{"schemaVersion":1,"generatedAt":"2026-10-23T08:55:56.527Z","data":[{"title":"ALK Positive","summary":"Patient-founded nonprofit for people with ALK-positive cancer and their care partners: peer groups, education, a second opinion program and research funding.","body":"ALK Positive is a patient-founded nonprofit for people with ALK-positive cancer, mostly lung cancer, and the people who care for them. It started in 2015 as an online support group and became a 501(c)(3) in 2017. As of October 2026 it says it reaches more than 3,000 patients and care partners in 55+ countries.\n\n## My experience\n\nI joined ALK Positive's Facebook group right after my diagnosis in 2024, and it was one of the most helpful things I did. It's full of people who have been exactly where I was, so they had real advice at diagnosis and at every step since. If I'm worried about something, someone has an answer. If I need direction, someone points the way. And it isn't just patients. The group includes sharp clinicians and biomedical researchers. It feels like having a second opinion available any time, from people who truly care.\n\n## What they offer\n\n- A large online support group for patients and care partners, plus a separate caregivers group.\n- Small patient-hosted chats, with groups for newly diagnosed people, singles, men and others.\n- Online learning events (ALKtALK and others), a summit and a newsletter.\n- A clinical trial finder for ALK-positive cancer.\n- A Second Opinion Program with ALK specialists.\n- Research funding. ALK Positive says it has committed $10.8 million to research since 2017.\n\n## How to join and what it costs\n\nYou join the support groups and events through the ALK Positive website. Joining is free (as of October 2026).\n\nAs of October 2026, the Second Opinion Program covers the consultation fee for eligible patients facing financial barriers. Travel, lodging and extra testing are not covered. You apply by email (see Contacts).\n\n## How it fits with other groups here\n\nALK Positive is biomarker-specific. For broader lung cancer support, see [LUNGevity](/companies/lungevity/) and GO2 for Lung Cancer. For ROS1, see The ROS1ders. My [find support](/resources/find-support/) guide covers how to choose.\n\n## Questions I would ask\n\n- Which group or chat fits where I am right now?\n- Am I eligible for the Second Opinion Program, and how long does it take?\n- How do I use the trial finder with my own reports?\n- Is there a group for care partners?\n\n## Contacts\n\n- Website: [alkpositive.org](https://alkpositive.org/)\n- Contact form: [alkpositive.org/contact](https://alkpositive.org/contact/)\n- Second Opinion Program email: SOP@alkpositive.org\n- Mail: 6595 Roswell Rd, Ste G2310, Atlanta, GA 30328","topics":["getting-started","expert-support"],"capabilities":["patient-support"],"organizationType":"nonprofit","services":["peer-support","patient-education","advocacy"],"communityFocus":["ALK-positive lung cancer","ALK-positive cancer","Caregivers"],"sources":[{"id":"home","label":"ALK Positive home page","url":"https://alkpositive.org/","publisher":"ALK Positive","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"States $10.8 million committed to research since 2017.","type":"official"},{"id":"about","label":"About ALK Positive","url":"https://alkpositive.org/about-us/","publisher":"ALK Positive","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Founded 2015 as a support group by Merita Carroll; 501(c)(3) since 2017; 3,000+ patients and care partners in 55+ countries.","type":"official"},{"id":"resources","label":"Resources and support","url":"https://alkpositive.org/living-with-alk/resources-and-support/","publisher":"ALK Positive","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Online support group of 3,500+ patients and care partners, patient-hosted chats, ALKtALK events and newsletter.","type":"official"},{"id":"sop","label":"Second Opinion Program","url":"https://alkpositive.org/living-with-alk/second-opinion-program/","publisher":"ALK Positive","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Covers the consultation fee for eligible patients facing financial barriers; travel, accommodation and additional testing not included; apply by email.","type":"official"},{"id":"trials","label":"Clinical trials","url":"https://alkpositive.org/clinical-trials/","publisher":"ALK Positive","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Clinical trial finder for ALK-positive cancer.","type":"official"},{"id":"contact","label":"Contact","url":"https://alkpositive.org/contact/","publisher":"ALK Positive","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Contact form and mailing address.","type":"official"},{"id":"propublica","label":"ALK Positive Inc. nonprofit filing record","url":"https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/852221062","publisher":"ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"ALK Positive Incorporated, EIN 85-2221062, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.","type":"research"},{"id":"kevin-experience","label":"Kevin's own experience in ALK Positive's Facebook group","url":"https://kevinwimer.com/companies/alk-positive/","publisher":"Kevin Wimer","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Kevin's firsthand experience as a member of ALK Positive's Facebook group since his 2024 diagnosis.","type":"experience"}],"applicability":"For patients and caregivers looking for community, education or help navigating care. Inclusion is not a recommendation or a finding that this group is right for your situation.","limitations":"Program details are reported by the group unless noted, as of October 2026. Confirm current programs, eligibility and any costs directly with the group. A community group does not give medical advice.","disclosure":{"type":"other","text":"I have donated to ALK Positive. I have no other financial or business relationship with the organization."},"reviewedAt":"2026-10-22","relatedIds":["656030c7-047a-40e9-b47b-14b19f3fd2bd"],"assetIds":["e83e223b-486c-4c9e-9c44-071fdf0e1f1e","e22c05df-d5c9-43fb-b674-037cc83df907"],"relatedX":[],"website":"https://alkpositive.org/","serviceStatus":"available","access":{"label":"Resources and support","url":"https://alkpositive.org/living-with-alk/resources-and-support/"},"facts":[{"label":"Who it serves","value":"People with ALK-positive cancer and their care partners.","sourceIds":["about"]},{"label":"Legal status","value":"501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 85-2221062.","sourceIds":["about","propublica"]},{"label":"Community size","value":"3,000+ patients and care partners in 55+ countries (as of October 2026).","sourceIds":["about"]},{"label":"Second opinion help","value":"As of October 2026, covers the consultation fee for eligible patients with financial barriers; travel and extra testing not covered.","sourceIds":["sop"]},{"label":"Research","value":"Says it has committed $10.8 million to research since 2017.","sourceIds":["home"]}],"id":"3e02cb17-befd-42aa-8a8c-6e01766e3022","kind":"company","slug":"alk-positive","revision":"b26ad4cf-341d-4bce-8335-0a2a7d19413e","canonicalUrl":"https://kevinwimer.com/companies/alk-positive/","publishedAt":"2026-10-23T03:32:40.475Z","updatedAt":"2026-10-23T03:32:40.475Z","previewOnly":false,"logoAssetId":"e83e223b-486c-4c9e-9c44-071fdf0e1f1e","logoBackground":"light","logoSource":{"pageUrl":"https://alkpositive.org/","assetUrl":"https://alkpositive.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/alk-organization-logo.png","checkedAt":"2026-10-23T03:12:54.562Z"},"shareImageAssetId":"e22c05df-d5c9-43fb-b674-037cc83df907"},{"title":"BostonGene","summary":"Tumor Portrait sequences your tumor's DNA and RNA and compares it with your normal DNA from saliva, a cheek swab or blood. Your doctor orders it. In October 2026 my cost was $4,500 out of pocket.","body":"BostonGene's main patient test, Tumor Portrait, sequences your tumor's DNA and RNA and compares it with your normal DNA from saliva, a cheek swab or blood. It's built for advanced solid tumors. Your doctor orders it, and the report goes to them.\n\n## What it reads\n\n- **Tumor DNA.** Whole exome sequencing: mutations, copy number changes, tumor mutational burden (TMB) and microsatellite status (MSI). BostonGene's site says 19,000+ genes; its 2024 brochure says more than 22,000.\n- **Your normal DNA.** The same sequencing on spit, a cheek swab or blood. Comparing the two separates what's in the tumor from what you were born with, so it can also report inherited findings, like BRCA1/2, that may matter to your blood relatives.\n- **Tumor RNA.** Whole transcriptome sequencing. This is where gene fusions show up (ALK, ROS1, RET, NTRK and others), and it shows which genes the tumor is actually using.\n\nThe report also lists matched treatments, recruiting trials, and a tumor microenvironment type. That last one is BostonGene's own method for estimating how likely immunotherapy is to work.\n\n## How it works\n\n1. Your oncologist signs the order and sends your insurance card, a recent note and the pathology report. You sign a consent form.\n2. BostonGene requests the tumor block from the pathology lab that holds it. Tell your doctor which biopsy you want used. The most recent one is usually best.\n3. You give the normal sample. A saliva kit can come to your house, or a cheek swab or blood draw can be done at a clinic.\n4. Results go to your doctor. Ask for a copy of the full report.\n\n## Sample requirements\n\n- **Tissue:** one block, or 10 unstained slides plus an H&E slide, under 5 years old. At least 40,000 tumor cells, more than 20% tumor and more than 5 mm². The lab can cut out the tumor-rich areas (microdissection) when needed.\n- **Saliva:** nothing to eat, drink, smoke or chew for 30 minutes first. Ship it by FedEx the same day.\n- **Not accepted:** after a stem cell or bone marrow transplant. Saliva isn't accepted within 4 weeks of a whole blood transfusion.\n\n## Timing\n\nBostonGene's 2024 brochure says 10 to 12 days after it has both samples. When I ordered in October 2026, I was told about 3 weeks. Ask when you order.\n\n## Cost and insurance\n\n- **My cost (October 2026): $4,500** out of pocket. As of October 2026, BostonGene doesn't publish a list price, so yours may differ. It says it offers a discounted self-pay rate and payment plans.\n- In network with Medicare, which covers it for advanced or recurrent solid tumors when you're seeking more treatment and haven't had the same testing already (per the 2024 order form).\n- Out of network with private insurers. Your out-of-network benefits decide what you pay. Billing codes are CPT 81455 and 88381.\n- Testing doesn't pause for a pending prior authorization. If you want to wait for a decision, your doctor has to say so before the samples arrive.\n- Financial assistance is open to U.S. residents, with decisions in 1 to 2 business days, covering tests for 18 months. You can apply before or after testing.\n\n## Credentials and evidence\n\nThe Waltham, Massachusetts lab holds a CLIA certificate (22D2182613, through May 2027), a New York State permit (PFI 9637, through June 2027) and, per BostonGene, CAP accreditation. I found no FDA approval or clearance for Tumor Portrait, and it isn't on FDA's companion diagnostic list. Like many tumor sequencing tests, it's offered as a lab test.\n\nBostonGene's own scientists published a validation in *Communications Medicine* (2025) on 2,230 tumor samples. Adding RNA caught fusions and variants that DNA alone missed. Useful, but it's not an independent comparison with other tests.\n\n## My experience\n\n![The BostonGene saliva kit that came to my house](/media/d6491f18-5564-44a4-9427-434601d10761)\n\nI have ALK-positive lung cancer. In October 2026 I ordered BostonGene testing on tissue from a July biopsy, with a saliva kit mailed to my house. An earlier attempt to sequence that tissue didn't have enough tumor to read. BostonGene can microdissect the tumor-rich areas, so the tissue got a second shot.\n\nWhat I was told when I ordered: a pass or fail on tumor content about 24 hours after the tissue arrived, results in about 3 weeks if it passed, and no bill if it failed. My cost was $4,500 out of pocket.\n\nMy opinion, not medical advice: if you can get your tumor sequenced, do it. When a drug stops working, knowing the exact change behind it can open a door to a trial built for it. Talk it through with your oncologist.\n\n## Before you order, ask\n\n1. Which biopsy will be used, and is there enough tumor in it?\n2. What will I owe, and should I apply for financial assistance first?\n3. Will you report inherited findings, and who will explain them?\n4. Can I get the full report, and the raw data if I need it later?