Been researching how treatment programs are being "personalized" or "customized" (these seem to be the most successful ways to Google this category) for the specific individual's cancer, the common thread being that biopsy results and chemo recommendations are attained by testing tumor cells against a wide array of chemo agents to determine more positive outcomes. Anderson appears to be active in this, as well as several Cali oncologists. Any knowledge available re OC and this approach?

No but it sounds awesome!!! the blanket approach sucks right now because not everyone responds to the same treatment. Hugs!

it does sound awesome doesn't it? like of a Duh thing, as in why all treatment doesn't roll this way? there in lies my concern. is it a real option to consider, particulary for metastatic cases. if so, who's doing it best. how would it play out with our current team. not to mention getting the patient on plane. building his and our hopes. ...

Hi! I sent you a FB message about it and how it makes complete sense especially for primary tumors that respond to chemotherapy or chemoradiation.

The drugs are proven and widely used in conventional treatment. So, there isn't anything dicey about what therapy they would prescribe. They are just going about the diagnostic process in a more logical and focused way.

It will keep from wasting time on something that doesn't work. And they offer the possibility of testing people for genetic factors that influence efficacy. That would be a huge benefit--especially for people who suffer through weeks of something like Erbitux only to find out it didn't work.

I see a new standard of care on the horizon. If it works, then it will save money and collateral damage in lives saved and unnecessary morbidity after failed treatment. Wow!

love you guys

Love you, too!
Sending a big hug. You are a warrior caregiver. Keep hanging in there.

Hugs back! Do what you feel you should! Give your dad a hug for me!

I am not sure that I know what the "blanket approach" is? Most here have had treatment plans tailored to their particular type of tumor, location, etc.

My Oncologist actually even factored in my lifestyle when suggesting treatment options.

There are many different ways to get radiation, chemo and surgical techniques now. It's not a simple as it was 20 years ago.

gary, i'd be happy to pm you if you are interested in the testing we've been researching and the feedback.

Despite personalizing - or what appears to be personalizing, there is still a hit or miss approach to cancer. They look and say - you have this kind of tumor - so they write up a plan based on previous experience with - this kind of tumor- ie: HPV tumors - BOT tumors - are treated a certain way - Oral tongue a certain way... However what works for one oral tongue patient may not be what works for another - based on genetics, aggressiveness, age and causes of the cancer (smoker? Alcohol use? Etc..) this particular treatment caco is talking about requires freshly biopsied tissue, and they hit it with certain types of chemo to see how it reacts to them, then based on that a plan is built. I have completely over simplified everything here but it is to me far more personalized than the cookie cutter treatments we get - I guess mostly because it involves your actual tissue - and immune system. Good luck caco!!!