KNOWING WHICH DRUGS TO TEST FOR EACH PATIENT

The number of drugs we are able to test is dependent upon the size and condition of the biopsy specimen we receive.  It is why we like to communicate in advance with the surgeon or other physician who will be performing the biopsy procedure and also with the pathologist, if one will be involved.

Drug test panels are constructed personally for each patient by Dr. Weisenthal.  Dr. Weisenthal takes into account the patient’s diagnosis, previous treatment history, and other clinical factors. 

Dr. Weisenthal includes within his drug selections the broadest possible range of drugs appropriate for each patient.  This begins by including all drugs known to have activity in a certain cancer type.  Dr. Weisenthal then uses his skills as an oncologist, his expertise as inventor of the tests, experience gained from having performed testing for thousands of cancer patents, his pharmacology research insight, and his currency with the medical literature to expand the test panel to include additonal drugs or drug combinations with rational potential for efficacy. 

In addition, physician drug requests are always accomodated.  The goal is to afford to each patient the greatest opportunity for benefit. 

If a patient's testing reveals high anti-tumor activity wlth a uncommon drug or drug combination, Dr. Weisenithal explores underlying reasons for such activity, both cognitively and through searches of the world’s medical literature.  When appropriate, Dr. Weisenthal provides journal articles from peer-reviewed clinical studies in which activity for his recommended treatment is reported.  He also provides information relating to dosing, administration schedules, and known drug side-effects.