Topic: Genetic Testing

Our cancer expert explains stunning cancer-free study results – and how patients can experience the same success!

Published by on June 14, 2022 1 Comment

These recent cancer-free study results have taken the field of cancer care by storm… Because what happened in this clinical trial is usually unheard of – all of the patients who took part in the trial became cancer-free after being put on a certain type of immunotherapy that was matched to their genetics. Our team of cancer research scientists has been using immunotherapy on cancer patients with similar results for over seven years now. We pride ourselves on always staying well ahead of the curve when it comes to cancer treatments and diagnostics. And this recent study proves it – what is ‘new’ to even advanced cancer centres such as Sloan Kettering is, in fact, old news to our team! Let us explain. We have known...
Read Article

New treatments are helping patients become cancer-free!

Published by on June 11, 2022 | Share your thoughts

Being cancer-free is becoming more and more of a reality for many cancer patients, thanks to new treatments that are changing the field of cancer care! And the CTOAM team is ahead of the curve, as usual… A recent study has been making waves in the news, with good reason: each participant’s cancer disappeared, thanks to a new type of immunotherapy. Usually this kind of response rate is unheard of. But with advances in targeted treatments – like immune checkpoint inhibitors – this level of success becomes possible. CTOAM was the first to use immunotherapy in Canada! Our team has been using immunotherapy with cancer patients for over 7 years now! We were the first company in Canada to use immunotherapy on a melanoma patient...
Read Article

Interview with Dr. Razelle Kurzrock: Precision Medicine Expert and CureMatch Co-Founder

Published by on April 6, 2022 | Share your thoughts

Why is Getting the Best Cancer Care SO Hard? Dr. Razelle Kurzrock is regarded as one of the 25 most influential people – in the world! – in the field of Precision Medicine…and CTOAM’s co-founder, Michelle Morand, recently had the privilege of speaking with her. In this powerful discussion, Dr. Kurzrock shares her insights and knowledge on the fundamental things all cancer patients and loved ones need to know about cancer care advancements, and how you can access the most effective diagnostics and treatment available today. It was a true honor for us to be able to sit down with Dr. Kurzrock and pick her brain on all things precision cancer medicine…so that we could then share her wisdom with YOU. This is leading-edge information...
Read Article

What is Precision Oncology…and When Should You Start Using It?

Published by on October 20, 2021 1 Comment

What is Precision Oncology? And when should you start using it in your cancer care? This is a question I get asked a LOT. Many folks wait until things go from bad to worse to start looking for newer, more effective, evidence-based cancer care options – also known as Precision Oncology. In fact, you may even be asking yourself… What the heck does Michelle actually mean by “Precision Oncology”? In a nutshell, this is what we’re referring to when we talk about Precision Oncology: 🔹 Comprehensive genetic testing: As in, a full panel that looks at at a minimum of 350 genes and, ideally, over 500. And don’t just take the raw test data that some outdated computer program generated for your doctor! If you’re...
Read Article

Is Cancer Hereditary? Find Out if Cancer Runs in Your Family

Published by on October 6, 2021 | Share your thoughts

Is cancer hereditary? And, why does cancer happen in younger people?  Those two questions happen to be connected… The general rule of thumb is: If someone develops cancer under the age of 50, there’s a very high chance that it’s caused by cancer-related inherited mutations. Meaning, the person was born with certain mutations and it was really just a matter of time before they developed into cancer.  (Though, if you have cancer-causing inherited mutations, it’s not 100% certain that you will develop cancer at any point in your life. It ultimately comes down to chance and other lifestyle factors.) And…this is why we offer inherited mutation testing! You may or may not know this, but Cancer Treatment Options and Management (CTOAM) also has a sister...
Read Article

Clinical Trials for Cancer – Should You Do It?

Published by on August 4, 2021 | Share your thoughts

Why clinical trials for cancer are an excellent way to access leading-edge treatment “Should I participate in a clinical trial for cancer treatment?” I hear this question from most of the patients we work with, at one point or another, during their cancer care.  It’s so essential that you are familiar with clinical trials and how they can help you! Clinical trials have been truly life-saving for many of our patients…  By allowing them to access the exact right, leading-edge drug for their cancer, in a timely manner – and, for free! 🙌 But… There is one key thing that will make or break your success with clinical trials: You must know which clinical trial is right for you! That’s why our cancer expert, Alex...
Read Article

From Coma to Complete Remission: Kayleigh’s Incredible Story

Published by on June 23, 2021 1 Comment

Is complete remission really possible when you’re stage IV? With precision oncology, yes! “We got a call from my oncologist saying that I had a complete response to my treatment – that was probably the best day of my life.” In April 2021, Kayleigh achieved complete remission from a rare form of blood cancer. But, you should know… Kayleigh and her husband, Cassidy, had been through hell before Kayleigh was able to finally get the treatment she needed. Standard care had taken WAY too long to diagnose her rare form of lymphoma.  The Worst Case Scenario… They were in dire straights: Kayleigh was in a life-threatening coma.  Cassidy was terrified, frantically researching any and all options that could save his wife’s life. He’d quickly realized...
Read Article

How to Avoid Cancer Treatment Regret – Connie’s Hard Lesson

Published by on June 9, 2021 1 Comment

Don’t regret your cancer treatment choices. Learn from Connie’s mistakes… I first spoke with Connie three years ago. Newly diagnosed with breast cancer, she wanted to make sure she was doing everything she could. She and her husband were terrified.  They lived in Ontario with their young daughter, Abigail. Connie was an orthodontist who prided herself on her work. Her husband worked for a big tech company, a job he also loved. But as steady and strong as Connie and her husband were, they were not at all prepared to deal with cancer…(after all, who is?!) In 2018, they heard those dreaded words: Connie had breast cancer.  Their peaceful life was turned upside down. After a good cry and some deep breaths, they did just the right thing –...
Read Article

Audubon Bioscience

Exciting Cancer Research News – CTOAM is Partnering with Audubon Bioscience!

Published by on April 28, 2021 | Share your thoughts

I’m very excited and proud to share that our team at CTOAM has partnered with Audubon Bioscience!  We are joining forces to raise awareness and educate doctors and patients about the value of precision oncology and innovative diagnostic methods such as tumour DNA sequencing.   One of our biggest missions at CTOAM is to make precision oncology available to as many cancer patients as possible. How Progress is Happening with Audubon Bioscience It’s no small feat to get these advanced diagnostics and treatments integrated into standard care…but we are tirelessly working toward it, one step at a time. And thanks to the work that Audubon Bioscience is doing, science will be able to develop new targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and numerous other treatment options and diagnostics much...
Read Article

A Second Chance

A Second Chance for John

Published by on November 11, 2020 | Share your thoughts

John’s wife Nan had been diagnosed with an advanced form of cervical cancer nearly a decade ago. They spent about 5 years trying to fight it through standard care. Nan got surgery, radiation, and many rounds of chemo. She grew worse. They eventually reached out to us when it looked like there was nothing more that could be done for Nan, except for palliative chemo, through standard care. We took a look at her case and immediately sent Nan for genetic testing. Our cancer expert Alex Rolland found several promising treatment options based on results, including immunotherapy. However, due to various factors at the time, John and Nan decided to stick with standard care and continue with the palliative chemo. Nan passed away several months...
Read Article