluation designed to assist in the prevention and treatment of hormone-related symptoms and conditions. This provides an analysis of your liver hormonal pathways and endocrine system and if that  is methylating hormones well. It can be important information in establishing if underlying elements need addressing and making decisions about hormone therapy.

Type of sample: Early morning of 24 hour urine specimen

Laboratory Genova Diagnostics 

Method: Kit goes to your home; a courier is arranged to collect the sample for transport

Essential Oestrogens 

 A smaller test that complete oestrogens  

This test provides a focused overview of oestrogen balance, using a single urine sample to evaluate  a smaller range of hormonal information.  

Type of sample: Early morning urine specimen

Laboratory Genova Diagnostics 

Method: Kit goes to your home; a courier is arranged to collect the sample for transport

Functional Diagnostics Test

This is the most comprehensive test available it measures 80 different blood markers analyzing any imbalances in body chemistry which may be a result of treatment or a result of metabolic activity of cancer. Particularly useful post treatment and for identifying which areas you need to focus on rather than taking a generalized approach

Type of sample: blood which needs to be centrifuged

Functional DX

Method: Blood draw by phlebotomist with centrifuge (we have details) or our office. Post to laboratory

GI Effects Comprehensive Profile

This is an advanced stool test that provides immediate, actionable clinical information for the management of gastrointestinal health. Utilizing cutting-edge technologies and biomarkers, this test offers valuable insight into digestive function, intestinal inflammation, and the intestinal microbiome. Gut health is linked with both the underlying causes of cancer and also effectiveness of drug therapies

Type of sample: Stool

Laboratory Genova Diagnostics 

Method: Kit goes to your home; a courier is arranged to collect the sample for transport

Monitoring

We have an online monitoring system where we ask you to fill out functional questionnaires at scheduled time periods. This enables both you and ourselves to monitor your progress between consultations and ensure we have a full evaluation method to fine tune programmes and to provide evidence of the validity of integrative approaches