\n\n## Contacts\n\n- Website: [bostongene.com/patients](https://bostongene.com/patients/)\n- Financial assistance: [BostonGene financial assistance](https://bostongene.com/patients/bostongene-financial-assistance)\n- Billing and coverage: [Commercial insurance patient guide](https://bostongene.com/assets/BostonGene-commercial-insurance-patient-guide_[09.25.2026].pdf) · billing@bostongene.com\n- Phone: +1 781-552-3131\n- Email: clientservices@bostongene.com","topics":["tumor-testing","samples"],"capabilities":["tumor-testing"],"sources":[{"id":"tumor-portrait","label":"Tumor Portrait test","url":"https://www.bostongene.com/providers/tumor-portrait","publisher":"BostonGene","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Tumor DNA, normal DNA and tumor RNA design; advanced solid tumors; covered cancer types; report contents; ordering; tissue retrieval from pathology.","type":"official"},{"id":"patients","label":"Information for patients","url":"https://bostongene.com/patients/","publisher":"BostonGene","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Physician orders; two samples; home saliva kit or clinic sample; results to the physician.","type":"official"},{"id":"brochure","label":"Tumor Portrait brochure (July 2024)","url":"https://bostongene.com/assets/BostonGene-Tumor-Portrait-test-[07.23.2024].pdf","publisher":"BostonGene","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"10 to 12 day turnaround after both samples arrive; more than 22,000 genes; inherited findings.","type":"official"},{"id":"saliva","label":"Saliva kit requirements (June 2026)","url":"https://bostongene.com/assets/BostonGene_Saliva_sample_requirements_[06.30.2026]-1782814070.pdf","publisher":"BostonGene","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Saliva collection steps, 30-minute rule, same-day FedEx, transfusion and transplant exclusions.","type":"official"},{"id":"tissue","label":"Tissue sample requirements (June 2026)","url":"https://bostongene.com/assets/BostonGene-FFPE-sample-requirements_[06.30.2026]-1782812194.pdf","publisher":"BostonGene","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Tissue block or slides, under 5 years old, tumor cell and tumor content minimums.","type":"official"},{"id":"trf-2024","label":"Test requisition form (January 2024)","url":"https://bostongene.com/assets/pdf_forms/BostonGene-TRF-standard_[01.11.2024].pdf","publisher":"BostonGene","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Medicare coverage criteria, consent terms, microdissection, transplant exclusion. Older form; may have changed.","type":"official"},{"id":"financial","label":"Financial assistance","url":"https://bostongene.com/patients/bostongene-financial-assistance","publisher":"BostonGene","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Medicare in network, bills insurance first, U.S. residents, 1 to 2 business day decisions, 18-month coverage, self-pay discount and payment plans.","type":"official"},{"id":"insurance-guide","label":"Commercial insurance patient guide (Sept 2026)","url":"https://bostongene.com/assets/BostonGene-commercial-insurance-patient-guide_[09.25.2026].pdf","publisher":"BostonGene","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Not contracted with commercial insurers; CPT 81455 and 88381; prior authorization does not pause testing; CAP 8832984.","type":"official"},{"id":"documents","label":"Forms, kit instructions and lab licenses","url":"https://bostongene.com/news-and-publications/documents","publisher":"BostonGene","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Index of current forms and state licenses.","type":"official"},{"id":"nys-permit","label":"New York State clinical laboratory permit","url":"https://bostongene.com/assets/NYS-DoH-2026-Renewal-Permit.pdf","publisher":"BostonGene","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"PFI 9637, effective July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027 (state permit, company-hosted copy).","type":"official"},{"id":"clia","label":"CLIA 22D2182613 record","url":"https://healthprovidersdata.com/hipaa/codes/CLIA_22D2182613.aspx","publisher":"HealthProvidersData","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"CLIA certificate of accreditation for the Waltham lab, effective through May 4, 2027 (third-party copy of CMS data).","type":"research"},{"id":"fda-cdx","label":"FDA list of authorized companion diagnostics","url":"https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/in-vitro-diagnostics/list-fda-authorized-companion-diagnostic-devices-in-vitro-and-imaging-tools","publisher":"U.S. FDA","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"No BostonGene entry as of the check date.","type":"research"},{"id":"validation","label":"Clinical and analytical validation of a combined RNA and DNA exome assay (2025)","url":"https://www.nature.com/articles/s43856-025-00934-3","publisher":"Communications Medicine","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"2,230 clinical tumor samples; RNA found fusions and variants DNA missed; 98% with an actionable finding. All authors are BostonGene employees.","type":"research"}],"applicability":"For people with advanced solid tumors comparing broad tumor testing options with their care team. Inclusion is not a recommendation or a finding that it is right for your cancer.","limitations":"Service details are reported by BostonGene unless noted, and some come from a 2024 order form that may have changed. This is a lab test; I found no FDA approval or clearance. Confirm current access, requirements and costs directly. A company profile does not establish clinical benefit. My experience reflects what I was told when I ordered in October 2026.","disclosure":{"type":"none","text":"I'm a paying patient. I have no other financial or business relationship with BostonGene."},"reviewedAt":"2026-10-22","relatedIds":["f7221927-6b87-4be3-9a7c-906768a192a5","892119f9-0439-4e43-b467-66c99bc7be7c","af18cbc9-1c7f-4799-a763-3f53ba52b1fd"],"assetIds":["d6491f18-5564-44a4-9427-434601d10761","73eb6ab9-2516-40e9-8bfe-389d928e8756","7e6bd3e4-3d38-4a1f-8007-45b4b65fc70a"],"relatedX":[],"website":"https://bostongene.com/","serviceStatus":"available","access":{"label":"Information for patients","url":"https://bostongene.com/patients/"},"facts":[{"label":"Samples","value":"Tumor tissue plus a normal sample from saliva, a cheek swab or blood. BostonGene requests the tissue from pathology.","sourceIds":["patients","tumor-portrait"]},{"label":"Test","value":"Whole exome DNA of tumor and normal, plus whole transcriptome RNA of the tumor.","sourceIds":["tumor-portrait"]},{"label":"Timing","value":"10 to 12 days after both samples arrive, per a 2024 BostonGene brochure.","sourceIds":["brochure"]},{"label":"Cost","value":"My cost (Oct 2026): $4,500 out of pocket. No published list price. In network with Medicare; out of network with private insurers. Financial assistance for U.S. residents.","sourceIds":["financial","insurance-guide"]},{"label":"FDA status","value":"No FDA approval or clearance found. Lab holds CLIA and New York State credentials.","sourceIds":["fda-cdx","clia","nys-permit"]},{"label":"Report","value":"Goes to the ordering physician through BostonGene's portal.","sourceIds":["patients"]}],"id":"2614018f-a950-44fe-a445-09fc42bd6342","kind":"company","slug":"bostongene","revision":"11f1a584-32b8-4d4d-8530-0e168a329ba2","canonicalUrl":"https://kevinwimer.com/companies/bostongene/","publishedAt":"2026-10-23T00:00:15.301Z","updatedAt":"2026-10-23T02:28:08.787Z","previewOnly":false,"logoAssetId":"73eb6ab9-2516-40e9-8bfe-389d928e8756","logoBackground":"light","logoSource":{"pageUrl":"https://bostongene.com/","assetUrl":"https://bostongene.com/public/images/logo.svg","checkedAt":"2026-10-22T23:27:08.610Z"},"shareImageAssetId":"7e6bd3e4-3d38-4a1f-8007-45b4b65fc70a"},{"title":"Caris Life Sciences","summary":"Caris tests tumor tissue or blood, reading the whole exome and transcriptome to look for changes that point to targeted drugs, immunotherapy or trials. Your oncologist orders it.","body":"Caris tests tumor tissue or blood and reads the whole exome (DNA) and whole transcriptome (RNA) to look for changes that can point to targeted drugs, immunotherapy or clinical trials. Your oncologist orders it, and the report goes to them.\n\n## What they do\n\n- **MI Cancer Seek** is Caris's main tissue test in the US. It sequences DNA and RNA across 23,000+ genes from one tumor sample. The FDA approved it in November 2024 as a companion diagnostic for several targeted drugs and immunotherapies. Caris offers it for adults and children (ages 1+) with advanced solid tumors.\n- **Caris Assure** is the blood version, for when tissue is limited or unavailable, or the cancer has progressed. It sequences DNA and RNA from plasma and checks your white blood cells too, which helps sort out changes that aren't from the tumor. It can flag inherited findings, but Caris says it isn't a replacement for full germline testing.\n- **MI Profile** is the tissue profile Caris offers outside the US and Europe.\n\nEvery report lists matching clinical trials. Caris has other tests too (early breast cancer, blood cancers, early detection) that I haven't covered here.\n\n## Who it's for\n\nPeople with advanced or metastatic solid tumors who are choosing a treatment, or whose cancer has progressed.\n\n## How to start\n\nOnly a doctor can order Caris testing, so I'd start with my oncologist. Ask which test fits, tissue or blood. Once it's ordered, Caris asks you to fill out an online consent form. Caris also keeps a list of oncologists who have ordered its tests, if you're looking for one.\n\n## Timing\n\nCaris says MI Cancer Seek takes a median of 8 days from when the sample arrives, and Caris Assure a median of 7 days. Its patient FAQ says results are typically back in less than two weeks.\n\n## Cost and insurance\n\nAs of October 2026, Caris doesn't post a self-pay price. Its Medicare advance notice (ABN) form lists estimated costs of $8,455 for MI Cancer Seek and $3,649.48 for Caris Assure if Medicare doesn't cover the test. Caris says most patients pay less than $100 out of pocket.\n\nCaris bills your insurance directly, handles prior authorization, and appeals denials. It says it's in-network with most major commercial plans, Medicare and Medicare Advantage, and that 12+ state Medicaid plans cover MI Cancer Seek. Medicare covers FDA-approved tests like this for recurrent, relapsed, refractory, metastatic or stage III–IV cancer. If you don't meet Medicare's criteria, Caris contacts you and your doctor for an ABN before testing.\n\nAs of October 2026, Caris's financial assistance schedule (dated February 2026) cuts the bill 90–100% based on income and household size. For a household of four, that's 100% off up to $66,000 a year, 95% up to $99,000 and 90% up to $132,000. Alaska and Hawaii use a different schedule. If you're over the limits, Caris may still help case by case, for things like big medical debt or a job loss. It also offers prompt-pay discounts and payment plans.\n\n## How it compares\n\nFoundation Medicine and Tempus also offer tissue and blood profiling, with smaller gene panels plus RNA options. [Guardant Health](/companies/guardant-health/) offers blood and tissue tests, plus separate tests to track treatment response. [BostonGene](/companies/bostongene/) also reads the whole exome and transcriptome, and compares it with your normal DNA. Ask your oncologist which one fits your cancer and your sample.\n\n## Questions I would ask\n\n1. Tissue or blood, and is there enough tissue left?\n2. Does the test include RNA, so fusions show up?\n3. Is Caris in-network for my plan, and what will I owe?\n4. If Medicare or my plan says no, what's the cost and can I get financial assistance?\n5. How will the results change my treatment or trial options?\n\n## Contacts\n\n- Website: [Caris for patients](https://www.carislifesciences.com/patients/)\n- Patient Services phone: (888) 979-8669, Mon–Fri, 7 a.m.–7 p.m. CT\n- Patient billing email: PatientBilling@CarisLS.com\n- Billing Services phone: 1-877-630-6223\n- Financial assistance: [Caris financial services](https://www.carislifesciences.com/patients/patient-services/financial-services/)\n- Pay a bill: [Pay your bill](https://www.carislifesciences.com/patients/patient-services/pay-your-bill/)\n- Outside the US: InternationalSupport@CarisLS.com","topics":["tumor-testing"],"capabilities":["tumor-testing"],"organizationType":"company","services":["genomic-testing"],"sources":[{"id":"official","label":"Caris Life Sciences official website","url":"https://www.carislifesciences.com/","publisher":"Caris Life Sciences","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Company identity and stated molecular profiling services.","type":"official"},{"id":"patients","label":"Caris for patients and caregivers","url":"https://www.carislifesciences.com/patients/","publisher":"Caris Life Sciences","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Test options (MI Cancer Seek, Caris Assure), only a physician can order, consent form, in-network coverage, most patients pay under $100 out of pocket, results typically under two weeks.","type":"official"},{"id":"patient-services","label":"Caris Patient Services","url":"https://www.carislifesciences.com/patients/patient-services/","publisher":"Caris Life Sciences","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Patient Services hours, phone (888) 979-8669, PatientBilling@CarisLS.com and international support email.","type":"official"},{"id":"financial-services","label":"Caris financial services","url":"https://www.carislifesciences.com/patients/patient-services/financial-services/","publisher":"Caris Life Sciences","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Insurance billing, prior authorization and appeals, Medicare ABN process, financial assistance eligibility.","type":"official"},{"id":"fap-2026","label":"Caris Financial Assistance Program (Feb 2026)","url":"https://d35ibn74wp9llh.cloudfront.net/000d31fd-e04b-4936-be1c-11acbe19e1ec/87875c43-1614-4626-a820-d7746796b40b/87875c43-1614-4626-a820-d7746796b40b_source__v.pdf","publisher":"Caris Life Sciences","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Income and household-size discount schedule (100%, 95%, 90%), Alaska/Hawaii exception, case-by-case hardship help. Document dated 02 Feb 2026.","type":"official"},{"id":"fap-form","label":"Caris financial assistance application","url":"https://d35ibn74wp9llh.cloudfront.net/000d31fd-e04b-4936-be1c-11acbe19e1ec/600d32e7-d2ee-4df2-8cfc-7f6915506ed5/600d32e7-d2ee-4df2-8cfc-7f6915506ed5_source__v.pdf","publisher":"Caris Life Sciences","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Prompt-pay discounts and discounted payment plans; how to submit an application.","type":"official"},{"id":"abn","label":"Caris Medicare ABN form (English)","url":"https://d35ibn74wp9llh.cloudfront.net/000d31fd-e04b-4936-be1c-11acbe19e1ec/cdfbe498-b3c9-46da-9ef2-460cd74f5aa7/cdfbe498-b3c9-46da-9ef2-460cd74f5aa7_source__v.pdf","publisher":"Caris Life Sciences","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Estimated costs if Medicare does not cover: MI Cancer Seek $8,455.00; Caris Assure $3,649.48.","type":"official"},{"id":"mi-cancer-seek","label":"MI Cancer Seek","url":"https://www.carislifesciences.com/physicians/physician-tests/mi-cancer-seek/","publisher":"Caris Life Sciences","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"WES/WTS of 23,000+ genes from tissue, FDA CDx indications, ages 1+, median 8-day turnaround, typical out-of-pocket under $100.","type":"official"},{"id":"caris-assure","label":"Caris Assure","url":"https://www.carislifesciences.com/physicians/physician-tests/caris-assure/","publisher":"Caris Life Sciences","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Blood test with WES/WTS plus white blood cell analysis, for limited tissue or progression, median 7-day turnaround.","type":"official"},{"id":"mi-profile","label":"MI Profile","url":"https://www.carislifesciences.com/physicians/physician-tests/mi-profile/","publisher":"Caris Life Sciences","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Tissue WES/WTS profile available outside the USA, EEA, EU and Switzerland.","type":"official"},{"id":"payer","label":"Caris payer information","url":"https://www.carislifesciences.com/payer/","publisher":"Caris Life Sciences","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"In-network with most major commercial payers, Medicare and Medicare Advantage; 12+ state Medicaid plans cover MI Cancer Seek; Caris Assure germline caveat.","type":"official"},{"id":"contact","label":"Contact Caris","url":"https://www.carislifesciences.com/about/contact/","publisher":"Caris Life Sciences","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Customer Support 1.888.979.8669 and Billing Services 1.877.630.6223, Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-7 p.m. CT.","type":"official"},{"id":"pay-bill","label":"Caris pay your bill","url":"https://www.carislifesciences.com/patients/patient-services/pay-your-bill/","publisher":"Caris Life Sciences","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Online bill payment and billing help by phone.","type":"official"},{"id":"fda-p240010","label":"FDA approval letter for MI Cancer Seek (P240010)","url":"https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf24/P240010A.pdf","publisher":"U.S. Food and Drug Administration","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"FDA approved MI Cancer Seek on November 5, 2024 as an NGS companion diagnostic for solid tumors.","type":"research"},{"id":"cms-ncd-90-2","label":"CMS National Coverage Determination 90.2: Next Generation Sequencing","url":"https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/ncd.aspx?ncdid=372","publisher":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Medicare coverage of FDA-approved NGS companion diagnostics for recurrent, relapsed, refractory, metastatic or stage III-IV cancer.","type":"research"},{"id":"official-logo-current","label":"Current official Caris logo","url":"https://www.carislifesciences.