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 .
Strata Oncology, a start-up company, wants to test 100,000 cancer patients in the hope to identify rare DNA faults so that they can be directed 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 hopes to eliminate the issue of DNA testing cancer cells as an experimental procedure, where insurers will refuse to pay out for patients for this reason.