StoreMyTumor Launches European Division - Hits 50th Referring Hospital

PHILADELPHIA - May 20, 2014 - PRLog -- Contact: LeahTroiano@StoreMyTumor
Phone: (267) 702-5501
Website: www.storemytumor.com

StoreMyTumor Launches European Division
Hits 50^th Referring Hospital

StoreMyTumor (SMT), a service that collects, processes and preserves tumors alive (solid and fluid), has announced a critical milestone of receiving its 50^th U.S. hospital referral, and has launched a new European division to serve patients, worldwide.

Due to overwhelming international demand, SMT, a Philadelphia-based company, has opened a new division in England that accepts and processes all types of tumors from all over the world. “We are excited about the interest we are receiving, and the number of hospitals working with us. Our new division in England will help all patients, regardless of their physical location.” Says Michel Sadaka, CEO of StoreMyTumor. “We can now extend options these patients would not otherwise have access to. Options such as: immunotherapy, molecular profiling, chemo and drug sensitivity testing, and more,” he added. “We stand firm in our commitment to help all patients, worldwide.”

Along with SMT’s growing number of hospitals, the company has reached a critical milestone of working with its 50^th hospital. “As we grow our European division, we expect that number to climb dramatically,” says Patrick K deGrouchy, Director of Development.

Background

A cancer patient’s condition is traditionally identified with the area of the body affected (e.g. lung, ovarian, breast cancer patient). This labeling determines which type of chemo-and/or radiation therapy to prescribe, and results of such traditional treatments are not optimal, and often do not work.

Progress in medical research is changing this approach. Now, we recognize that each patient is different, and each tumor is unique (even two patients with the same type of cancer respond differently to the exact same cancer treatment). Now it is possible to identify the unique characteristics of each tumor and design the best treatment plan, whenever possible. This is what is commonly referred to as Personalized Medicine – BUT it all starts with having access to the tumor for testing, and later, for use in therapy.

Why save a tumor?

Having access to the tissue allows physicians to understand the molecular and genetic profile of each tumor, and target it with the right drug or combination. Having access to the tumor tissue alive also offers the option to test which chemo, drug, or combination effectively kills the tumor in the lab.  This helps patients avoid drugs that won't work and unnecessary side effects.  Preserved live tumor also offers the option to participate in one of several immunotherapy-based clinical trials that are gaining popularity due to their recent positive results. “I was fascinated to learn that they can use my own tumor to make a vaccine that can educate and stimulate my immune system to fight my tumors. I felt that using my body’s own defense system to fight my cancer is a logical and somewhat more natural approach,” said an advanced SMT patient.¹

Storing a Tumor ensures access to personalized diagnostics and advanced treatment options that require tumor tissue. But, once the tumor is gone, so are many potential treatment options.

Benefits
The services offered by StoreMyTumor:

*Help physicians create better personalized treatment plans by gaining specific information to better target the tumor,

*Allow patients access to immune therapy and advanced treatments as they become available,

*Give patients control over their tissue so they can use it for diagnostics and treatments,

*Allow patients to store the tumor in a number of formats (especially alive) to maximize potential use,

*Help patients avoid future invasive surgeries, such as in the case of cancer vaccines,

*Allow patients to be first in line for new therapeutic options and clinical trials, despite location of the patient, the hospital or the trial, and

*Provide extra time to find the best treatment options possible.

How it works
Accessing this cutting-edge service could not be any easier. SMT guides the patient through the process smoothly by providing consent forms and sending a collection kit directly to the patient or physician before surgery. During surgery, the surgeon packs the tumor into the kit, and SMT receives the Kit, processes it and then stores the tumor. When needed, the patient instructs SMT when and where the tumor needs to be sent, and SMT facilities its delivery.

For more information on this topic or to schedule interviews with a StoreMyTumor manager, physicians who have worked with SMT, or patients, please contact Leah Troiano at 267-702-5501, CS@storemytumor.com or visit www.StoreMyTumor.com for more information.

¹Name of the patient withheld to protect privacy. However, the patient is willing to interview with interested journalists.