RGCC Test (Onconomics / Oncocount)
RGCC
The RGCC (Research Genetic Cancer Centre) tests are a suite of liquid biopsy analyses developed in Greece. The flagship tests — Oncocount and Onconomics Plus — isolate circulating tumour cells (CTCs) from a blood sample and then test those live cancer cells against a panel of chemotherapy drugs, targeted therapies, and natural compounds (such as curcumin, resveratrol, artemisinin) to determine which agents the individual's cancer cells are most sensitive or resistant to. This allows oncologists and integrative practitioners to make data-driven decisions about which treatments are most likely to work for that specific patient's cancer.
What It Measures
- Circulating tumour cell (CTC) count — a marker of cancer activity and metastatic potential
- Chemo-sensitivity and chemo-resistance: which chemotherapy drugs the CTCs respond to
- Targeted therapy sensitivity: response to Herceptin, Avastin, Gleevec etc.
- Natural compound sensitivity: curcumin, resveratrol, quercetin, artemisinin, EGCG, and 50+ others
- Cancer stem cell markers (in extended panels)
- Drug efflux pump activity (MDR — multi-drug resistance markers)
How It Works
A standard blood draw (typically 8–10 ml) is collected and shipped overnight in a special preservation solution to RGCC's laboratory in Florina, Greece (or a certified partner lab). Circulating tumour cells are isolated from blood using density gradient separation and immuno-magnetic selection. The live CTCs are then cultured and exposed to a panel of agents. Cell viability is measured after exposure using a validated assay. Results are returned as a sensitivity score (0–100) for each agent, alongside a total CTC count.
Who Should Consider This Test
- Patients whose cancer has not responded to first-line chemotherapy
- Patients wanting to personalise their integrative oncology protocol
- Those with metastatic or Stage III/IV cancers where treatment choice is critical
- Patients considering which natural adjuncts to prioritise alongside conventional treatment
- Anyone concerned about chemo resistance developing over time
Evidence Summary
RGCC tests are validated in terms of laboratory methodology (ISO-certified lab), and the concept of CTC-based chemosensitivity testing has growing preclinical and pilot clinical support. A 2016 review in Oncotarget confirmed that circulating tumour cell counts are prognostic in breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers. However, no large randomised controlled trials have proven that using RGCC results to guide treatment improves survival outcomes compared to standard oncology decisions. The natural compound sensitivity data is the most preliminary aspect — though thousands of practitioners use it clinically. The test is widely used in integrative oncology but is not yet endorsed by mainstream oncology bodies such as ESMO or NCCN.
Available Labs & Providers
This list is not exhaustive. Ask your oncologist or integrative physician for locally available options.
Important Considerations
- Must be ordered through a licensed physician or integrative oncology clinic — not available direct to consumer
- Results reflect in-vitro sensitivity only — actual in-vivo response may differ
- Low CTC counts can lead to insufficient cell numbers for full panel testing
- Natural compound sensitivity scores are preliminary and should be used as adjunct guidance, not primary treatment decisions
- Not a diagnostic test — does not identify cancer type or stage
- Shipping requirements are strict — sample must reach the lab within 24–48 hours of collection
Informational only. Not medical advice. Always consult your oncologist before ordering or acting on any diagnostic test.