How we evaluate cancer testing technology
New cancer tests come to market faster than the evidence behind them. We hold every one to the same standard before it becomes part of your plan.
Our evidence grading framework
Our physicians score every test against four clinical criteria. If a test doesn’t meet the standard, we don’t use it, no matter how new or popular it is.
Framework dimensions
Efficacy evidence
Harm profile
Testing characteristics
Clinical utility
The tests we use, and when
“In use” means we can include it in your plan when your risk calls for it. “Emerging” means we’re tracking the research and haven’t added it yet.
Category 1
Understand your risk
These tests show who is most likely to benefit from closer monitoring. They form the foundation of your risk profile.
Whole genome sequencing
Your complete DNA, read once and re-read as science learns more. It’s a more complete look at your DNA than the targeted gene panels most tests use.
Category 2
Early signals in your blood
These blood tests look for early signs that cancer or precancerous changes may be present, sometimes earlier than standard screening can.
ctDNA mutation assays
Look for DNA in your blood that carries changes found in cancer cells.
cfDNA methylation assays
Look for chemical tags on DNA in your blood that can change early as cancer begins to develop.
Protein biomarker panels
Measure proteins in your blood that can rise when cancer is present, including long-used markers like PSA and CA-125.
Multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests
A single blood test that looks for signals from many types of cancer at once.
Fragmentomics
Studies the size and shape of DNA pieces in your blood, which can differ when they come from cancer cells.
Autoantibody signatures
Look for your immune system’s early response to cancer, which may appear before a tumor can be seen.
RNA / miRNA assays
Measure genetic messages in your blood that may show which genes cancer cells are using.
Multi-omics blood tests
Combine several types of blood signals into one result with the goal of improving accuracy.
Category 3
Finding where a signal comes from
If a blood test picks up a signal, these tests help pinpoint where in the body it’s coming from, so we can plan the right next step.
Tissue-of-origin classifiers
Read clues in the signal to predict which organ it likely came from.
Organ-specific biomarker panels
Use well-established markers for a specific organ to narrow down the source.
Category 4
Imaging
Imaging looks directly for cancer or precancerous changes. We choose and time each scan based on your risk, not a one-size-fits-all schedule.
Whole-body MRI
A radiation-free scan of the whole body in one session.
Organ-specific MRI
A detailed MRI of one organ, like the prostate, breast, or liver.
Low-dose CT
A lung scan using much less radiation than a standard CT, designed to find lung cancer early.
Mammography / tomosynthesis
Breast imaging, including 3D images that can help in dense breast tissue.
Ultrasound
Radiation-free imaging using sound waves, often used to check the breast, thyroid, liver, and abdomen.
PET/CT and PET/MRI
Shows how active tissue is, helping evaluate a finding more closely.
Radiomics and AI-assisted imaging
Software designed to help radiologists read scans more accurately.
Advanced endoscopic imaging
Enhanced camera techniques for looking inside the digestive tract, airways, and bladder.
A test isn't a plan
What sets PreOncology apart from a testing company is knowing which test is right for your risk, when, and what the result means alongside everything else we know about you. That’s what the Virtual Prevention & Early Detection Clinic is built to do.