RGCC Group Cancer Therapy, Tests & Liquid Biopsy Tests Explained

A tumour consists of several subsets of cells, each with different features. One of these subsets – called cancer stem cell-like cells, or tumour-initiating cells – drives how the disease progresses, whether a tumour is resistant to treatment, and the likelihood of relapse.

The aim of cancer treatment is to destroy cancer cells. When a patient is treated the majority of the cancer cells are destroyed, but some may still remain, in remission.

While a patient is in remission, the remaining cancer stem cells that survive treatment may spread to other parts of the body. So doctors need to detect, discover and explore the features of the remaining cancer stem cells. Our tests are used to detect in which cases the [remaining] cancer cells may respond to treatment. This is to reduce the risk of relapse, and have ways to treat these cancer cells in the future.

Need help?

Will you send me the results directly?

Please review our patient information leaflet

Patient info leaflet

Do I need to go through my GP to get a test?

Please review our patient information leaflet

Patient info leaflet

Can RGCC test for BRAF drugs?

Yes. Onconomics and Onconomics Plus tests can be used for Ras-Raf-MEK-Erk, dabrafenib, vemurafenib, c-Jun, C-Fos, trametinib and sorafenib.

Can the Oncotrace test differentiate between benign and malignant tumour cells?

Yes. The Oncotrace test provides information about the presence of circulating tumour cells, their concentration and immunophenotype, which may help identify their origin. It is used to provide guidance about a patient’s prognosis, and to help identify the primary tumour when this is unknown.

I have a patient whose specific tumour appears to have resisting populations because of the overexpression of the MDR1 gene. This can be reversed by the use of inhibitors of ABG2 pumps. What do I do?

In this case, a patient could proceed with ketoconazole as a first-line treatment, and verapanib as a second-line treatment. Verapanib can contribute to a fall in blood pressure.

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RGCC operates in 23 countries across the world, with bases in all five continents.

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