Frequently Asked Questions

What is Assay Directed Cancer Therapy?
Assay Directed Cancer Therapy is a rational approach to cancer care that identifies treatment options that will kill an individual’s cancer cells while eliminating drugs that the cancer is resistant to.
Most treatment approaches are based on a standard of care clinically proven to have the greatest chance of success for populations. They do not take into account the uniqueness of each individual’s cancer. With assay directed cancer therapy, patients can obtain greater insights on the characteristics of their specific tumor and increase probability of success.

What is the EVA-PCD™ method?
Before you start your cancer treatment, the EVA-PCD™ assay has the unique ability to identify the drugs that will work most effectively and to eliminate drugs that will not work. EVA-PCD™ assay incorporates the most advanced and accurate methodology for determining tumor cell sensitivity to various chemotherapy drugs.
EVA-PCD™ stands for ex-vivo apoptosis – programmed cell death, meaning that the laboratory test assesses the ability of various chemotherapeutic drugs to bring about cancer cell death.

Who is the EVA-PCD™ assay for?
The EVA-PCD™ assay is for all cancer patients who are looking for answers about the drugs that will work the best for them before they begin treatment. Patients must not have had chemotherapy or radiation treatments within the past four weeks. Recent exposure to chemotherapy or radiation may sensitize your tumor to the drugs we test and cause inaccurate results.

How does the EVA-PCD™ assay work?
Following the collection of living cancer cells obtained at the time of biopsy or surgery, Rational Therapeutics performs its proprietary EVA-PCD™ assay on the patient’s tumor sample in the laboratory to measure drug activity (sensitivity and resistance). This determines which drug, or combination of drugs, will likely be most effective for that particular patient.
Rational Therapeutics' experience has shown that the most effective drugs are those that kill the most cancer cells, By selecting the drugs that kill the tumor cells, we are able to recommend the treatment option with the highest probability of improving the patient's outcome and minimizing possibly ineffective, toxic therapies.

How will the EVA-PCD™ assay help me?
Currently, more than 70 chemotherapy treatments are in use in the United States. These drugs are administered according to a set of standards that were developed based on the treatment regimens that were found to be effective in the majority of patients.
We’ve found that what is good for a majority isn’t always good for an individual. Cancer is an individual disease, as unique as the person fighting it.
The EVA-PCD™ assay will help you determine the right cancer treatment regimen for you before you begin treatment. With the insights revealed by the EVA-PCD™ assay, you are empowered to make informed and timely decisions to fight your specific cancer.

When will I get my results back?
Results are available within 7-10 days after we receive the sample in our laboratory.

Is the EVA-PCD™ assay reimbursed?
The EVA-PCD™ assay screens your tumor sample against only FDA-approved drugs that are reimbursed by most insurance payors.
Currently, Medicare and most managed-care plans do not pay for the cost of our laboratory analysis. Some indemnity insurance companies may pay for part or all of our services. Current efforts are ongoing to broaden reimbursement for patients and physicians. Alternative financing options are available for qualifying cases. As a courtesy, Rational Therapeutics will file a claim with your insurance carrier in an attempt to help you recover your out-of-pocket expense.

What if I am unable to afford the EVA-PCD™ assay?
If you are unable to afford the EVA-PCD™ assay, you can apply to participate in a unique patient financing program through APFUSA. Click here for more information about our financing program through APFUSA.