Understanding Functional Cancer Testing: A New Approach to Treatment Selection
When standard cancer treatments aren't working, patients face the difficult question: "What's next?" Functional cancer testing offers an emerging approach by directly observing how a patient's living cancer cells respond to different therapies, potentially reducing trial and error in treatment selection. In this article, we explore how this testing method works, what patients should consider, and important questions to discuss with your healthcare team.
Imagine facing a cancer diagnosis and trying to understand your treatment options, especially when the standard treatments aren't working. It's a tough situation, filled with questions and uncertainty. How do you know which treatment is the right one for your specific case, as you move into the next phase of needing more personalized care? This is where functional cancer testing may play a role, helping patients and doctors make more informed decisions about care.
We recently hosted an "Ask the Expert" session on functional cancer testing in our community. Over the course of three days, patients and caregivers connected with experts in this field from Travera , gaining a clearer understanding of how this testing works—and what questions they need to ask their care team to make informed decisions about whether this approach might be appropriate for their situation.
What is Functional Cancer Testing?
Functional cancer testing represents an approach to personalized medicine by measuring how live cancer cells from a patient respond to different treatments. Unlike traditional methods focusing on genetic markers or proteins, this testing aims to provide insight into how a specific cancer may react to therapy, potentially helping patients avoid treatments that may not be effective for their particular case.
The process typically begins with a tissue sample, collected during a routine biopsy. This sample is preserved and sent to a specialized laboratory where the cancer cells are kept alive. Unlike genetic testing that looks at mutations or protein markers, functional testing observes how these living cells physically respond when exposed to potential treatments.
Several companies and research institutions are developing different methods of functional testing. Some approaches focus on cell growth patterns, others on metabolic activity, and some on physical properties like cell mass. These different technologies all share the common goal of trying to predict which treatments might be most effective for an individual patient's cancer.
How Functional Cancer Testing Differs from Traditional Methods
Many current cancer treatment selections rely on genetic testing that identifies mutations in a tumor. While this approach has led to significant advances, it doesn't always predict how a cancer will respond to therapy. Functional testing takes a different approach by directly observing cell behavior.
Early studies of various functional testing methods have shown promising results in matching actual treatment responses, though it's important to note that this field is still evolving, and larger clinical trials are needed to fully validate these approaches. The potential of functional testing lies in its ability to potentially reduce the time spent on ineffective treatments, though its integration into standard care remains a work in progress
Patient Questions About Functional Cancer Testing
Throughout our community session, patients raised several important considerations about functional testing:
Timing: One common question was, "How do we ensure that test results align with my treatment schedule?" This is important because cancer can change over time, and testing results must be timely. Experts explained that for optimal relevance, functional testing should happen relatively close to the planned treatment time. The timing of the biopsy, testing, and therapy must be coordinated, which requires careful planning with your healthcare team.
Clinical Integration: Members also wondered how functional testing fits into their overall treatment plan. One member asked, "If I have the test done now, will the results still be valid if my cancer returns or mutates?" It's a valid concern—cancer is dynamic, and patients need to understand that results might not remain relevant if significant time passes or if the cancer substantially changes. Functional testing should be seen as part of an adaptive strategy, not a one-time definitive answer.
Sample Handling: A significant concern was how tissue samples are handled. Members wanted to know what happens once their sample is collected, with one person asking, "How do you ensure the sample stays viable during shipping?" It's understandable—when every detail feels critical, knowing that your sample is handled properly brings peace of mind.
Understanding Biological Markers: Some members wanted to learn more about how various measurements (like cell mass, metabolism, or growth patterns) can be reliable indicators of drug efficacy. The discussion demonstrated our community's sophisticated understanding of cancer biology and their interest in the scientific basis behind these testing approaches.
Different Approaches to Functional Testing
Within the field of functional testing, several different technologies and approaches exist. Some methods measure how quickly cells grow when exposed to different drugs, others examine metabolic changes, and some focus on physical properties like cell mass or shape.
One approach involves measuring changes in cell mass to predict treatment effectiveness. This technology can detect subtle changes in how cells respond to treatments, potentially indicating which therapies might be most effective.
Other methods look at cell growth patterns or metabolic activities when exposed to different drugs. Each approach has its own strengths and limitations, and research continues to determine which methods may be most reliable for different cancer types.
Accessing Functional Cancer Testing
Functional cancer testing is still an evolving field, with varying levels of accessibility. Some testing methods are available through clinical trials, while commercial laboratories offer others. During our session, we learned about early access programs that some companies, like Travera, are developing to make this technology more widely available.
If you're interested in exploring functional testing options, here are some important steps to consider:
Discuss the possibility with your oncologist to determine if it might be appropriate for your specific situation
Research which testing methods are available for your type of cancer
Ask about the evidence supporting each testing approach for your specific cancer type
Understand the timing requirements for any testing you're considering
Check whether your insurance covers functional testing, as coverage varies widely
Inquire about any available clinical trials or special access programs
Some companies in this space, including Travera, offer early access programs that may provide testing options for patients exploring alternatives. These programs may have specific eligibility requirements and varying costs, so it's important to research the details fully.
The Future of Cancer Treatment Selection
The field of cancer treatment selection is continuing to evolve, with functional testing representing one of several emerging approaches to personalize therapy. Integration of functional testing with other methods like genetic testing, liquid biopsies, and AI-driven analytics may ultimately provide the most comprehensive approach to treatment selection.
For patients navigating treatment decisions today, staying informed about different testing options and maintaining open communication with healthcare providers remains essential. As the science progresses, our community will continue to share experiences and insights to help everyone make more informed decisions.
If you're interested in learning more about functional cancer testing, we encourage you to discuss this approach with your healthcare team to determine if it might be appropriate for your specific situation.
Have you had experience with functional cancer testing?
Join the conversation in our cancer community to share your insights and questions with others navigating similar decisions.