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response from rationa therapeutics:

Thank you for your interest in the work of Dr. Robert Nagourney and Rational Therapeutics.

IF chemotherapy is being considered, and IF we can easily obtain a 1-2 cm piece of viable tumor (solid tumor, lymph node, cytologically positive pleural or ascites fluid), received in our laboratory within 24-48 hours of collection, our goal would be to expose the living tumor cells to a wide panel of standard agents and novel combinations. Under this approach, “functional profiling” measures the response of tumor cells when exposed to chemotherapies in the laboratory. By identifying which agents induce the tumor to shut down and die and also which ones do not, we can aid your oncologist in choosing the most effective chemotherapy regimen based on your unique tumor makeup; additionally sparing unnecessary toxicity associated with ineffective treatments.


Functional profiling is not intended to be a scale model of chemotherapy in the patient, anymore than the barometric pressure is a scale model of the weather. But it’s always more likely to rain when the barometer is falling than when it is rising, and chemotherapy is more likely to work in the patient when it kills the patient’s cancer cells in the laboratory. Data reveals that our personalized "functional profile" increases response rates 2-3 times that of standard protocols.

We would be happy to discuss specifics or answer any questions. International specimens are do-able although complicated and problematic due to the timeframe in receiving viable tumor tissue. We have worked with World Courier to handle international shipments. They are expert and Customs, etc. but are not inexpensive (I would estimate $1000-$2000 just for transportation). If our program makes sense, please do not hesitate to contact us directly.



Rational Therapeutics
Physician/Patient Relations