RGCC Tests and Therapies
Research Cancer Genetic Centre (RGCC) Cancer Tests and Therapies in Toronto
Experience truly personalized cancer testing and treatment programs. Dr. Biljana Kostovic is a nationally recognized physician as a lead provider for RGCC Tests and Therapies in Canada. As an early adopter of this form of testing, she is advancing the practice of integrative oncology for patients across Canada.
RGCC Cancer Tests
- Onconomics Plus
- A comprehensive liquid biopsy panel analyzing circulating tumor cells, gene expression, drug sensitivity to 50+ chemotherapies, and response to 50+ natural substances—offering a full personalized cancer treatment roadmap.
- Circulating Tumor Cell (CTC) Testing
- Measures the number of tumor cells circulating in your bloodstream. Offers real-time insight into tumor burden, treatment effectiveness, and risk of progression or metastasis.
- Oncotrace Test
- A broad baseline test capturing CTC count, phenotype markers, and stemness markers. Provides an initial snapshot of cancer status and helps identify both primary and secondary tumors.
- Oncocount Test
- Measures the presence and concentration of circulating tumor cells. An essential interim tool for checking treatment response and detecting recurrence during ongoing monitoring.
- Early Detection With Onco-D-clare
- A proactive screening test for individuals without symptoms. Uses advanced gene expression analysis and machine learning to identify early cancer signals with ~93% accuracy.
RGCC testing is a leading-edge form of precision oncology that analyzes the unique genetic and biological characteristics of a patient’s cancer. Rather than relying on one-size-fits-all treatment pathways, RGCC uses a simple blood draw to isolate circulating tumor cells and examine their gene expression, behavior, vulnerabilities, and response to various therapeutic agents. This deeply personalized approach creates an individual cancer profile that can detect early transformation, monitor existing disease, and track potential metastasis. By identifying which targeted drugs, immune therapies, and natural compounds are most effective for a specific cancer, RGCC empowers patients and clinicians with clearer, more strategic treatment options. Through advanced science and truly individualized medicine, RGCC brings new hope and precision to cancer care.
RGCC Therapies
- Q-REstrain (Gene-Silencing Therapy)
Q-REstrain is a fully personalized, autologous therapy that uses microRNA derived from your own blood to silence harmful gene sequences driving cancer, viral infections, or Lyme disease. It precisely blocks targeted mRNA, stopping disease-promoting proteins from forming. Patients can expect a tailored, lab-created therapy delivered through a guided 5-step process.
- Clavic-Q-RE (Autologous Adoptive Cellular Immunotherapy)
Clavic-Q-RE is an advanced immunotherapy that uses your own activated macrophages, NK cells, dendritic cells, and cytotoxic T-cells to identify, tag, and destroy cancer cells. Delivered in three infusions over four weeks, it provides immediate immune attack and long-lasting, memory-based cancer protection. Effective for most solid and blood cancers.
- Dendritic Cell Therapy (Personalized Immune Training)
This therapy activates your dendritic cells against tumor-specific antigens, teaching T-cells and B-cells to recognize and eliminate your cancer. It builds durable immune memory that may help prevent recurrence. Best suited for solid tumors, dendritic cell therapy offers a highly targeted, personalized approach to long-term cancer control.
What to Expect
- Consultation & Clinical Review
Your journey begins with a detailed consultation with a trained RGCC practitioner. During this visit, your clinician reviews your medical history, diagnosis, previous treatments, and current goals. They confirm which RGCC therapy (Q-REstrain, Clavic-Q-RE, or Dendritic Cell Therapy) is most appropriate and outline required pre-testing such as Oncotrace, Oncotrail, or serum labs.
- Diagnostic Testing & Pre-Treatment Requirements
Before therapy can be created, specific RGCC diagnostic tests must be completed. These tests identify tumor markers, circulating tumor cells, viral or Lyme signatures, and antigen profiles needed to personalize your treatment. Your team will guide you in completing these tests and submitting any supporting medical documentation.
- Blood Draw for Therapy Creation
Once pre-testing is complete, a small blood sample is collected. This sample is shipped to the RGCC laboratory, where scientists isolate your unique genetic markers or immune cells. The personalized therapy is then created based on your individual cancer profile, viral profile, or Lyme-related findings.
- Laboratory Production & Wait Time
Your therapy is produced in a state-of-the-art RGCC laboratory using highly controlled and minimally manipulated processes.
Production times typically include:
- Q-REstrain: ~14 business days
- Clavic-Q-RE: ~14–21 business days
- Dendritic Cell Therapy: ~2–4 weeks
The clinic will notify you as soon as your personalized therapy arrives and is ready to administer.