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/CarisLS_Color_Primary_Logo.png","publisher":"Caris Life Sciences","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Official logo currently linked from the Caris homepage header; original PNG retained without alteration.","type":"official"}],"applicability":"For people with advanced or metastatic solid tumors whose oncologist is considering comprehensive tumor profiling from tissue or blood.","limitations":"Covers MI Cancer Seek and Caris Assure only, from Caris's public pages and forms checked in October 2026. Costs, coverage and test availability change; confirm with Caris and your plan before testing.","disclosure":{"type":"none","text":"I am a patient of Caris Life Sciences, not a partner."},"reviewedAt":"2026-10-22","relatedIds":["eedb734b-9696-4e66-bf29-5c63cbf6a3ba","2614018f-a950-44fe-a445-09fc42bd6342"],"assetIds":["e80b2b63-7cfd-4960-916d-c1219d415999","45715003-4ec0-49c2-a4e8-3c6e83e702af"],"logoAssetId":"e80b2b63-7cfd-4960-916d-c1219d415999","logoBackground":"light","relatedX":[],"website":"https://www.carislifesciences.com/","regions":[],"facts":[{"label":"Focus","value":"Molecular testing for cancer.","sourceIds":["official"]},{"label":"Test","value":"MI Cancer Seek (tissue) and Caris Assure (blood), both whole exome and whole transcriptome sequencing.","sourceIds":["mi-cancer-seek","caris-assure"]},{"label":"FDA status","value":"MI Cancer Seek was FDA-approved as a companion diagnostic on November 5, 2024.","sourceIds":["fda-p240010"]},{"label":"Timing","value":"Median 8 days (MI Cancer Seek) and 7 days (Caris Assure) from sample receipt.","sourceIds":["mi-cancer-seek","caris-assure"]},{"label":"Cost","value":"As of October 2026, Caris's Medicare ABN lists estimated costs of $8,455 (MI Cancer Seek) and $3,649.48 (Caris Assure) if not covered.","sourceIds":["abn"]},{"label":"Insurance","value":"In-network with most major commercial plans, Medicare and Medicare Advantage.","sourceIds":["payer","financial-services"]},{"label":"Financial help","value":"As of October 2026, income-based discounts of 90-100% (schedule dated February 2026).","sourceIds":["fap-2026"]},{"label":"Ordering","value":"Only a physician can order Caris testing.","sourceIds":["patients"]}],"id":"47f21cb6-8618-4ac9-8677-d670b06a4637","kind":"company","slug":"caris-life-sciences","revision":"de1a91d1-2b8c-4a36-9a5e-f112b3d14fbe","canonicalUrl":"https://kevinwimer.com/companies/caris-life-sciences/","publishedAt":"2026-10-23T00:11:20.320Z","updatedAt":"2026-10-23T03:20:46.307Z","previewOnly":false,"shareImageAssetId":"45715003-4ec0-49c2-a4e8-3c6e83e702af"},{"title":"Echo Immune","summary":"Echo Immune designs and makes personalized mRNA cancer vaccines for patients with solid tumors, handling sequencing, design, manufacturing, FDA paperwork and immune monitoring.","body":"Echo Immune designs and makes personalized mRNA cancer vaccines, and guides patients through each step from tumor tissue to the first dose. It works with patients who have solid tumors.\n\n## My experience\n\nIn October 2026 I spoke with Echo Immune about treatment options. They were very helpful in answering my questions and gave me thoughtful guidance. My own vaccine was later designed by [Serova](/companies/serova/), but I'd recommend talking with Echo Immune if you're exploring a personalized vaccine.\n\n## What they do\n\nEcho Immune's site describes one team handling the whole process:\n\n1. **Tumor data.** It helps track down your tumor tissue and get full genome and RNA sequencing.\n2. **Targets.** It analyzes that data with AI models to pick the parts of your tumor your immune system can learn to recognize.\n3. **Manufacturing.** It handles the FDA requirements, and a GMP-certified lab makes the vaccine.\n4. **Doses and monitoring.** Your own doctor gives the doses at a coordinated clinic, over about six months. Echo Immune tracks your immune response with a test tailored to you.\n\nLike Serova, Echo Immune uses mRNA. [JLF](/companies/jaime-leandro-foundation/) uses peptide vaccines, which is a useful difference to understand when you compare options.\n\nThe company started from Sid Sijbrandij's own cancer experience, the same story behind [Future of Cancer Care Today](/companies/fcct/). Its team includes scientists and clinicians from mRNA, cancer vaccine and manufacturing work.\n\nThese vaccines are experimental and not FDA-approved. Echo Immune's FAQ says doctors give them under frameworks like compassionate use. I'd talk through the evidence and risks with my oncologist.\n\n## How to start\n\nEcho Immune offers a free consultation. You, a family member or your doctor can reach out through the form on its site. Bring your diagnosis, treatment history and any sequencing reports.\n\n## Questions I would ask\n\n1. Is my tumor tissue enough, or would I need new sequencing?\n2. What does the full process look like for my cancer, from tissue to first dose?\n3. Which clinic near me would give the doses, and how would my oncologist be involved?\n4. How would you measure whether my immune system is responding?\n5. How would this fit with my current treatment?\n\nI put more questions in [Personalized cancer vaccines: what to ask](/resources/cancer-vaccines/).\n\n## Contacts\n\n- Website: [echoimmune.com](https://www.echoimmune.com/)\n- Free consultation: [request form](https://www.echoimmune.com/home#contact)","topics":["emerging-research","expert-support"],"capabilities":["emerging-research","research-support"],"sources":[{"id":"echo-home","label":"Echo Immune: process and FAQs","url":"https://www.echoimmune.com/","publisher":"Echo Immune","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Personalized mRNA vaccines for solid tumors; four-phase process; six-month dosing; immune monitoring; not FDA-approved, compassionate use; free consultation.","type":"official"},{"id":"echo-about","label":"Echo Immune: about and team","url":"https://www.echoimmune.com/about","publisher":"Echo Immune","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Mission, origin in Sid Sijbrandij's cancer experience, team backgrounds.","type":"official"},{"id":"fda-access","label":"FDA: expanded access information for patients","url":"https://www.fda.gov/news-events/expanded-access/expanded-access-information-patients","publisher":"U.S. Food and Drug Administration","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Investigational status, physician/sponsor/IRB/FDA roles, lack of guaranteed access or benefit and possible uninsured costs.","type":"official"}],"applicability":"For patients with solid tumors and their families exploring a personalized mRNA vaccine with their oncologist. Echo Immune's free consultation reviews whether it fits your situation.","limitations":"Experimental and not FDA-approved. Your treating physician must agree to the plan and give the doses. See Echo Immune's FAQ and the FDA patient guidance.","disclosure":{"type":"none","text":"In October 2026, I spoke with Echo Immune about treatment options. I had no financial or business relationship with the company."},"reviewedAt":"2026-10-22","relatedIds":["45dd3750-3fe0-4621-9723-fc49fdeaffc2","111bf1a8-e2f4-43ab-a6df-2d7ff225b760","966ad3d5-e20a-40de-ba3d-cb072e57ebef","0c5f1f8b-4545-4ee0-9c05-ce1d7fb984d7"],"assetIds":["696ad096-f643-4764-b9f0-75d74a4d00f2","879b4274-6e59-4b5c-bb5f-1686c399c1f8"],"relatedX":[],"website":"https://www.echoimmune.com/","serviceStatus":"research","access":{"label":"Request a free consultation","url":"https://www.echoimmune.com/home#contact"},"facts":[{"label":"Vaccine","value":"Personalized mRNA vaccine designed from your tumor's sequencing.","sourceIds":["echo-home"]},{"label":"Service","value":"Tissue and sequencing, AI target selection, manufacturing, FDA paperwork, clinic coordination and immune monitoring.","sourceIds":["echo-home"]},{"label":"Dosing","value":"Given by your own doctor at a coordinated clinic over about six months.","sourceIds":["echo-home"]},{"label":"Start","value":"Free consultation for patients with solid tumors.","sourceIds":["echo-home"]}],"id":"9eec2ffb-1476-4c56-9915-51ec10135591","kind":"company","slug":"echo-immune","revision":"5d03efd5-250a-4291-a197-f94a24ddb61c","canonicalUrl":"https://kevinwimer.com/companies/echo-immune/","publishedAt":"2026-10-23T02:04:05.623Z","updatedAt":"2026-10-23T02:28:08.787Z","previewOnly":false,"logoAssetId":"696ad096-f643-4764-b9f0-75d74a4d00f2","logoBackground":"light","logoSource":{"pageUrl":"https://www.echoimmune.com/","assetUrl":"https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/68e419706dd1c22dc50616f1/4b2a04cf-965d-4867-8b80-9e84cbd74639/brand_elements_echoLOGO_fullcolor.png?format=1500w","checkedAt":"2026-10-23T01:59:22.185Z"},"shareImageAssetId":"879b4274-6e59-4b5c-bb5f-1686c399c1f8"},{"title":"EGFR Resisters","summary":"Patient-driven nonprofit community for people with EGFR-positive lung cancer and their caregivers: an active online group, education, summits and co-funded research.","body":"EGFR Resisters is a grassroots, patient-driven nonprofit for people with EGFR-positive lung cancer and their caregivers. Its stated goal is to turn EGFR-positive lung cancer into a manageable, chronic disease.\n\n## What they offer\n\n- A private online support group. As of October 2026 it lists more than 7,549 members.\n- A monthly newsletter with research news.\n- A Patient & Caregiver Summit and an Annual Research Summit, with recordings.\n- Project PRIORITY, a patient survey with a public dashboard on life with EGFR-positive lung cancer.\n- Research awards jointly funded with [LUNGevity](/companies/lungevity/).\n\n## How to join and what it costs\n\nFill out the join form on the website and say whether you're a patient or caregiver. I didn't see a membership fee listed (checked October 2026).\n\n## How it fits with other groups here\n\nEGFR Resisters covers common EGFR mutations. If you have an EGFR exon 20 insertion, also look at Exon 20 Group. For general lung cancer support, see [LUNGevity](/companies/lungevity/) and GO2 for Lung Cancer. If you were diagnosed young, see [Young Lung Cancer Initiative](/companies/young-lung-cancer-initiative/). More in my [find support](/resources/find-support/) guide.\n\n## Questions I would ask\n\n- How do I join the online group, and who moderates it?\n- Where can I watch past summit talks?\n- How can I take part in Project PRIORITY?\n- Is there a local or virtual meetup near my time zone?\n\n## Contacts\n\n- Website: [egfrcancer.org](https://egfrcancer.org/)\n- Join form: [egfrcancer.org/join-egfr](https://egfrcancer.org/join-egfr/)\n- Contact form: [egfrcancer.org/contact-egfr-resisters](https://egfrcancer.org/contact-egfr-resisters/)","topics":["getting-started","expert-support"],"capabilities":["patient-support"],"organizationType":"nonprofit","services":["peer-support","patient-education","advocacy"],"communityFocus":["EGFR-positive lung cancer","Caregivers"],"sources":[{"id":"home","label":"EGFR Resisters home page","url":"https://egfrcancer.org/","publisher":"EGFR Resisters","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"2026 Patient & Caregiver Summit, Annual Research Summit, Project PRIORITY dashboard, research awards with LUNGevity.","type":"official"},{"id":"mission","label":"Our mission","url":"https://egfrcancer.org/our-mission/","publisher":"EGFR Resisters","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Non-profit grassroots patient-driven community dedicated to changing EGFR-positive lung cancer into a manageable, chronic disease.","type":"official"},{"id":"join","label":"Join EGFR Resisters","url":"https://egfrcancer.org/join-egfr/","publisher":"EGFR Resisters","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Join form for patients and caregivers; community of over 7,549 members; monthly newsletter sign-up.","type":"official"},{"id":"contact","label":"Contact EGFR Resisters","url":"https://egfrcancer.org/contact-egfr-resisters/","publisher":"EGFR Resisters","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Contact form.","type":"official"},{"id":"propublica","label":"EGFR Resisters nonprofit record","url":"https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/332104656","publisher":"ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"EGFR Resisters, Deerfield IL, EIN 33-2104656, 501(c)(3).","type":"research"}],"applicability":"For patients and caregivers looking for community, education or help navigating care. Inclusion is not a recommendation or a finding that this group is right for your situation.","limitations":"Program details are reported by the group unless noted, as of October 2026. Confirm current programs, eligibility and any costs directly with the group. A community group does not give medical advice.","disclosure":{"type":"none","text":"I have no financial or business relationship with this organization."},"reviewedAt":"2026-10-22","relatedIds":["656030c7-047a-40e9-b47b-14b19f3fd2bd"],"assetIds":["19764f66-ebfd-4e03-8ca8-0d40dc101a36","9bfa144d-62bc-482a-9dfb-0add61dca2fd"],"relatedX":[],"website":"https://egfrcancer.org/","serviceStatus":"available","access":{"label":"Join EGFR Resisters","url":"https://egfrcancer.org/join-egfr/"},"facts":[{"label":"Who it serves","value":"People with EGFR-positive lung cancer and their caregivers.","sourceIds":["mission","join"]},{"label":"Legal status","value":"501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 33-2104656.","sourceIds":["propublica"]},{"label":"Community size","value":"More than 7,549 members (as of October 2026).","sourceIds":["join"]},{"label":"Research","value":"Research awards jointly funded with LUNGevity; Project PRIORITY patient survey dashboard.","sourceIds":["home"]}],"id":"7be37db1-17ec-4454-8e4b-be1a006aeb14","kind":"company","slug":"egfr-resisters","revision":"ba29dfa3-4905-4109-b3fa-6c0f2d7675d9","canonicalUrl":"https://kevinwimer.com/companies/egfr-resisters/","publishedAt":"2026-10-23T03:26:30.640Z","updatedAt":"2026-10-23T03:26:30.640Z","previewOnly":false,"logoAssetId":"19764f66-ebfd-4e03-8ca8-0d40dc101a36","logoBackground":"light","logoSource":{"pageUrl":"https://egfrcancer.org/","assetUrl":"https://egfrcancer.