Access to Cancer Testing and Treatment

In Canada, the Access to Cancer Testing and Treatment program provides high-quality cancer genomic testing to patients with metastatic or recurrent lung cancer. Imagia Canexia Health has expanded geographic access to this testing program which can help oncologists direct therapy selection and clinical trial options. The test is currently offered at no cost to lung cancer patients in Canada, and breast cancer patients in Quebec.

FAQ

What is the Access to Cancer Testing and Treatment program?
Imagia Canexia Health initially launched the program in 2019 (formerly known as the Canadian Early Access Program) to provide oncologists and patients with access to a blood-based, clinically actionable, multiplex hotspot mutation panel known as Follow It™, using next-generation sequencing (NGS).

This program currently provides access to testing for patients with metastatic lung cancer in Canada and metastatic breast and lung cancers in Quebec.

Where is the Access to Cancer Testing and Treatment program available?
At this time, the program is available in Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland.
What information does Follow It provide?
Follow It is a blood-based circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) NGS multiplex panel that tests for 146 hotspots and 23 exons in 30 cancer genes that are known to be important in the prognosis and treatment of multiple solid adult tumours. Follow It provides a detailed clinical report, which includes interpretations of results, available clinical trials, and current treatment options based on the molecular profile of the tumour.
Who is the eligible patient population that may benefit from testing?
Currently, the program is accepting patients diagnosed with metastatic or recurrent lung cancer in Canada, and those with metastatic or recurrent breast in Quebec. Patients with suspected or known relapsed disease, where tissue tumour biopsy may not be feasible, may benefit from Follow It testing to detect resistance mutations and/or other targetable mutations.
Where is the testing performed?
BC, Ontario, and Saskatchewan patients will take the TRF provided by the referring oncologist to a LifeLabs location, where blood samples are collected and shipped directly to Imagia Canexia Health. All testing is performed in Imagia Canexia’s clinically accredited laboratory in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Quebec patients will take the TRF to their oncologist and an appointment will be scheduled at a Genolife sample collection clinic. Blood samples will be shipped directly to Imagia Canexia Health. All testing is performed in Imagia Canexia Health’s clinically accredited laboratory in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Alberta, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland patients should contact their oncologist to find out where testing is available.

What is the expected turnaround time?
Imagia Canexia Health will provide results to the ordering oncologist within 10 business days from the receipt of the blood sample.
What is the benefit of using Follow It testing in my practice?
Follow It blood-based ctDNA testing allows for less invasive sampling, compared to tissue biopsy, while providing the oncologist with genomic data.

The genomic information provided may identify and help to select the most relevant targeted therapies. Follow It is focused on actionable results, including biomarkers associated with response to FDA and Health Canada approved therapies, as well as current Canadian clinical trials. The Follow It report can help guide treatment options available to the patient that may not be accessible without this advanced molecular testing.

How do I refer patients for Follow It testing?
To refer patients for Follow It testing in BC, Ontario, and Saskatchewan, please follow the instructions below:

  • Complete a Test Requisition Form (TRF).
  • To provide notice of incoming sample, please fax requisition & a copy of the pathology report to Imagia Canexia Health at 1-778-379-3567.
  • Provide requisition to patient and have them visit their local LifeLabs patient service centre for blood collection.

To refer patients for Follow It testing in Quebec, please follow the instructions below:

  • Complete a Test Requisition Form (TRF).
  • Send the test requisition form to Genolife Fax: 1-418-641-8950  Email: info@genolife.ca
  • Genolife will contact the patient, organize blood collection and ship the sample along with all documentation to Imagia Canexia Health for analysis
  • To provide notice of incoming sample, please fax requisition & a copy of the pathology report to Imagia Canexia Health at 1-778-379-3567.
  • Genolife can also be reached via fax at 1-418-641-8950 and via email at info@genolife.ca