- Treatment Administration
Once your therapy is prepared, you return to the clinic for treatment.
- Q-REstrain: Administered as a personalized autologous preparation.
- Clavic-Q-RE: Given as three immune-cell infusions, every two weeks over a four-week period.
- Dendritic Cell Therapy: Delivered as an autologous dendritic cell infusion according to your personalized schedule.
Each treatment appointment includes monitoring, education, and supportive care from your clinical team.
- Follow-Up & Ongoing Monitoring
After treatment, your practitioner continues to monitor your progress, adjust your integrative plan, and recommend follow-up RGCC testing (such as CTC, Oncometrics, or repeat genetic analysis) to track response and long-term outcomes. Support is available throughout your care to coordinate with your oncologist and other providers as needed.
Not Sure What is Right For You?
If you’re unsure where to begin at the Upper Room Clinic, reach out — we can help you choose the right appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions — RGCC Testing & Therapies
- What is RGCC testing, and how is it different from standard cancer tests?
RGCC testing analyzes circulating tumor cells and tumor genetics through a simple blood draw (“liquid biopsy”). Unlike tissue biopsies that sample one location, RGCC captures information from the entire body, offering a more complete, real-time picture of cancer activity and treatment responsiveness.
- Which RGCC test is right for me?
Your clinician will recommend the appropriate test based on your goals:
- Oncotrace for baseline detection
- Oncotrail for known cancer types
- Oncocount for monitoring
- Onconomics panels for drug/natural agent sensitivity
- Onco-D-clare for early screening
Your clinical picture determines the best fit.
- How accurate are RGCC tests — and are cancer tests ever 100% accurate?
RGCC accuracy varies by test: broad screening panels are less sensitive, while CTC counts, gene expression analysis, and chemosensitivity tests are more reliable once disease is active. Importantly, no cancer test—RGCC or conventional—is 100% accurate. Tissue biopsies, imaging, and standard markers all have false-negative rates. RGCC complements these tools with additional personalized insight.
- What conditions can RGCC testing evaluate?
RGCC tests support early detection, monitoring, and treatment planning for:
- Solid tumors
- Blood cancers
- Metastatic disease
- Viral-driven cancers
- High-risk individuals with family history
- Patients seeking personalized, integrative care
- What is Q-REstrain, and how does it work?
Q-REstrain is a personalized gene-silencing therapy made from your own microRNA. It targets and blocks harmful mRNA sequences driving cancer, viral infections, or Lyme disease, reducing disease activity at the genetic level.
- What is Clavic-Q-RE?
Clavic-Q-RE is an autologous adoptive cellular immunotherapy using activated macrophages, NK cells, dendritic cells, and cytotoxic T-cells to target and destroy cancer cells. Delivered in three infusions, it provides both immediate and long-term immune defense.
- How does Dendritic Cell Therapy work?
Dendritic Cell Therapy activates your dendritic cells with tumor antigens and reinfuses them to train T-cells and B-cells to recognize and kill cancer cells. It builds lasting immune memory and may help reduce recurrence.
- Who is a candidate for RGCC therapies?
Candidates include patients with:
- Solid tumors
- Blood cancers (excluding CNS)
- Chronic viral infections (EBV, HSV, HPV, CMV, Hepatitis)
- Lyme disease and co-infections
Eligibility depends on biomarkers, history, and treatment goals.
- Are CNS (brain) cancers eligible for these therapies?
No. The blood–brain barrier prevents Q-REstrain and Clavic-Q-RE from reaching CNS tumors. Dendritic cell therapy may be possible only with accessible tissue samples but is generally less effective in CNS cancers.
- How long does it take to receive personalized therapy after the blood draw?
Production times vary:
- Q-REstrain: ~14 business days
- Clavic-Q-RE: 14–21 days
- Dendritic Cell Therapy: 2–4 weeks
You’ll be notified once your therapy arrives.
- Is RGCC testing painful or invasive?
No. RGCC testing uses a standard blood draw. It is significantly less invasive than tissue biopsies and offers broader, whole-body insight.
- Do RGCC therapies replace conventional oncology treatment?
No. These therapies are adjunctive. They complement—but do not replace—chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, or targeted drugs. They help personalize and enhance your overall care plan.
- How often do I need follow-up testing?
Most patients repeat CTC-based tests every 3–4 months, then every 6 months in stable remission. Results help guide ongoing treatment and detect recurrence earlier than symptoms.
- Can you coordinate with my oncologist?
Absolutely. With your permission, we collaborate with your oncology team, share results, and ensure your personalized plan aligns with your conventional care.