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/2egfrnew_NEW-2.jpg","checkedAt":"2026-10-23T03:13:21.209Z"},"shareImageAssetId":"9bfa144d-62bc-482a-9dfb-0add61dca2fd"},{"title":"Future of Cancer Care Today","summary":"Free research support for patients exploring diagnostics, treatments, and the people who can help.","body":"## Start here\n\n1. Book an introductory patient call on the FCCT website.\n2. Ask which reports would make the conversation useful and how to share them securely.\n3. Bring one clear question: a testing gap, a trial search, tissue planning, or understanding an experimental option.\n\nThe public playbooks cover tumor diagnostics, tissue preservation, tumor boards, cancer vaccines and contacting drug companies. You can read them without booking a call.\n\nFCCT is research and navigation support. It does not diagnose, prescribe or replace your oncologist.\n\n## Contacts\n\n- Website and call booking: [sijbrandijfoundation.org/fcct](https://sijbrandijfoundation.org/fcct)","topics":[],"capabilities":["research-support","clinical-trials"],"sources":[{"id":"fcct","label":"FCCT patient support and playbooks","url":"https://sijbrandijfoundation.org/fcct","publisher":"Sijbrandij Foundation","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Free non-clinical research support, introductory calls and public playbooks.","type":"official"}],"applicability":"For people comparing this service with their care team. Inclusion is not a recommendation or a finding that it is right for your cancer.","limitations":"Service details are reported by the linked provider unless noted. Confirm current access, requirements and costs directly. A company profile does not establish clinical benefit.","disclosure":{"type":"none","text":"No paid placement. I have no investment, advisory role, paid partnership or other financial relationship with the twelve companies in this initial directory."},"reviewedAt":"2026-10-22","relatedIds":["d6751647-28f6-42b0-a0de-56b30c69790b","bcbf518f-872e-434c-b031-3d6c266ceaa4","656030c7-047a-40e9-b47b-14b19f3fd2bd"],"assetIds":["f1a9754e-3893-473a-8269-42b6b9fb9bfa"],"relatedX":[],"website":"https://sijbrandijfoundation.org/fcct","serviceStatus":"available","access":{"label":"See support and book a call","url":"https://sijbrandijfoundation.org/fcct"},"facts":[{"label":"Cost","value":"Patient support is free.","sourceIds":["fcct"]},{"label":"What you get","value":"PhD-led research support, help understanding options and suppliers, and practical public playbooks.","sourceIds":["fcct"]},{"label":"Clinical role","value":"Non-clinical support. Your treating team makes medical decisions with you.","sourceIds":["fcct"]}],"id":"0c5f1f8b-4545-4ee0-9c05-ce1d7fb984d7","kind":"company","slug":"fcct","revision":"8f6846f6-f309-4b2d-9928-74be73b9dea3","canonicalUrl":"https://kevinwimer.com/companies/fcct/","publishedAt":"2026-10-22T22:00:59.069Z","updatedAt":"2026-10-23T02:28:08.787Z","previewOnly":false,"shareImageAssetId":"f1a9754e-3893-473a-8269-42b6b9fb9bfa"},{"title":"Guardant Health","summary":"Blood and tissue tests to find tumor biomarkers. Separate tests track residual disease and treatment response.","body":"## Ask before ordering\n\n1. **Which test answers my question?** Guardant360 profiling and Guardant Reveal monitoring do different jobs. Get the exact product name.\n2. **Does my cancer need tissue testing too?** Ask what a blood result can and cannot tell you, and what happens if it finds nothing useful.\n3. **What will I owe?** Have the ordering team check coverage and Guardant’s financial assistance before the sample goes out.\n\nI’ve had blood testing through Guardant. That is personal experience, not a reason to assume its tests are right for everyone.","topics":[],"capabilities":["tumor-testing","blood-monitoring"],"sources":[{"id":"guardant-tests","label":"Tests for early and advanced cancer","url":"https://guardanthealth.com/products/tests-for-patients-with-early-and-advanced-stage-cancer/","publisher":"Guardant Health","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Product differences, specimen types, listed US cash prices and financial assistance.","type":"official"},{"id":"guardant-patients","label":"Patient information and access support","url":"https://guardanthealth.com/precision-oncology/for-patients/","publisher":"Guardant Health","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","type":"official"},{"id":"x-2112376055109386321","label":"My tissue and blood testing","url":"https://x.com/kevinace/status/2112376055109386321","publisher":"Kevin Wimer on X","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Personal experience, read in Kevin’s supplied X export. Not independent clinical evidence.","type":"experience"}],"applicability":"For people comparing this service with their care team. Inclusion is not a recommendation or a finding that it is right for your cancer.","limitations":"Service details are reported by the linked provider unless noted. Confirm current access, requirements and costs directly. A company profile does not establish clinical benefit.","disclosure":{"type":"none","text":"No paid placement. I have no investment, advisory role, paid partnership or other financial relationship with the twelve companies in this initial directory."},"reviewedAt":"2026-10-22","relatedIds":["f7221927-6b87-4be3-9a7c-906768a192a5","892119f9-0439-4e43-b467-66c99bc7be7c"],"assetIds":["f1b8c0f3-2c23-4e22-aef8-466d94f79bc0"],"xDiscussion":"https://x.com/kevinace/status/2112376055109386321","relatedX":[],"website":"https://guardanthealth.com/","serviceStatus":"available","access":{"label":"Patient information","url":"https://guardanthealth.com/precision-oncology/for-patients/"},"facts":[{"label":"Tests","value":"Guardant360 Liquid CDx uses blood; Guardant360 Tissue profiles tumor tissue. Guardant Reveal is a separate monitoring test.","sourceIds":["guardant-tests"]},{"label":"Access","value":"Work with the ordering clinician. Guardant Access helps with insurance, appeals and assistance.","sourceIds":["guardant-patients"]},{"label":"Published US cash prices","value":"Liquid CDx: $8,455. Tissue: $5,000. Reveal: $3,500. Listed prices are not an estimate of your insured out-of-pocket bill.","sourceIds":["guardant-tests"]}],"id":"eedb734b-9696-4e66-bf29-5c63cbf6a3ba","kind":"company","slug":"guardant-health","revision":"721bd5c0-be2d-4951-871f-7752aa87295c","canonicalUrl":"https://kevinwimer.com/companies/guardant-health/","publishedAt":"2026-10-23T00:00:15.301Z","updatedAt":"2026-10-23T00:00:15.301Z","previewOnly":false,"shareImageAssetId":"f1b8c0f3-2c23-4e22-aef8-466d94f79bc0"},{"title":"Inocras","summary":"CancerVision compares tumor and normal DNA using whole-genome sequencing, with report support and trial matching.","body":"## Before ordering\n\n1. Ask your clinician what whole-genome testing would add to the reports you already have.\n2. Have pathology and Inocras confirm the specimen instructions. Do not arrange another biopsy just because a website lists a sample requirement.\n3. Ask for the full patient price. The US patient page says these tests are not currently covered by health insurance.\n4. Ask what germline findings may be reported and whether genetic counseling is appropriate.\n\nMore data can uncover useful findings. It can also leave you with findings that do not change treatment.","topics":[],"capabilities":["tumor-testing","clinical-trials"],"sources":[{"id":"inocras-providers","label":"CancerVision provider information","url":"https://inocras.com/cancer-provider/","publisher":"Inocras","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Paired testing, sample requirements, ordering, turnaround and report support.","type":"official"},{"id":"inocras-patients","label":"CancerVision patient information","url":"https://inocras.com/cancer-patient/","publisher":"Inocras","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Clinician ordering and stated US insurance limitations.","type":"official"}],"applicability":"For people comparing this service with their care team. Inclusion is not a recommendation or a finding that it is right for your cancer.","limitations":"Service details are reported by the linked provider unless noted. Confirm current access, requirements and costs directly. A company profile does not establish clinical benefit.","disclosure":{"type":"none","text":"No paid placement. I have no investment, advisory role, paid partnership or other financial relationship with the twelve companies in this initial directory."},"reviewedAt":"2026-10-22","relatedIds":["f7221927-6b87-4be3-9a7c-906768a192a5","892119f9-0439-4e43-b467-66c99bc7be7c"],"assetIds":["d50370dd-22d6-4494-96b2-f55542658b62"],"relatedX":[],"website":"https://inocras.com/","serviceStatus":"available","access":{"label":"CancerVision patient information","url":"https://inocras.com/cancer-patient/"},"facts":[{"label":"Test","value":"Paired tumor-normal whole-genome sequencing for solid tumors, with clinical-trial matching support.","sourceIds":["inocras-providers"]},{"label":"Sample","value":"The provider page lists FFPE curls or slides plus a paired normal sample from blood or a buccal swab. Confirm the current collection instructions.","sourceIds":["inocras-providers"]},{"label":"Timing","value":"Two weeks from receipt of the required samples at the lab, according to the provider page.","sourceIds":["inocras-providers"]},{"label":"Ordering and payment","value":"Ordered by a healthcare provider. The patient page says US insurance does not currently cover its whole-genome tests.","sourceIds":["inocras-patients"]}],"id":"3340ac28-f483-4a86-bcaf-d2034338f17b","kind":"company","slug":"inocras","revision":"8810d05c-7ddc-4267-9137-ccc9ea2fc1d9","canonicalUrl":"https://kevinwimer.com/companies/inocras/","publishedAt":"2026-10-23T00:00:15.301Z","updatedAt":"2026-10-23T00:00:15.301Z","previewOnly":false,"shareImageAssetId":"d50370dd-22d6-4494-96b2-f55542658b62"},{"title":"Jaime Leandro Foundation","summary":"JLF helps patients explore personalized cancer vaccines and coordinates the testing, design, manufacturing and doctors involved. Its program uses peptide vaccines.","body":"The Jaime Leandro Foundation (JLF) is a nonprofit that helps patients explore personalized cancer vaccines. It brings together the patients, doctors and specialist partners needed to make and give them.\n\n## My experience\n\nBy October 2026, I had spoken at length with JLF about the vaccine process. They helped me understand the testing, timing and steps involved. I found their explanations clear and their communication excellent. My experience was with their guidance and conversations, rather than receiving a vaccine through JLF.\n\n## What they do\n\nJLF helps coordinate tumor sequencing, vaccine design, manufacturing and dosing by your treating doctor. It also helps with the FDA expanded access application. I found it helpful to think of this as a series of steps, each with different people responsible.\n\nJLF uses personalized peptide vaccines, made of selected protein fragments. [Serova](/companies/serova/) uses mRNA, which tells your cells to make selected target sequences. That's a useful difference when you compare the two.\n\nThese vaccines are experimental. I'd talk through the evidence and risks with my oncologist.\n\n## Who it is for\n\nJLF reviews each person's eligibility. Its FAQ lists criteria including no available curative therapy, expected survival, being able to manage daily activities, and autoimmune conditions that need immune suppression. I'd start by asking whether the program fits my situation.\n\n## How to start\n\nUse JLF's contact form. I'd ask what records they need for a first review and how to send them securely. JLF can then explain next steps with your doctor.\n\n## Cost\n\nIn October 2026, JLF gave me a general budget range of $100,000–$150,000 to share with other patients. I'd use that as a starting budget and ask JLF for a written total for my case.\n\nThat total should spell out sequencing and other tests, design, manufacturing, administration, monitoring and travel. I'd also ask when each payment is due and what happens if the plan changes. JLF's public FAQ explains its staged payments and refund terms.\n\n## Timing and visits\n\nJLF's public material estimates about four to five months for vaccine development. I'd ask for a timeline from the first records review to the first dose, including any testing needed before design starts.\n\nIts FAQ lists administration sites in San Francisco, Los Angeles, St. Louis, Miami and Austin. I'd confirm the location and visit schedule before making travel plans.\n\n## Questions I would ask\n\n1. Can you review the reports and sequencing I already have? What else would you need?\n2. What evidence is most relevant to my cancer, and how would we know if it helped?\n3. Who would give the vaccine, where, and how long until a first dose?\n4. Would it affect my current treatment or my eligibility for another trial?\n5. What's the full written cost, what's due at each stage, and what if I can't go ahead?\n\nI put more questions in [Personalized cancer vaccines: what to ask](/resources/cancer-vaccines/).