SageMedic Corp. (SAGE), a Silicon Valley pioneer in Functional Precision Oncology, has announced significant advancements in personalized cancer therapy using its innovative SAGE Oncotest™ technology. The company is presenting its findings at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting in Chicago, taking place April 25-30, 2025.
The SAGE Oncotest™ is a groundbreaking ex-vivo 3D microtumor assay that evaluates how live tumor tissue responds to a comprehensive range of FDA-approved therapies. This approach aims to provide more personalized treatment options for cancer patients, particularly those with advanced disease who have exhausted standard treatment protocols.
Breakthrough in Ovarian Cancer Treatment Personalization
At AACR 2025, SAGE is highlighting research demonstrating the biological uniqueness of ovarian cancers through a poster titled "Heterogeneity of ex-vivo Tumor Responses in Primary Ovarian Cancer Tissues." The findings reveal substantial variations in how individual ovarian tumors respond to standard therapies such as carboplatin and paclitaxel.
The SAGE Oncotest™ preserves the complexity of tumor heterogeneity and microenvironment, providing clinically actionable insights within just 7-10 days. This rapid turnaround represents a critical advancement toward truly personalized cancer treatment approaches.
"Our platform represents a transformative leap in Functional Precision Oncology," stated Dr. Chris Apfel, Chair and CEO of SageMedic. "Every tumor is distinctively different, and genomic testing alone often fails to capture the full complexity of an individual patient's biology. Functional Precision Oncology measures how a patient's actual tumor responds to therapies."
Superior Actionability Compared to Genomic Testing
A key advantage of the SAGE approach appears to be its significantly higher rate of actionable results. According to the company, while genomic tests yield actionable results in only 26% of cases, the SAGE Oncotest™ delivers them in 88% of cases.
This improved actionability could potentially reduce the use of toxic and ineffective drugs while improving patient outcomes. The technology enables SAGE concierge oncologists to personalize treatment based on actual tumor response data rather than genetic predictions alone.
Applications for Advanced Cancer Patients
The technology shows particular promise for patients with late-stage cancer who have exhausted standard treatment options. By directly testing how a patient's tumor responds to various therapies, the SAGE Oncotest™ can identify potentially effective treatments that might otherwise not be considered.
"This is especially vital for advanced cancer patients who have run out of options," Dr. Apfel emphasized.
Current Limitations and Future Outlook
Despite its promising results, the SAGE Oncotest™ is not yet covered by insurance, which may limit access for many patients. The company positions the test as a personalized option for late-stage cancer patients when standard of care treatments have failed.
As Functional Precision Oncology continues to evolve, technologies like the SAGE Oncotest™ represent a growing trend toward more personalized and functional approaches to cancer treatment that go beyond genomic profiling alone.
The presentation at AACR 2025 marks an important step in bringing this technology to the attention of the broader oncology research community, potentially accelerating its adoption in clinical settings.
