It is important for us to intimately understand each patientās journey preceding the cancer diagnosis and up until the first consultation or skype interview. For this reason we request that you complete the patient questionnaire and attach all radiological, histological, DNA and other blood investigations to date. Download our patient questionnaire Icon
You may be required to repeat several blood tests on arrival, and in some cases to repeat the biopsy or to request additional DNA testing on the previous biopsied tissue.
Imaging, DNA & Blood Tests Treatments
OUR USE OF DNA TESTING
(Genetic Picture from brochure) In collaboration with Lancet Laboratory, we offer cancer specific genomic testing to help target therapy and predict the risk of distant recurrence and the likelihood of chemotherapy benefit. We also collaborate with international companies, Caris Molecular IntelligenceĀ® and Imagen Therapeutics Limited to help guide and personalize treatment options for each patient.
Caris Molecular IntelligenceĀ® is the first tumour profiling service that combines comprehensive broad-based laboratory testing, clinical research/evidence on biomarkers, and unique propriety Artificial Intelligence data to aid physicians as they evaluate potential drug or clinical trial options. Caris Molecular IntelligenceĀ® analyses DNA, RNA, and Proteins using the highest accredited and certified methods and technologies available globally.
Imagen Therapeutics uses unique propriety technologies to measure the effectiveness of up to 70 different drugs and/or combination of drugs in killing a sample of cells removed from a patientās cancer tumour. This new innovative in-vitro drug sensitivity test has shown to be highly accurate in predicting clinical response and aiding physicians in personalizing more effective treatment options for advanced cancer patients.
Our goal is to predict treatments that are most likely to respond and to avoid treatments that are inefficacious to improve quality of life and overall survival. In addition to this testing, at Malachite we offer sputum DNA analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms in order to assess nutritional, hormonal and specific metabolic pathways relevant to treatment options.
OUR USE OF BLOOD TESTS
Updated blood tests are carried out according to international integrative oncology protocols to assess immune function, nutritional profiling and inflammatory status.
We carry out the following tests:
Baseline full blood count, including differential count and lymphocyte to neutrophil ratio, liver function test and creatine, urea and electrolytes.
Inflammatory markers CRP, hsCRP, IL-6, ESR, Homocysteine, fasting lipogram and calcium score / framingham risk stratification
D-dimer +- Fibrinogen, fasting insulin & glucose or HBA1c if DM
Endocrine and hormonal system: Testosterone, E2, progesterone, salivary cortisol, thyroid function including TSH, T4, fT3 and if necessary reverse T3.
Vitamin Status: vit D, vit B12, Zinc, copper ratio, selenium levels, iron studies, erythrocyte magnesium and folate.
Immune function: Natural killer cell profiling, FBC, live blood analysis, IgE, HIV, +- CD4
We sometimes include heavy metal analysis and organic acid profiling.
All tumor markers are monitored as needed, together with frequent ultrasound and clinical assessments.
Abnormal tests are then repeated until normalised. Several tests are
repeated during treatment to monitor bone marrow, liver and renal
function, and vitamins are only supplemented according to documented
deficiencies and until normalised. We are happy to provide a
clinical summary document that will include all the above results
and relevance to current treatment protocols.
OUR USE OF INTEGRATIVE DIAGNOSTICS
In comprehensively evaluating your health, not only do we complete a full physical examination with you, but include spirometry, ECG, anthropometric measurements and other specialised investigations as needed. Additional blood tests, DNA tests and radiological investigations are performed as discussed above.
Several other complementary diagnostic methods are used during consultations at the clinic, and these are mostly helpful in fine tuning our assessment of your overall health state, immune function, and identifying any Achilleās heal in your body constitution, not easily assessed through conventional means.
Each private procedure room is equipped with state of the art monitors and necessary intensive care medical equipment. Each patient will be evaluated with an ultrasound assessment of their vascular health, cardiac function and specific tumor characteristics ā size, depth, consistency, microvasculature, lymph node involvement and surrounding structures. In some cases a repeat PET scan or MRI / CT may be required. This is particularly important for monitoring and recording treatment response.
All the above investigations assist with not only treatment but also in developing a very individualised supplement programme to help maintain remission.
A similar process is followed for patients requiring a cancer screening and prevention programme.