\n\n## Contacts\n\n- Website: [jaimeleandrofoundation.org](https://jaimeleandrofoundation.org/)\n- Get started: [contact form](https://jaimeleandrofoundation.org/contact)\n- Patients: [patient information](https://jaimeleandrofoundation.org/patients)\n- Doctors: [physician information](https://jaimeleandrofoundation.org/physicians)\n- Costs, eligibility and sites: [JLF FAQ](https://jaimeleandrofoundation.org/faqs)","topics":["emerging-research","expert-support","clinical-trials"],"capabilities":["emerging-research","research-support"],"sources":[{"id":"jlf-home","label":"JLF: official overview","url":"https://jaimeleandrofoundation.org/","publisher":"Jaime Leandro Foundation","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Nonprofit role; access through clinical trials and expanded access.","type":"official"},{"id":"jlf-patients","label":"JLF: patients","url":"https://jaimeleandrofoundation.org/patients","publisher":"Jaime Leandro Foundation","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Coordination of sequencing, vaccine design, manufacturing and physician administration.","type":"official"},{"id":"jlf-physicians","label":"JLF: physicians","url":"https://jaimeleandrofoundation.org/physicians","publisher":"Jaime Leandro Foundation","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Application assistance, partner responsibilities and estimated development time.","type":"official"},{"id":"jlf-faq","label":"JLF: frequently asked questions","url":"https://jaimeleandrofoundation.org/faqs","publisher":"Jaime Leandro Foundation","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Peptide platform, eligibility, administration locations and public payment/refund terms. The dated general budget in the body is Kevin’s account of a JLF-authorized estimate, not a price quoted from this FAQ.","type":"official"},{"id":"jlf-contact","label":"JLF: contact","url":"https://jaimeleandrofoundation.org/contact","publisher":"Jaime Leandro Foundation","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Official contact page and public email.","type":"official"},{"id":"fda-access","label":"FDA: expanded access information for patients","url":"https://www.fda.gov/news-events/expanded-access/expanded-access-information-patients","publisher":"U.S. Food and Drug Administration","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Investigational status, physician/sponsor/IRB/FDA roles, lack of guaranteed access or benefit and possible uninsured costs.","type":"official"},{"id":"serova-patients","label":"Serova: information for patients and families","url":"https://info.serova.bio/01_PATIENTS_AND_FAMILIES","publisher":"Serova","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"mRNA platform and how peptide and mRNA vaccine approaches differ. Read directly from the official page.","type":"official"},{"id":"nci-platforms","label":"NCI: how mRNA cancer vaccines work (January 20, 2022)","url":"https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2022/mrna-vaccines-to-treat-cancer","publisher":"National Cancer Institute","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"General mechanism of mRNA vaccines and distinction from protein-fragment approaches. Historical background, not evidence of JLF or Serova outcomes.","type":"research"}],"applicability":"For patients and families exploring personalized cancer vaccines with their oncologist. JLF reviews eligibility case by case; see its linked FAQ for the criteria.","limitations":"The treating physician must assess eligibility and the plan for giving the vaccine. See JLF’s FAQ and the FDA patient guidance below.","disclosure":{"type":"none","text":"In 2026, I spoke with JLF about vaccine options. I had no other financial or business relationship with the foundation."},"reviewedAt":"2026-10-22","relatedIds":["45dd3750-3fe0-4621-9723-fc49fdeaffc2","966ad3d5-e20a-40de-ba3d-cb072e57ebef"],"assetIds":["69c93958-d90b-4e0c-b569-41475054c074","4b3a3323-582b-4e83-927b-7ef61d2b5d87"],"relatedX":[],"website":"https://jaimeleandrofoundation.org/","serviceStatus":"research","access":{"label":"Contact JLF about current options","url":"https://jaimeleandrofoundation.org/contact"},"regions":["United States"],"facts":[{"label":"Service","value":"Help coordinating sequencing, vaccine design, manufacturing, expanded access paperwork and physician administration.","sourceIds":["jlf-patients","jlf-physicians"]},{"label":"Vaccine","value":"Personalized peptide vaccine. The Serova comparison in this page explains the different mRNA approach.","sourceIds":["jlf-faq","serova-patients","nci-platforms"]},{"label":"Timing","value":"JLF’s public estimate is about four to five months for vaccine development. Ask for a timeline that includes records review and any additional testing.","sourceIds":["jlf-physicians"]}],"id":"111bf1a8-e2f4-43ab-a6df-2d7ff225b760","kind":"company","slug":"jaime-leandro-foundation","revision":"78a59deb-3763-43e8-87a5-a66050949baf","canonicalUrl":"https://kevinwimer.com/companies/jaime-leandro-foundation/","publishedAt":"2026-10-23T01:14:33.003Z","updatedAt":"2026-10-23T02:28:08.787Z","previewOnly":false,"logoAssetId":"69c93958-d90b-4e0c-b569-41475054c074","logoBackground":"light","logoSource":{"pageUrl":"https://jaimeleandrofoundation.org/","assetUrl":"https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61b631160957ef4511ff665c/83124766-1ac4-4e67-8058-eda9a2f00374/JLFlogo.png?format=1500w","checkedAt":"2026-10-23T01:12:00.580Z"},"shareImageAssetId":"4b3a3323-582b-4e83-927b-7ef61d2b5d87"},{"title":"Jiyu Bio","summary":"Helps patients find cancer trials in China and coordinate the paperwork, travel and care-team handoffs.","body":"## Before planning travel\n\n1. Ask for the trial identifier, enrolling hospital and a direct site contact. Verify that the actual site is recruiting.\n2. Have your oncologist and the trial team check the full eligibility criteria, prior-treatment rules and follow-up plan.\n3. Get the service fees, treatment costs, travel requirements and refund terms in writing.\n4. Agree on who handles complications and ongoing care once you return home.\n\nJiyu provides matching, translation and logistics. It does not practice medicine, sponsor the trials or guarantee enrollment. Its site asks you not to send medical records in the first email; arrange a secure channel first.","topics":[],"capabilities":["clinical-trials","research-support"],"sources":[{"id":"jiyu","label":"Jiyu trial matching and service limits","url":"https://jiyu.bio/","publisher":"Jiyu Bio","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"China trial focus, care coordination, translation/logistics and no enrollment guarantee.","type":"official"}],"applicability":"For people comparing this service with their care team. Inclusion is not a recommendation or a finding that it is right for your cancer.","limitations":"Service details are reported by the linked provider unless noted. Confirm current access, requirements and costs directly. A company profile does not establish clinical benefit.","disclosure":{"type":"none","text":"No paid placement. I have no investment, advisory role, paid partnership or other financial relationship with the twelve companies in this initial directory."},"reviewedAt":"2026-10-22","relatedIds":["bcbf518f-872e-434c-b031-3d6c266ceaa4"],"assetIds":["e7338fa3-6400-461a-95f4-69d16b7dfa95"],"relatedX":[],"website":"https://jiyu.bio/","serviceStatus":"available","access":{"label":"Contact Jiyu","url":"https://jiyu.bio/#contact"},"regions":["China"],"facts":[{"label":"Focus","value":"Cancer clinical trials in China, informed by the diagnosis and molecular profile.","sourceIds":["jiyu"]},{"label":"Support","value":"Trial matching, translation, paperwork, travel and coordination with home and overseas teams.","sourceIds":["jiyu"]},{"label":"Access","value":"Contact the team first. A match is not confirmation of eligibility or an available trial slot.","sourceIds":["jiyu"]}],"id":"43c15981-aba0-4025-aaa1-b71a755cfe84","kind":"company","slug":"jiyu-bio","revision":"5aeda3eb-e042-4e8f-b968-077f6140dfc6","canonicalUrl":"https://kevinwimer.com/companies/jiyu-bio/","publishedAt":"2026-10-23T00:00:15.301Z","updatedAt":"2026-10-23T00:00:15.301Z","previewOnly":false,"shareImageAssetId":"e7338fa3-6400-461a-95f4-69d16b7dfa95"},{"title":"LUNGevity","summary":"National lung cancer nonprofit offering a free HELPLine with lung cancer navigators, one-on-one peer mentors, virtual meetups, online communities and the HOPE Summit; a major funder of lung cancer research.","body":"LUNGevity is a national nonprofit for everyone affected by lung cancer, whatever the type or stage. It says it's the largest nonprofit funder of lung cancer research, and it runs a wide set of support programs for patients and caregivers.\n\n## What they offer\n\n- A toll-free Lung Cancer HELPLine staffed by lung cancer navigators. They can help with treatment questions, emotional support and referrals for financial help, transport and clinical trial participation.\n- LifeLine Support Partners, which matches you one-on-one with a mentor who has been through something similar.\n- Clinical Trial Ambassadors, survivors who share what being in a trial was like.\n- Virtual meetups and online communities.\n- The HOPE Summit, a survivorship conference. The next one is April 30 to May 2, 2027, in Bethesda, MD.\n\n## How to join and what it costs\n\nThere's no membership. You call the HELPLine or sign up for a program on the website. LUNGevity says its support services are free (checked October 2026).\n\n## How it fits with other groups here\n\nLUNGevity is a good general starting point. For biomarker-specific community, see [ALK Positive](/companies/alk-positive/), [EGFR Resisters](/companies/egfr-resisters/) and The ROS1ders. EGFR Resisters co-funds research awards with LUNGevity. GO2 for Lung Cancer offers similar national support. More in my [find support](/resources/find-support/) guide.\n\n## Questions I would ask\n\n- Can a navigator help me understand my biomarker results?\n- Is there a LifeLine mentor with my diagnosis or treatment?\n- Which virtual meetups fit my situation?\n- Can you connect me with someone who has been in a trial I'm considering?\n\n## Contacts\n\n- Website: [lungevity.org](https://www.lungevity.org/)\n- Lung Cancer HELPLine: 833-797-5800 (Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm ET)\n- Support services: [lungevity.org/for-patients-caregivers/support-services](https://www.lungevity.org/for-patients-caregivers/support-services)\n- Contact form: [lungevity.org/contact-us-0](https://www.lungevity.org/contact-us-0)\n- Main office phone: 312-407-6100","topics":["getting-started","expert-support"],"capabilities":["patient-support"],"organizationType":"nonprofit","services":["peer-support","patient-education","advocacy"],"communityFocus":["People with lung cancer (all types)","Caregivers","Family and friends","Survivors"],"sources":[{"id":"helpline","label":"Lung Cancer HELPLine","url":"https://www.lungevity.org/patients-care-partners/support-services/lung-cancer-helpline","publisher":"LUNGevity Foundation","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Toll-free HELPLine 833-797-5800, Monday-Friday 9-5 ET, lung cancer navigators; referrals for financial assistance, transportation, copay help and clinical trial participation.","type":"official"},{"id":"services","label":"Support services","url":"https://www.lungevity.org/for-patients-caregivers/support-services","publisher":"LUNGevity Foundation","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"LifeLine Support Partners, Clinical Trial Ambassadors, virtual meetups, online communities; 'these free services'.","type":"official"},{"id":"mentoring","label":"Peer-to-peer mentoring","url":"https://www.lungevity.org/patients-care-partners/support-services/peer-to-peer-mentoring","publisher":"LUNGevity Foundation","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"LifeLine one-on-one mentor matching for patients and caregivers.","type":"official"},{"id":"summit","label":"HOPE Summit","url":"https://www.lungevity.org/patients-care-partners/support-services/hope-summit","publisher":"LUNGevity Foundation","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"HOPE Summit 2027, April 30 - May 2, 2027, Bethesda MD.","type":"official"},{"id":"about","label":"Learn about LUNGevity","url":"https://www.lungevity.org/learn-about-lungevity","publisher":"LUNGevity Foundation","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Largest nonprofit funder of lung cancer research.","type":"official"},{"id":"contact","label":"Contact LUNGevity","url":"https://www.lungevity.org/contact-us-0","publisher":"LUNGevity Foundation","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Contact form; Chicago office 312-407-6100; Bethesda office 240-454-3100.","type":"official"},{"id":"propublica","label":"LUNGevity Foundation nonprofit record","url":"https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/364433410","publisher":"ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"LUNGevity Foundation, EIN 36-4433410, 501(c)(3).","type":"research"}],"applicability":"For patients and caregivers looking for community, education or help navigating care. Inclusion is not a recommendation or a finding that this group is right for your situation.","limitations":"Program details are reported by the group unless noted, as of October 2026. Confirm current programs, eligibility and any costs directly with the group. A community group does not give medical advice.","disclosure":{"type":"none","text":"I have no financial or business relationship with this organization."},"reviewedAt":"2026-10-22","relatedIds":["656030c7-047a-40e9-b47b-14b19f3fd2bd"],"assetIds":["ec50011b-acc7-415e-a7b2-ddaa1611275c","c3ac59a6-d54c-406d-b91a-915eb92acab1"],"relatedX":[],"website":"https://www.lungevity.org/","serviceStatus":"available","access":{"label":"Support services","url":"https://www.lungevity.org/for-patients-caregivers/support-services"},"facts":[{"label":"Who it serves","value":"Anyone affected by lung cancer, plus caregivers, family and friends.","sourceIds":["services"]},{"label":"Legal status","value":"501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 36-4433410.","sourceIds":["propublica"]},{"label":"HELPLine","value":"833-797-5800, Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm ET, with lung cancer navigators (as of October 2026).","sourceIds":["helpline"]},{"label":"Cost","value":"Support services are free, per LUNGevity (as of October 2026).","sourceIds":["services"]},{"label":"Research","value":"Describes itself as the largest nonprofit funder of lung cancer research.","sourceIds":["about"]}],"id":"068a85d5-9225-4be5-a74e-03d07a77c661","kind":"company","slug":"lungevity","revision":"67a70aaf-d81f-4fc5-b569-3894c922da40","canonicalUrl":"https://kevinwimer.com/companies/lungevity/","publishedAt":"2026-10-23T03:27:38.244Z","updatedAt":"2026-10-23T03:27:38.244Z","previewOnly":false,"logoAssetId":"ec50011b-acc7-415e-a7b2-ddaa1611275c","logoBackground":"light","logoSource":{"pageUrl":"https://www.lungevity.org/","assetUrl":"https://www.lungevity.org/sites/default/files/lungevity-logo-tagline-web-032323.png","checkedAt":"2026-10-23T03:16:52.182Z"},"shareImageAssetId":"c3ac59a6-d54c-406d-b91a-915eb92acab1"},{"title":"Natera (Signatera)","summary":"Natera's Signatera is a personalized blood test, built from your tumor, that looks for traces of tumor DNA to check for remaining cancer, track treatment and catch a recurrence earlier. Your doctor orders it.","body":"Signatera is a Natera blood test built from your own tumor. It looks for traces of tumor DNA to show whether cancer is left after treatment, whether treatment is working, or whether it's coming back.\n\n## What they do\n\n1. **Build the test.** Natera sequences your tumor tissue and a normal blood sample once, then designs a test around your cancer's unique mutations.\n2. **Check your blood.** After that, each test is a blood draw. The report says whether tumor DNA was found, and how much.\n3. **Repeat it.** Doctors often order it every three months. The trend matters as much as any one result.\n\nIt's a monitoring test, not a way to pick a targeted drug. Standard Signatera is a lab-developed test, not FDA-cleared. In May 2026 the FDA approved a version, Signatera CDx, as a companion diagnostic for atezolizumab in muscle-invasive bladder cancer.\n\n## Who it's for\n\nPeople with solid tumors, and some lymphomas, after surgery or during and after treatment, including people on immunotherapy. A negative result is good news, not a guarantee. It doesn't replace your scans.