Latest News
American Society of Clinical Oncology 2020 annual meeting
Oncologica presents data relating to the performance of the Oncofocus test and the identification of new treatment options for patients with advanced cancers “The actionable genomic mutational landscape in solid tumours”. Advances in somatic cancer genetics and genomic profiling has led to the development of targeted drugs and immunotherapies that are directed against the cancer […]
Immunotherapy: an anti-cancer treatment based on harnessing our own immune system to attack cancer cells
Immunotherapy, in which the body’s own immune system is harnessed to kill cancer cells in patients with advanced disease, is proving a powerful treatment in around 15% of cancer patients. Importantly this type of treatment can be used to treat a broad range of different tumour types including lung, breast and bladder cancers and melanoma. […]
Immunotherapy offers hope for men with prostate cancer
A major trial of an immunotherapy drug has shown it can be effective in some men with advanced prostate cancer. The men had stopped responding to the main treatment options. Researchers found that a small proportion of men, described as “super responders”, remained well even after the trial ended, despite a very poor prognosis before […]
Cancer immunotherapy drug “less toxic and prolongs life”
An immunotherapy drug that could save some cancer patients from the ordeal of extreme chemotherapy may also help them live longer, researchers say. In a trial, pembrolizumab kept head and neck cancers at bay for an average of two years – five times longer than under chemotherapy. The patients also suffered far fewer side-effects. Cases […]
Mapping the binding sites of antibodies utilized in programmed cell death ligand-1 predictive immunohistochemical assays for use with immuno-oncology therapies
Mapping the binding sites of antibodies utilized in programmed cell death ligand-1 predictive immunohistochemical assays for use with immuno-oncology therapies Oncologica has participated in a study, led by AstraZeneca, to further improve the tests that are used to pin point the patients most likely to respond to a new type of anti-cancer treatment called […]
Taking the Oncofocus Test: Karan’s Testimony
Karan Jensen was diagnosed in 2017, aged 48 with cervical cancer. Karan ordered the Oncofocus Test to identify additional treatment options and shares her story here in the following Q&A. How did your diagnosis come about? I had been having regular smear tests, but then one came back with irregular cells and the doctor asked […]
‘Revolutionary’ new class of cancer drugs approved
A “revolutionary” new class of cancer drug that can treat a wide range of tumours has been approved for use in Europe for the first time. Tumour-agnostic drugs do not care where the cancer is growing in the body as long as it has a specific genetic abnormality inside. UK doctors testing the drugs said […]
The most precise treatments with genetic tests
Molecular genetic testing identified the most precise treatments Genetic testing not only provides information regarding the chance of developing a particular disease but is also crucial in identifying the most effective anti-cancer therapy for each individual patient suffering from any solid tumour. Thus the battle against the tumour is tailored. PREVENTION Genetic tests are […]
Sherrie Hewson’s brother diagnosed with an “incurable” brain tumour now enlisted the help of a special medical company called Oncologica
Sherrie Hewson was due on stage when her phone rang with shattering news. The Coronation Street favourite’s beloved elder brother Brett had been diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour. He was given 18 months to live. Sherrie, 68, burst into floods of tears in her dressing room. The actress, who played stroppy hotel manager Joyce […]
Thousands of Pounds Raised for Mother of Five’s Cancer Treatment
THOUSANDS of pounds have been donated within just two days to help a young Co Donegal mother-of-five access life saving cancer treatment. Sonya Hamilton McCloskey (35) – who is originally from St Johnston close to the Derry border but lives with husband Michael in Ballybofey – has been fighting cancer for the past two years. […]
What does personalised medicine mean for you?
Source: bbc.com Medicine has always been personal to some extent – a doctor looks for the best way to help the patient sitting in front of them. But with advances in technology, it is becoming possible to use the most unique of characteristics – our genomes – to tailor treatments for individuals. Genomes are made […]
The Testimony of an Oncofocus Patient
Note: In order to respect the privacy of the patient, his/her identity will not be revealed. I was diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer in March 2018. I started radiotherapy, which worked well. The tumour then started to cause a build up of fluid in my abdomen, which chemotherapy helped to reduce. However, when the first […]