Commonly Asked Questions

We have collected a handful of questions frequently asked by clients we have worked with. If there is anything that is unclear or if you would like to know more about topics not covered here, please don't hesitate to email us at info@CancerTreatmentNavigator.com.

I have an excellent oncologist, why would I need your services?

Your medical oncologist is first and foremost trained and licensed as a CLINICIAN, who coordinates your ongoing treatment within the hospital based on well-established guidelines, called “Standard of Care”. However, The American Society of Clinical Oncologists reports in “The State of Cancer Care in America, 2016” that “It is difficult for clinicians to remain up to date on the huge volume of new information emerging from research on Immunotherapy”. This is where our biomedical SCIENTISTS at CTN can help. Our team has worked in the development of cutting-edge cancer medicines, and researched the underlying causes of cancer. Our background and training complements the clinical work that your oncologist provides. We will also help patients to gain access to these promising and emerging therapies faster - an important service that is usually not provided by your clinician.

Can I still work closely with my oncologist?

Absolutely! Collaboration with physicians is important to our collective success in treating your cancer. We respect the relationship you have with your oncology team, and we hope to offer options that you and your oncologist feel comfortable with.

Are you licensed medical providers?

No, we are biomedical scientists trained in oncology who use our research backgrounds to find treatment that best fit your cancer based on clinical data and literature publications. Our findings can guide your care team towards the best outcome.

My oncologist told me I wasn’t eligible for any clinical trials. How can you help me?

Even if your oncologist at your local cancer center tells you there is no suitable trial for you, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a suitable trial at another cancer center. Susan Gubar, an ovarian cancer patient, said in the New York Times last year “At many cancer centers, there is no research officer to help patients locate suitable trials”. This is where we can help. There are thousands of clinical trials available across the country, and it is our job to narrow down the trials specific to your cancer and situation.

I’M NERVOUS ABOUT CLINICAL TRIALS BECAUSE I DON’T WANT TO RECEIVE A PLACEBO. IS THERE A REASON WHY I SHOULD PURSUE TRIALS INSTEAD OF MY CURRENT CARE?

When a cancer trial is placebo controlled, the “placebo” is usually given as the current standard of care, such as chemotherapy. It would be unethical to withhold treatment from a cancer patient in a clinical trial, so you will not be untreated while enrolled even on the placebo arm. Trials are designed so that you will receive treatment whether you are on the experimental arm receiving the study drug or the placebo arm receiving the standard of care.

I don’t want to enroll in a clinical trial. What else can you do for me?

If a clinical trial is not an option for you, we can work to obtain certain study drugs to be administered outside of a trial setting through your current oncologist or another oncologist you feel more comfortable with. Navigating the information overload of oncology research and treatment options can be overwhelming to patients and their family/friends. Not all treatment options outside of the standard of care require enrollment in a clinical trial, and we’re happy to work with you in finding these options. Additionally, our clients come to us with questions about broadcasted "cancer cures" or international clinics offering innovative breakthroughs. We can provide scientific research behind these claims and deliver the information needed for you to make an informed decision before pursing an alternative treatment.

I HAVE A VERY RARE CANCER. CAN YOU STILL WORK WITH ME?

Yes! Our team of scientists is trained to work with all types of cancer. We are experts in the science of oncology and will work with any type and stage or grade of cancer.

Are your services covered by my health insurance?

Cancer Treatment Navigator currently does not contract with insurance companies; however, some clients have been successful in submitting our invoice for partial claim reimbursement.

What DELIVERABLEs Will I Get for the Money I Pay?

First and foremost, throughout the lifetime of our contractual agreement, we will be your personal scientist, available 24/7 to answer all your questions and help minimize your fears and concerns.

Equally important, we will uncover the uniqueness of your cancer, by carefully evaluating the hundreds of pages of your medical records that your hospital(s) will send to us; we will then identify and coordinate important clinical tests that your oncologist might not have ordered for you yet. The results of these tests and the summarized information from your medical records will be used to pair your molecularly unique cancer to those clinical trials that have the highest chances of including you, and the most cutting-edge techniques to help you achieve your goal of a longer and better quality of life.

Are your services financially supported by healthcare industries like pharmaceuticals or hospitals?

We stand as an independent company that works separately from any healthcare institutions or pharmaceutical organizations. This allows us to focus on our client’s needs rather than directing them to a sponsored treatment option.

How will your services help my family deal with my cancer?

We understand that the overwhelming experience of having cancer extends to family members as well. Communicating your cancer outside of the doctor’s office can be difficult, which is why we work to educate and support you and your family members. We encourage family members and friends to participate in our consultation meetings.

IS MY HEALTH INFORMATION AND PRIVACY SAFE WITH YOUR SERVICES?

CTN protects your personal health information and follows the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 guidelines (HIPAA) to ensure privacy.