\n\n## How to start\n\nYour doctor orders it. Natera needs stored tumor tissue from a biopsy or surgery, plus blood. The first result takes 3 to 4 weeks, later ones 7 to 10 days. Natera offers mobile blood draws.\n\n## Cost and insurance\n\nAs of October 2026, Natera doesn't publish a Signatera price. Medicare covers it for stage I–III non-small cell lung cancer surveillance and for tracking immunotherapy response in any solid tumor, plus some colorectal, breast, bladder and ovarian uses. Other uses need a Medicare advance notice (ABN). Natera takes all insurance and has a cash rate.\n\nIf money's tight, Natera's assistance program can drop the cost to $0–$239 per test for households up to six times the federal poverty level. It can count your medical bills from the past year.\n\n## Questions I would ask\n\n1. What would we do differently if it's positive? Or negative?\n2. Is there enough stored tissue to build my test?\n3. How often would I be tested, and will insurance cover it?\n4. What if a result doesn't match my scans?\n5. What will each test cost me?\n\n## Similar companies on this site\n\n[Guardant Health](/companies/guardant-health/) also does blood testing, including Guardant Reveal for monitoring. Signatera needs your tissue first, so ask about tissue early. See [Before a biopsy, ask about the tissue](/resources/preserve-tissue/) and [Get the right tumor testing](/resources/tumor-testing/).\n\n## Contacts\n\n- Website: [Signatera for patients](https://www.natera.com/oncology/signatera-advanced-cancer-detection/patients/)\n- Billing and coverage: [natera.com/oncology/billing](https://www.natera.com/oncology/billing/) · 1-844-384-2996\n- Financial assistance: [care.natera.com](https://care.natera.com) · text CARE to 636363 · oncologybilling@natera.com\n- Phone: 650-489-9050 (option 2 for patients)\n- Email: signaterapc@natera.com (Patient Coordinators)","topics":["tumor-testing"],"capabilities":["blood-monitoring"],"sources":[{"id":"natera-patients","label":"Signatera for patients","url":"https://www.natera.com/oncology/signatera-advanced-cancer-detection/patients/","publisher":"Natera","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"What Signatera is; tumor-informed design; cancer types; result meanings; does not replace standard follow-up; first result 3-4 weeks, later 7-10 days; standard Signatera not FDA-cleared or approved (lab-developed test).","type":"official"},{"id":"natera-faq","label":"Signatera FAQ","url":"https://www.natera.com/oncology/signatera-advanced-cancer-detection/faq/","publisher":"Natera","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Not for identifying mutations for therapy selection; ask your physician; FFPE tissue and blood tubes; turnaround; generally every 3 months; mobile phlebotomy; contact numbers.","type":"official"},{"id":"natera-overview","label":"Signatera overview","url":"https://www.natera.com/oncology/signatera-advanced-cancer-detection/","publisher":"Natera","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Tissue and matched normal sample required once for personalized design; then blood only; Medicare-covered indications.","type":"official"},{"id":"natera-billing","label":"Natera oncology billing and coverage","url":"https://www.natera.com/oncology/billing/","publisher":"Natera","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Medicare-covered indications; ABN for other uses; all insurance welcome; cash pay rate; financial assistance; billing contacts.","type":"official"},{"id":"natera-assistance","label":"Natera: expanded financial assistance","url":"https://www.natera.com/resource-library/signatera/expanded-eligibility-for-natera-s-financial-assistance-program/","publisher":"Natera","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Household income up to 6x federal poverty guidelines; past-12-month medical expenses considered; reduced rate $0-$239; care.natera.com or text CARE to 636363.","type":"official"},{"id":"fda-cdx","label":"FDA: list of cleared or approved companion diagnostic devices","url":"https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/in-vitro-diagnostics/list-cleared-or-approved-companion-diagnostic-devices-in-vitro-and-imaging-tools","publisher":"U.S. Food and Drug Administration","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Lists Signatera CDx (Natera, P260004, 05/15/2026) as a companion diagnostic for atezolizumab in muscle-invasive bladder cancer.","type":"official"}],"applicability":"For people with solid tumors, and some lymphomas, whose care team wants to check for remaining cancer, track treatment or watch for recurrence. Your doctor orders it, and tumor tissue is needed to build the test.","limitations":"A monitoring test, not a tool for choosing targeted drugs. It doesn't replace scans, and Medicare coverage depends on cancer type and setting.","disclosure":{"type":"none","text":"I have no financial or business relationship with Natera."},"reviewedAt":"2026-10-22","relatedIds":["eedb734b-9696-4e66-bf29-5c63cbf6a3ba","af18cbc9-1c7f-4799-a763-3f53ba52b1fd","f7221927-6b87-4be3-9a7c-906768a192a5"],"assetIds":["cdf93481-011e-445a-aa38-481ce6be788d","ac9fb979-c070-4bc6-861c-3aa5adb9a6e0"],"relatedX":[],"website":"https://www.natera.com/oncology/signatera-advanced-cancer-detection/","serviceStatus":"available","access":{"label":"Signatera for patients","url":"https://www.natera.com/oncology/signatera-advanced-cancer-detection/patients/"},"facts":[{"label":"Test","value":"Personalized, tumor-informed blood test that looks for circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) to detect molecular residual disease.","sourceIds":["natera-faq","natera-patients"]},{"label":"Samples","value":"Tumor tissue (paraffin block or slides) and blood the first time; after that, blood only.","sourceIds":["natera-faq","natera-overview"]},{"label":"Timing","value":"About 3 to 4 weeks for the first result; 7 to 10 days for later blood tests.","sourceIds":["natera-faq","natera-patients"]},{"label":"FDA status","value":"Standard Signatera is a lab-developed test, not FDA-cleared. Signatera CDx was FDA-approved in May 2026 as a companion diagnostic in muscle-invasive bladder cancer.","sourceIds":["natera-patients","fda-cdx"]},{"label":"Cost","value":"As of October 2026: no published Signatera list price. Medicare covers listed indications. Qualifying patients pay a reduced rate of $0 to $239 per test.","sourceIds":["natera-billing","natera-assistance"]}],"id":"4b794255-3c7f-4c3f-88d5-0a8eb3606d6f","kind":"company","slug":"natera-signatera","revision":"081252ef-cb09-47ef-9a6e-47abd7cf8bcd","canonicalUrl":"https://kevinwimer.com/companies/natera-signatera/","publishedAt":"2026-10-23T02:28:08.787Z","updatedAt":"2026-10-23T02:28:08.787Z","previewOnly":false,"logoAssetId":"cdf93481-011e-445a-aa38-481ce6be788d","logoBackground":"light","logoSource":{"pageUrl":"https://www.natera.com/oncology/signatera-advanced-cancer-detection/","assetUrl":"https://www.natera.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/logo.svg","checkedAt":"2026-10-23T02:16:22.168Z"},"shareImageAssetId":"ac9fb979-c070-4bc6-861c-3aa5adb9a6e0"},{"title":"Palitra","summary":"Tests treatment options on tumor cells to help explore drug combinations.","body":"## Ask these first\n\n1. What sample do you need, and must collection be arranged before a biopsy?\n2. Which drugs or combinations will you test, and why those?\n3. What evidence connects your lab result to outcomes in people with my cancer?\n4. What are the total cost, turnaround time and next step if the sample does not work?\n\nA drug response in cells outside the body does not establish that a treatment will work safely in a person. Bring the report back to your oncologist.","topics":[],"capabilities":["drug-testing"],"sources":[{"id":"palitra","label":"Palitra service overview","url":"https://palitra.bio/","publisher":"Palitra","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Company description of personalized drug testing; the public overview does not give a standard price, sample protocol or turnaround.","type":"official"}],"applicability":"For people comparing this service with their care team. Inclusion is not a recommendation or a finding that it is right for your cancer.","limitations":"Service details are reported by the linked provider unless noted. Confirm current access, requirements and costs directly. A company profile does not establish clinical benefit.","disclosure":{"type":"none","text":"No paid placement. I have no investment, advisory role, paid partnership or other financial relationship with the twelve companies in this initial directory."},"reviewedAt":"2026-10-22","relatedIds":["af18cbc9-1c7f-4799-a763-3f53ba52b1fd","f7221927-6b87-4be3-9a7c-906768a192a5"],"assetIds":["8e9c328b-0955-4790-bb46-acc7574aeeff"],"relatedX":[],"website":"https://palitra.bio/","access":{"label":"Contact Palitra","url":"https://palitra.bio/#contact"},"facts":[{"label":"Approach","value":"Personalized testing of drug options on tumor cells, including combinations.","sourceIds":["palitra"]},{"label":"Intended focus","value":"The company describes work on rare cancers and cases with limited standard treatment options.","sourceIds":["palitra"]},{"label":"Access","value":"Contact the team to establish sample requirements, scope, price and timing before arranging collection.","sourceIds":["palitra"]}],"id":"a0923b3c-1e05-42f4-8f96-60cfcc13f5bf","kind":"company","slug":"palitra","revision":"6740d20c-4d65-43da-a43a-51957ebe053a","canonicalUrl":"https://kevinwimer.com/companies/palitra/","publishedAt":"2026-10-23T00:00:15.301Z","updatedAt":"2026-10-23T00:00:15.301Z","previewOnly":false,"shareImageAssetId":"8e9c328b-0955-4790-bb46-acc7574aeeff"},{"title":"Relit Biosciences","summary":"Explores biomarker-targeted imaging and radioligand approaches.","body":"## Get specific before going further\n\n1. Which imaging agent or treatment are we talking about, and what biomarker does it target?\n2. Is this routine clinical care, a trial, or another investigational access route?\n3. Which licensed clinical team would perform it, in what country, and under what authorization?\n4. What evidence applies to my cancer, what would the result change, and what are the full costs?\n\nRelit’s public website is brief. The parent company describes biomarker-targeted radioligand imaging. Sample requirements, patient eligibility, pricing and routine availability are not established by those pages.","topics":[],"capabilities":["emerging-research"],"sources":[{"id":"relit","label":"Relit public overview","url":"https://relit.bio/","publisher":"Relit Biosciences","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"The company’s stated focus on biomarker-based imaging and radiotherapeutics.","type":"official"},{"id":"evenone","label":"Even One Ventures portfolio","url":"https://evenone.ventures/","publisher":"Even One Ventures","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Parent-company description of Relit as biomarker-targeted radioligand imaging.","type":"official"}],"applicability":"For people comparing this service with their care team. Inclusion is not a recommendation or a finding that it is right for your cancer.","limitations":"Service details are reported by the linked provider unless noted. Confirm current access, requirements and costs directly. A company profile does not establish clinical benefit.","disclosure":{"type":"none","text":"No paid placement. I have no investment, advisory role, paid partnership or other financial relationship with the twelve companies in this initial directory."},"reviewedAt":"2026-10-22","relatedIds":["f7221927-6b87-4be3-9a7c-906768a192a5","bcbf518f-872e-434c-b031-3d6c266ceaa4"],"assetIds":["d4ed9b18-e875-4304-80c0-060b84e1fa08"],"relatedX":[],"website":"https://relit.bio/","access":{"label":"Relit website and contact","url":"https://relit.bio/"},"facts":[{"label":"Focus","value":"Biomarker-based imaging and radioligand approaches.","sourceIds":["relit","evenone"]},{"label":"Access","value":"Contact the company for the specific service and clinical access route. Its public overview does not describe a standard ordering process.","sourceIds":["relit"]}],"id":"ca4a0e15-3c1e-4b1f-929e-e9e538b4b6ec","kind":"company","slug":"relit-biosciences","revision":"9a1eea08-c8a8-405b-8c48-271a4ad162e1","canonicalUrl":"https://kevinwimer.com/companies/relit-biosciences/","publishedAt":"2026-10-23T00:00:15.301Z","updatedAt":"2026-10-23T00:00:15.301Z","previewOnly":false,"shareImageAssetId":"d4ed9b18-e875-4304-80c0-060b84e1fa08"},{"title":"Selvana","summary":"Develops blood-based tracking of a cancer’s presence, amount and changes over time.","body":"## What to establish\n\n1. Is the test available to patients now, and who can order it?\n2. Which cancers and stages have been validated, and for what specific use?\n3. What tumor material and blood draws are required?\n4. How would a change in the result affect care, and what happens if the blood test and scans disagree?\n\nSelvana describes starting with a blood test tailored to mutations in a patient’s tumor. The public page does not establish routine availability, pricing, accuracy for a particular cancer or improved patient outcomes.","topics":[],"capabilities":["blood-monitoring"],"sources":[{"id":"selvana","label":"Selvana approach and contact","url":"https://selvana.bio/","publisher":"Selvana","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Stated tumor-informed blood-testing approach. No detailed public ordering, pricing or clinical-validation data on this page.","type":"official"}],"applicability":"For people comparing this service with their care team. Inclusion is not a recommendation or a finding that it is right for your cancer.","limitations":"Service details are reported by the linked provider unless noted. Confirm current access, requirements and costs directly. A company profile does not establish clinical benefit.","disclosure":{"type":"none","text":"No paid placement. I have no investment, advisory role, paid partnership or other financial relationship with the twelve companies in this initial directory."},"reviewedAt":"2026-10-22","relatedIds":["f7221927-6b87-4be3-9a7c-906768a192a5"],"assetIds":["339ac15f-fa6d-4f92-ba67-bf6d01223dd3"],"relatedX":[],"website":"https://selvana.bio/","access":{"label":"Selvana website and contact","url":"https://selvana.bio/"},"facts":[{"label":"Approach","value":"A personalized blood test built around mutations from the patient’s tumor, intended to track cancer over time.","sourceIds":["selvana"]},{"label":"Availability","value":"Contact the company to confirm current access and requirements; no standard ordering pathway is described on the public page.","sourceIds":["selvana"]}],"id":"194dcaf8-cd35-478b-a25d-f831dcab67c5","kind":"company","slug":"selvana","revision":"40594bf7-2035-487b-b60b-c497b654aa1f","canonicalUrl":"https://kevinwimer.com/companies/selvana/","publishedAt":"2026-10-23T00:00:15.301Z","updatedAt":"2026-10-23T00:00:15.301Z","previewOnly":false,"shareImageAssetId":"339ac15f-fa6d-4f92-ba67-bf6d01223dd3"},{"title":"Serova","summary":"Serova designs a personalized mRNA cancer vaccine from your tumor data and helps your doctor seek FDA permission to give it. The first review of your reports is free. The vaccine is experimental, and as of September 2026 no patient had received it.","body":"Serova is a small London-based company that designs a personalized mRNA cancer vaccine for one patient at a time. It reviews your existing reports for free, picks targets from your tumor's data and, if a case goes ahead, arranges manufacture and helps your doctor ask for permission to treat. The vaccine, SRV-001, is experimental and not FDA approved. Serova said that as of September 3, 2026 no patient had received it.