No more blind spots
In the context of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), it is important to recognize that only a minority of patients can benefit from so-called targeted therapies. In fact, up to 80% of mCRC patients may not have actionable results from molecular biomarker testing.
For the majority of mCRC patients, treatment still relies on 5-FU (fluoropyrimidine)-based combinations, which serve as the cornerstone of therapy. However, unlike targeted therapies, there are currently no molecular biomarkers available to pre-evaluate the potential impact of these conventional treatments on an individual patient’s tumor. Functional drug sensitivity tests (f-DST) deliver the full picture.
Functional drug sensitivity tests complement existing biomarker tests
To address this gap and ensure that every mCRC patient receives the diagnostic attention they deserve, functional drug sensitivity testing offers a valuable complement to existing diagnostic efforts. This testing approach goes beyond molecular biomarkers and directly evaluates the response of a patient’s tumor to specific drugs.
By conducting functional drug sensitivity testing, clinicians can gain insights into the specific drug responses of a patient’s tumor, enabling them to make more informed treatment decisions. This personalized approach takes into account the unique characteristics of the patient’s tumor and its interaction with various drugs. It provides valuable information about the sensitivity or resistance of the tumor to different treatment options, including 5-FU-based combinations.
Strong guidance for therapy decisions
Functional drug sensitivity testing acts as a tool to guide therapeutic decision-making in mCRC patients, especially when molecular biomarker testing does not lead to targeted therapy options. It helps identify the most effective treatment strategies by considering the actual response of the patient’s tumor to different drugs, leading to improved outcomes and potentially avoiding ineffective or unnecessary treatments.
Functional drug sensitivity testing fills a critical role in complementing diagnostic efforts for the majority of patients who rely on conventional treatments. It provides personalized information about the response of a patient’s tumor to specific drugs, including 5-FU-based combinations, and aids clinicians in optimizing treatment strategies for better outcomes.
