Strata Oncology , a start - up company , wants to test human cancer cells in the hope to identify rare DNA faults so that they can be sent to the best pharmaceutical company for treatment . Sequencing isn’t reimbursed because it’s not proven clinically, but it’s hard to prove without a big population of sequenced patients,” says Rhodes. The test would probe the DNA of tumour tissue by searching for mutations in hundreds of genes . Similar tests are already offered , but Strata 's unorthodox business plan is to eliminate the issue of simply testing cancer cells as an experimental procedure , where insurers will refuse to pay out for patients for this test .
Strata Oncology , a start - up company , wants to test human cancer cells in the hope to identify rare DNA faults so that they can be sent to the best pharmaceutical company for treatment . The test would probe the DNA of tumour tissue by searching for mutations in hundreds of genes . Similar tests are already offered , but Strata 's unorthodox business plan is to eliminate the issue of simply testing cancer cells as an experimental procedure , where insurers will refuse to pay out for patients for this test .