\n\n## What the vaccine is\n\n- **mRNA in a fat particle,** injected into the upper arm, like the mRNA COVID shots but with a different purpose and recipe.\n- **Built for one person.** The targets come from changes found only in your cancer (neoantigens). Serova says a cancer with few mutations can sometimes still work if it has a usable fusion or other abnormal sequence.\n- **Picked with computer models, checked by people.** Serova says its models rank candidates, and the team reviews the evidence before a design is final.\n- **A long course.** The proposed adult schedule is 13 injections over about 11 months, given at a hospital or clinic, never at home.\n\n## How it works\n\n1. Email Serova's clinical team for secure upload instructions (see Contacts). Send a recent oncology summary, pathology and tumor or blood test reports, scan reports, and what you know about stored tissue. The review is free and doesn't commit you to anything.\n2. Serova checks what your data can support. Raw sequencing files (FASTQ, BAM or CRAM) help, and Serova can arrange the transfer with the lab. You may need more sequencing, such as tumor RNA, normal DNA or HLA typing. That costs money.\n3. If Serova can propose a design, you get a report listing the targets and why each was chosen. You and your oncologist review it. You can ask an independent doctor to look too.\n4. If you go ahead, an outside manufacturer makes the vaccine. Serova has planned about 12 weeks for this after the design is final. Getting samples, sequencing and agreeing the design all come before that.\n5. In the U.S., the expected route is single-patient expanded access: your treating doctor files an individual IND with FDA, with product support from Serova. It also needs ethics board (IRB) review and a hospital willing to give it. FDA usually allows 30 days after it receives the request.\n6. Your care team gives each dose, watches you for an hour or two afterward and follows you with scans and blood tests. Serova can also arrange tumor DNA blood tests (ctDNA) and immune tests.\n\n## Who it's for\n\nSerova says it can discuss adult and childhood cancers, including rare solid tumors and some blood cancers. You don't have to wait for other treatments to fail to ask for a review.\n\nIt isn't a fast rescue. If your cancer is moving quickly, there may not be time to make the vaccine and for your immune system to respond. Autoimmune disease, an organ transplant, past immune-related side effects or a PEG allergy all need review and may rule it out. A vaccine can also keep you out of some clinical trials, so ask those trial teams first.\n\nOutside the U.S., Serova checks each country's rules case by case. The UK has no direct equivalent of a single-patient IND.\n\n## Research status\n\n- SRV-001 is investigational. Serova says its safety and whether it helps are not established.\n- As of its September 3, 2026 update, Serova had prepared designs but hadn't treated anyone, so there's no human data on its vaccine yet.\n- Serova's physician page says its regulatory records through that date showed no Serova-held IND for SRV-001. Your doctor would file an individual one.\n- I found no Serova or SRV-001 study on ClinicalTrials.gov.\n- Expanded access is not FDA approval and doesn't show that a treatment works.\n\n## Cost\n\nIn 2026 I paid $200,000. Serova prices each case on the work, the design and the manufacturing it needs, but expect about the same. As of October 2026, Serova's own site says recent estimates have been around US$200,000 for manufacture, regulatory preparation and monitoring. The first review of your reports is free. Extra lab tests, sequencing, manufacture, regulatory prep and monitoring cost money, and hospital fees, scans and travel can be billed separately. Insurance may not pay for an investigational drug, and under U.S. expanded access FDA has to authorize any charge for the drug itself. Serova says to get a written description of the work, the price and the cancellation and refund terms before you pay for anything.\n\n## My experience\n\nI have stage 4 ALK-positive lung cancer, diagnosed in July 2024. I've never smoked. In 2026 Serova designed a personalized vaccine for me that targets 25 changes in my tumor. I paid $200,000.\n\n## Before you commit, ask\n\n1. What can you tell from the reports I already have, and what extra testing would cost?\n2. Which targets are in my design, and how strong is the evidence for each one?\n3. Which doctor and hospital would give the vaccine, and who files with FDA?\n4. How long from today to a first dose, and is that realistic for where my cancer is?\n5. Would getting this vaccine keep me out of any trial I might want later?\n6. What's the written price, and what happens to my money if manufacturing fails or I can't be treated?\n\n## Contacts\n\n- Website: [Serova for patients and families](https://info.serova.bio/01_PATIENTS_AND_FAMILIES)\n- For doctors: [Serova physician information](https://info.serova.bio/02_PHYSICIANS)\n- Email: clinical@serova.bio (clinical team, free first review)","topics":["emerging-research"],"capabilities":["emerging-research","research-support"],"sources":[{"id":"patients","label":"Information for patients and families (updated September 6, 2026)","url":"https://info.serova.bio/01_PATIENTS_AND_FAMILIES","publisher":"Serova","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"What Serova does; free report review; mRNA lipid nanoparticle vaccine SRV-001; investigational; no patient treated as of September 3, 2026; records to send; raw data; targets incl. fusions; ~12 weeks manufacture after final design; expanded access; 13-injection adult schedule; observation times; who can be assessed; risks and exclusions; costs and written terms.","type":"official"},{"id":"physicians","label":"Clinical and technical information for physicians (updated September 6, 2026)","url":"https://info.serova.bio/02_PHYSICIANS","publisher":"Serova","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Physician-sponsored single-patient IND as anticipated U.S. route; no Serova-held IND for SRV-001 identified through September 3, 2026; IRB and 30-day FDA wait; external manufacturers; unmodified mRNA with lipid nanoparticle; UK has no direct single-patient IND equivalent.","type":"official"},{"id":"companies-house","label":"Serova Bio Limited, company 16745124","url":"https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/16745124","publisher":"Companies House (UK)","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Private limited company registered in London, incorporated September 26, 2025, active.","type":"research"},{"id":"ctgov","label":"ClinicalTrials.gov search for SRV-001","url":"https://clinicaltrials.gov/api/v2/studies?query.term=SRV-001","publisher":"U.S. National Library of Medicine","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"No registered studies for SRV-001 (a search for Serova also returned no Serova-sponsored study) as of the check date.","type":"research"},{"id":"fda-ea-patients","label":"Expanded access: information for patients","url":"https://www.fda.gov/news-events/expanded-access/expanded-access-information-patients","publisher":"U.S. FDA","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"What expanded access is and who must agree.","type":"research"},{"id":"fda-ea-physicians","label":"Physician's guide to non-emergency single-patient expanded access","url":"https://www.fda.gov/drugs/investigational-new-drug-ind-application/physicians-guide-non-emergency-single-patient-expanded-access-submissions","publisher":"U.S. FDA","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"How a treating physician submits a single-patient expanded access IND.","type":"research"},{"id":"nci-vaccines","label":"Cancer treatment vaccines","url":"https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/immunotherapy/cancer-treatment-vaccines","publisher":"National Cancer Institute","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Background on how cancer treatment vaccines work and their side effects.","type":"research"}],"applicability":"For people with cancer and their care teams who are looking into personalized cancer vaccines outside a clinical trial. Inclusion is not a recommendation or a finding that it is right for your cancer.","limitations":"Service, product and timing details are reported by Serova unless noted. SRV-001 is investigational and not FDA approved, and Serova had no human safety or efficacy data for it as of September 2026. Expanded access is not approval. Confirm current access, requirements and costs directly. A company profile does not establish clinical benefit. My experience reflects my design as of October 2026.","disclosure":{"type":"none","text":"I'm a paying patient. I have no other financial or business relationship with Serova."},"reviewedAt":"2026-10-22","relatedIds":["966ad3d5-e20a-40de-ba3d-cb072e57ebef","f7221927-6b87-4be3-9a7c-906768a192a5","892119f9-0439-4e43-b467-66c99bc7be7c"],"assetIds":["fd5f629d-c76e-4980-9942-5712a8c8d04e","78f85816-bb7d-4ac0-8e09-1030cf293732"],"relatedX":[],"website":"https://serova.bio/","serviceStatus":"research","access":{"label":"Information for patients and families","url":"https://info.serova.bio/01_PATIENTS_AND_FAMILIES"},"facts":[{"label":"Service","value":"Free review of your existing reports, then possible vaccine design, manufacture through an outside maker, help with treatment permission, and ctDNA and immune monitoring.","sourceIds":["patients","physicians"]},{"label":"Data needed","value":"Oncology summary, pathology and molecular test reports, scan reports and details of stored tissue. Raw sequencing files help. More sequencing (tumor RNA, normal DNA, HLA) may be needed.","sourceIds":["patients"]},{"label":"Product","value":"SRV-001: patient-specific mRNA in lipid nanoparticles, injected into muscle. Proposed adult course is 13 injections over about 11 months.","sourceIds":["patients","physicians"]},{"label":"Timing","value":"About 12 weeks to manufacture after the design is final, per Serova. Sample retrieval, sequencing, design and permissions add time.","sourceIds":["patients","physicians"]},{"label":"FDA status","value":"Investigational, not FDA approved. No patient treated as of September 3, 2026. Expected U.S. route is a single-patient expanded access IND filed by your doctor. No ClinicalTrials.gov listing found.","sourceIds":["patients","physicians","ctgov","fda-ea-physicians"]},{"label":"Cost","value":"In 2026 I paid $200,000; expect about the same. Serova prices each case on workload, design and manufacturing, and as of October 2026 its site cites recent estimates around US$200,000. Report review is free. Hospital and travel costs are extra.","sourceIds":["patients"]},{"label":"Company","value":"Serova Bio Limited, a private company registered in London in September 2025.","sourceIds":["companies-house"]}],"id":"45dd3750-3fe0-4621-9723-fc49fdeaffc2","kind":"company","slug":"serova","revision":"35e59e9a-908a-45a6-b962-3da4e21bba52","canonicalUrl":"https://kevinwimer.com/companies/serova/","publishedAt":"2026-10-23T00:19:04.477Z","updatedAt":"2026-10-23T02:28:08.787Z","previewOnly":false,"logoAssetId":"fd5f629d-c76e-4980-9942-5712a8c8d04e","logoBackground":"light","logoSource":{"pageUrl":"https://serova.bio/","assetUrl":"https://serova.bio/serova-logo-cream.svg","checkedAt":"2026-10-23T00:15:04.507Z"},"shareImageAssetId":"78f85816-bb7d-4ac0-8e09-1030cf293732"},{"title":"Sophont","summary":"Holon-S1 uses AI to infer spatial gene-expression patterns from digitized pathology slides. Research only.","body":"## Know what the output is\n\n1. The input is a digital image of a stained pathology slide.\n2. The gene-expression patterns are **model predictions**, not a direct sequencing measurement.\n3. The company’s report explores biological findings and possible research uses.\n4. Sophont explicitly says Holon-S1 is research-only and not approved for patient diagnosis.\n\nIf you are exploring it with a research team, ask which predictions have independent validation and what data are needed to check them. Do not substitute its output for clinical pathology or validated testing.","topics":[],"capabilities":["emerging-research","tumor-testing"],"sources":[{"id":"sophont","label":"Holon-S1 technical report","url":"https://sophont.med/blog/holon/","publisher":"Sophont","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Company-authored report, including its research-only status, input data and stated limitations.","type":"research"}],"applicability":"For people comparing this service with their care team. Inclusion is not a recommendation or a finding that it is right for your cancer.","limitations":"Service details are reported by the linked provider unless noted. Confirm current access, requirements and costs directly. A company profile does not establish clinical benefit.","disclosure":{"type":"none","text":"No paid placement. I have no investment, advisory role, paid partnership or other financial relationship with the twelve companies in this initial directory."},"reviewedAt":"2026-10-22","relatedIds":["f7221927-6b87-4be3-9a7c-906768a192a5","9f20f130-cad1-494e-bf40-bd02d30f01cd"],"assetIds":["77bb6b4d-a661-4c7e-8dda-38f10aed6280"],"relatedX":[],"website":"https://sophont.med/blog/holon/","serviceStatus":"research","access":{"label":"Read the Holon-S1 report","url":"https://sophont.med/blog/holon/"},"facts":[{"label":"Input","value":"Digitized H&E-stained pathology whole-slide images.","sourceIds":["sophont"]},{"label":"Output","value":"Predicted spatial gene-expression profiles and biological patterns inferred from the image.","sourceIds":["sophont"]},{"label":"Status","value":"Research-only. The company says it is not yet approved for patient diagnosis.","sourceIds":["sophont"]}],"id":"acb47ab0-61a1-4c10-8ff3-8fadc7e54504","kind":"company","slug":"sophont","revision":"2fe4ea94-9afb-44a6-a666-17ee324f0229","canonicalUrl":"https://kevinwimer.com/companies/sophont/","publishedAt":"2026-10-23T00:00:15.301Z","updatedAt":"2026-10-23T00:00:15.301Z","previewOnly":false,"shareImageAssetId":"77bb6b4d-a661-4c7e-8dda-38f10aed6280"},{"title":"Travera","summary":"Tests drugs on live tumor cells outside the body and returns a report to the ordering physician.","body":"## Before collecting a sample\n\n1. Have the ordering physician and Travera agree on the sample and shipping instructions before the procedure. This needs live tumor cells.\n2. Ask which drugs will be tested and how that list was chosen.\n3. Ask what clinical evidence supports using the result for your cancer and treatment decision.\n4. Confirm cost, coverage, sample-failure policy and the next step with your oncologist.\n\nTravera publishes clinical research and describes its evidence as developing. A response in extracted cells is useful information to assess, not a guarantee that the drug will help you.","topics":[],"capabilities":["drug-testing"],"sources":[{"id":"travera","label":"Rapid Therapy Selection overview","url":"https://www.travera.com/","publisher":"Travera","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Live-cell drug testing, physician report and company-stated timing.","type":"official"},{"id":"travera-evidence","label":"Travera clinical evidence","url":"https://www.travera.com/clinical-evidence","publisher":"Travera","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Company evidence overview with linked publications; early results do not establish benefit for every patient.","type":"official"}],"applicability":"For people comparing this service with their care team. Inclusion is not a recommendation or a finding that it is right for your cancer.","limitations":"Service details are reported by the linked provider unless noted. Confirm current access, requirements and costs directly. A company profile does not establish clinical benefit.","disclosure":{"type":"none","text":"No paid placement. I have no investment, advisory role, paid partnership or other financial relationship with the twelve companies in this initial directory."},"reviewedAt":"2026-10-22","relatedIds":["af18cbc9-1c7f-4799-a763-3f53ba52b1fd","f7221927-6b87-4be3-9a7c-906768a192a5"],"assetIds":["505e82c8-70b8-46fa-bd31-f1be0a2f548e"],"relatedX":[],"website":"https://www.travera.com/","serviceStatus":"available","access":{"label":"Contact Travera","url":"https://www.travera.com/contact"},"facts":[{"label":"Sample","value":"Live cancer cells. Collection and transport must follow the lab’s instructions.","sourceIds":["travera"]},{"label":"Test","value":"Rapid Therapy Selection measures how extracted cells respond to selected drugs. The company describes panels of up to 20 drugs.","sourceIds":["travera"]},{"label":"Timing","value":"The company lists results in two days after sample collection; confirm logistics and the report date for your case.","sourceIds":["travera"]},{"label":"Report","value":"Results go to the ordering physician for interpretation with the rest of your care.","sourceIds":["travera"]}],"id":"22346548-bf33-4671-a2b8-3657c9915b3b","kind":"company","slug":"travera","revision":"fadcda4f-d359-4838-a440-c67faeb28093","canonicalUrl":"https://kevinwimer.com/companies/travera/","publishedAt":"2026-10-23T00:00:15.301Z","updatedAt":"2026-10-23T00:00:15.301Z","previewOnly":false,"shareImageAssetId":"505e82c8-70b8-46fa-bd31-f1be0a2f548e"},{"title":"Valius Sciences","summary":"Deep tumor profiling across DNA, RNA and proteins, using existing fixed tissue.","body":"## Before spending the money\n\n1. Send the team your existing reports through its requested secure channel. Ask what the proposed work adds.\n2. Have pathology confirm the available sample, its quality and how much would be consumed.\n3. Ask which findings could change a decision now, which are exploratory, and who will help interpret them.\n4. Get the scope, total price, expected deliverables and timeline in writing.\n\nThis is molecular profiling. Valius says it does not currently test drugs on live tumor cells and does not prescribe treatment.","topics":[],"capabilities":["tumor-testing","research-support"],"sources":[{"id":"valius","label":"Valius profiling and patient FAQ","url":"https://www.valiussciences.com/","publisher":"Valius Sciences","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Fixed-tissue requirements, typical analyses, published starting price, timing and service boundaries.","type":"official"}],"applicability":"For people comparing this service with their care team. Inclusion is not a recommendation or a finding that it is right for your cancer.","limitations":"Service details are reported by the linked provider unless noted. Confirm current access, requirements and costs directly. A company profile does not establish clinical benefit.","disclosure":{"type":"none","text":"No paid placement. I have no investment, advisory role, paid partnership or other financial relationship with the twelve companies in this initial directory."},"reviewedAt":"2026-10-22","relatedIds":["f7221927-6b87-4be3-9a7c-906768a192a5","af18cbc9-1c7f-4799-a763-3f53ba52b1fd"],"assetIds":["4ad803d6-a4aa-42d4-bb34-fd9791b20495"],"relatedX":[],"website":"https://www.valiussciences.com/","serviceStatus":"available","access":{"label":"Contact Valius","url":"https://www.valiussciences.com/contact"},"facts":[{"label":"Sample","value":"Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) biopsy tissue. Fresh or frozen tissue is not required.","sourceIds":["valius"]},{"label":"Typical work","value":"Whole-exome DNA, whole-transcriptome RNA, single-cell RNA and protein testing by immunohistochemistry, tailored to the case.","sourceIds":["valius"]},{"label":"Timing","value":"The company lists 4–6 weeks for initial results. Confirmatory work may take longer.","sourceIds":["valius"]},{"label":"Published starting price","value":"$35,000 direct pay. The company says discounts may be available for financial need.","sourceIds":["valius"]}],"id":"f2e7ed16-4c04-42d2-b7ba-4d28d08e2b53","kind":"company","slug":"valius-sciences","revision":"6d4a116d-aa81-4382-a7ee-fb023eb5376a","canonicalUrl":"https://kevinwimer.com/companies/valius-sciences/","publishedAt":"2026-10-23T00:00:15.301Z","updatedAt":"2026-10-23T00:00:15.301Z","previewOnly":false,"shareImageAssetId":"4ad803d6-a4aa-42d4-bb34-fd9791b20495"},{"title":"Young Lung Cancer Initiative","summary":"Nonprofit for people diagnosed with lung cancer at 50 or younger and their families: free monthly Zoom groups, caregiver and grief groups, a resource directory and webinars.","body":"Young Lung Cancer Initiative (YLCI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit for people diagnosed with lung cancer at 50 or younger, and their families. Younger patients often get diagnosed late and are underrepresented in research. YLCI focuses on visibility, community and practical help, and pushes for earlier detection.\n\n## What they offer\n\n- Free monthly Zoom groups (as of October 2026): Gathering HOPE, a social hosted with GO2 for Lung Cancer; Care Together for caregivers; and In Loving Memory for people who are grieving.\n- Free one-on-one peer mentoring through a partnership with Imerman Angels.\n- A resource directory, from biomarker testing guides to financial help and mutation-specific groups.\n- Webinars, including free insurance and Medicaid sessions with Triage Cancer in October 2026.\n- Occasional patient giving programs, such as gift card support for families in 2025 and 2026.\n\n## How to join and what it costs\n\nRegister once for each monthly group and you get a Zoom link for that group. As of October 2026 the groups are free. You can also join the YLCI Circle email list or the private patient and caregiver online group.\n\n## How it fits with other groups here\n\nYLCI is about age, not a single biomarker, so many members also belong to a biomarker group like [ALK Positive](/companies/alk-positive/), [EGFR Resisters](/companies/egfr-resisters/) or The ROS1ders. My [find support](/resources/find-support/) guide covers how to choose.\n\n## Questions I would ask\n\n- Which monthly group fits me or my partner?\n- Do you have resources for parents talking with kids?\n- Which biomarker group should I join alongside YLCI?\n- Are any giving programs open now?\n\n## Contacts\n\n- Website: [ylci.org](https://ylci.org/)\n- Programs and group sign-up: [ylci.org/programs](https://ylci.org/programs/)\n- Contact page: [ylci.org/contact](https://ylci.org/contact/)","topics":["getting-started","expert-support"],"capabilities":["patient-support"],"organizationType":"nonprofit","services":["peer-support","patient-education","advocacy"],"communityFocus":["Young adults with lung cancer","Lung cancer diagnosed at 50 or younger","Caregivers","Families"],"sources":[{"id":"home","label":"Young Lung Cancer Initiative home page","url":"https://ylci.org/","publisher":"Young Lung Cancer Initiative","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"501(c)(3), EIN 39-2386481, for people diagnosed with lung cancer at 50 and under and their families; resource directory; YLCI Circle and private Facebook group.","type":"official"},{"id":"programs","label":"Programs and free online groups","url":"https://ylci.org/programs/","publisher":"Young Lung Cancer Initiative","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Free monthly Zoom groups (Gathering HOPE with GO2, Care Together, In Loving Memory); register once per group; Imerman Angels mentoring; Triage Cancer webinars October 2026; past giving programs.","type":"official"},{"id":"contact","label":"Contact YLCI","url":"https://ylci.org/contact/","publisher":"Young Lung Cancer Initiative","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Contact page.","type":"official"},{"id":"propublica","label":"Young Lung Cancer Initiative Inc nonprofit record","url":"https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/392386481","publisher":"ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Young Lung Cancer Initiative Inc, Pewee Valley KY, EIN 39-2386481, 501(c)(3).","type":"research"}],"applicability":"For patients and caregivers looking for community, education or help navigating care. Inclusion is not a recommendation or a finding that this group is right for your situation.","limitations":"Program details are reported by the group unless noted, as of October 2026. Confirm current programs, eligibility and any costs directly with the group. A community group does not give medical advice.","disclosure":{"type":"none","text":"I have no financial or business relationship with this organization."},"reviewedAt":"2026-10-22","relatedIds":["656030c7-047a-40e9-b47b-14b19f3fd2bd"],"assetIds":["e1bafa32-8dd7-4ed1-948d-bdc4c6c6fcd7","e28644ed-9ce9-442f-a0fd-7f6a073e513c"],"relatedX":[],"website":"https://ylci.org/","serviceStatus":"available","access":{"label":"Programs and free online groups","url":"https://ylci.org/programs/"},"facts":[{"label":"Who it serves","value":"People diagnosed with lung cancer at 50 or younger, and their families.","sourceIds":["home"]},{"label":"Legal status","value":"501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 39-2386481.","sourceIds":["home","propublica"]},{"label":"Cost","value":"As of October 2026, the monthly Zoom groups and Imerman Angels mentoring are free.","sourceIds":["programs"]},{"label":"Partners","value":"Gathering HOPE is hosted with GO2 for Lung Cancer; mentoring through Imerman Angels.","sourceIds":["programs"]}],"id":"6811bc4a-037a-4137-9aec-0bd905de786b","kind":"company","slug":"young-lung-cancer-initiative","revision":"4c454528-83b7-471e-8fd0-4ce160d9f878","canonicalUrl":"https://kevinwimer.com/companies/young-lung-cancer-initiative/","publishedAt":"2026-10-23T03:28:03.918Z","updatedAt":"2026-10-23T03:28:03.918Z","previewOnly":false,"logoAssetId":"e1bafa32-8dd7-4ed1-948d-bdc4c6c6fcd7","logoBackground":"light","logoSource":{"pageUrl":"https://ylci.org/","assetUrl":"https://ylci.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/cropped-YLCI-circle-logo-2026-transparent.png","checkedAt":"2026-10-23T03:14:37.633Z"},"shareImageAssetId":"e28644ed-9ce9-442f-a0fd-7f6a073e513c"},{"title":"Yuga Bio","summary":"A workspace for medical records, AI-assisted research, and sharing context with your care team.","body":"## What to check\n\n1. **Start with records.** See whether your reports import cleanly before trusting the case summary. MyChart import is marked beta.\n2. **Pick the plan for the work.** A record vault and an AI research workspace have different costs. Bring-your-own-key plans also charge through the model provider.\n3. **Read the data terms.** Check storage, model providers, deletion, and who can see the workspace before uploading health records.\n4. **Check the answers.** Open the cited paper or trial record. Have your clinical team review anything that could change care.\n\nYuga describes its output as research and hypotheses, not medical advice. It is not an FDA-cleared diagnostic or treatment device.","topics":[],"capabilities":["medical-records","research-support"],"sources":[{"id":"yuga","label":"Yuga plans, workflow and FAQ","url":"https://yugabio.com/","publisher":"Yuga Bio","checkedAt":"2026-10-22","supports":"Published pricing, US access restrictions, record import, agent connections and research limitations.","type":"official"}],"applicability":"For people comparing this service with their care team. Inclusion is not a recommendation or a finding that it is right for your cancer.","limitations":"Service details are reported by the linked provider unless noted. Confirm current access, requirements and costs directly. A company profile does not establish clinical benefit.","disclosure":{"type":"none","text":"No paid placement. I have no investment, advisory role, paid partnership or other financial relationship with the twelve companies in this initial directory."},"reviewedAt":"2026-10-22","relatedIds":["9f20f130-cad1-494e-bf40-bd02d30f01cd","892119f9-0439-4e43-b467-66c99bc7be7c"],"assetIds":["d2892e8b-bc8e-4433-9f39-e835e04ea1b3"],"xDiscussion":"https://x.com/kevinace/status/2111180442980483548","relatedX":[],"website":"https://yugabio.com/","serviceStatus":"available","access":{"label":"See plans and access","url":"https://yugabio.com/"},"regions":["United States"],"facts":[{"label":"Records","value":"PDF import, structured case summaries, cloud-file connections and MyChart import in beta.","sourceIds":["yuga"]},{"label":"AI connections","value":"External agents can read vault files and case context through MCP. Research features depend on the plan.","sourceIds":["yuga"]},{"label":"Published pricing","value":"Vault: $20/month. BYOK Harness: $50/month plus model-provider charges. Pro: $100/month including $50 in credits; overages may apply.","sourceIds":["yuga"]},{"label":"Availability","value":"The service currently requires US residency and physical presence in the US.","sourceIds":["yuga"]}],"id":"9b177c5c-fa1e-430f-b09b-0e9c4391983d","kind":"company","slug":"yuga-bio","revision":"158aa5b2-7ad9-4176-8ba8-ffc8cedc66b4","canonicalUrl":"https://kevinwimer.com/companies/yuga-bio/","publishedAt":"2026-10-23T00:00:15.301Z","updatedAt":"2026-10-23T00:00:15.301Z","previewOnly":false,"shareImageAssetId":"d2892e8b-bc8e-4433-9f39-e835e04ea1b3"}]}