Who We Are

The Precision Epigenomics liquid biopsy test, EPISEEK™, is a blood-based multi-cancer detection test designed to accurately assess DNA shed by tumors called circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) to detect cancer from a simple draw. We analyze epigenomic modifications present in the ctDNA. Proprietary software is used to analyze the data to generate a report that specifies if an abnormal methylation signal is present or if no cancer signal is detected.

The Precision Epigenomics liquid biopsy multi-cancer detection test detects the presence of the most prevalent and deadly cancers. These include the following:

• Lung cancer
• Breast cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Cutaneous melanoma
• Urinary bladder cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Lymphoma
• Uterus (endometrium) cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Leukemia
• Throat cancer
• Jaw cancer
• Tongue cancer
• Tonsil cancer
• Thyroid cancer
• Liver cancer
• Bile duct cancer
• Myeloma (plasma cell) cancer
• Stomach cancer
• Brain (glioma) cancer
• Esophagus cancer
• Ovary cancer
• Uterine cervix cancer
• Vulva cancer
• Neuroendocrine cancer
• Testicle cancer

Other cancers may also be detected.

It’s important to note that the test may have limited sensitivity in early-stage cancers and is complementary to, not a replacement for, routine cancer screenings such as colonoscopies, mammograms, and cervical cancer screenings.

EPISEEK is a screening test designed to identify asymptomatic patients. Screening tests are designed to rule in a disease state and to minimize false positive results in healthy individuals. This test may not perform as well in patients with a personal history of cancer or with symptoms or clinical findings that make cancer more likely.

No. The Precision Epigenomics Liquid Biopsy Test does not screen for hereditary risk of developing malignancy. It is designed to detect the presence of malignancy.

As with many cancer screening guidelines, our liquid biopsy test is recommended for use in adults aged 45 or older. Patients younger than 45 but with elevated risk factors might also benefit from testing. EPISEEK testing is not recommended for patients younger than 21, those who are pregnant, those who have an active known malignancy, or those who are currently being treated for cancer.

The test should not be considered a replacement for routine cancer screenings, such as colonoscopy, mammogram, and cervical cancer screening. Healthcare providers should continue to follow guideline recommendations for cancer screening in their patients.

An appropriately licensed medical provider who cares for the patient and is permitted to order laboratory testing in their jurisdiction, including MD, DO, ND, DDS, DPM, OD, NP, DC, and PA.

Liquid biopsy for multicancer detection is not yet recommended by major cancer-screening guidelines or by the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF).

Annual health exams may be an appropriate time for a multicancer detection test such as our liquid biopsy test, but patients are encouraged to discuss screening with their healthcare provider to determine an appropriate interval given their unique healthcare considerations. There are no specific guidelines on liquid biopsy multicancer detection liquid biopsy tests.

The test is currently available to most patients in the United States and abroad. We cannot currently accept samples that were collected in New York State.

For domestic patients, the fee of $699 includes the test-collection kit, the transportation materials, the delivery of the kit to the provider’s office, the return overnight shipping to our clinical laboratory, the analysis, and the interpretation with a final report. For international testing, the kit shipping fees to and from the lab in Tucson are an additional cost.

Currently, EPISEEK is not covered by major insurance carriers, including Medicare.

Because policies vary among HSA and FSA administrators, patients should contact their insurance companies or plan administrators for details on using their accounts for Precision Epigenomics’ liquid biopsy test. In general, patients have been able to use their HSA/FSA for EPISEEK.

The order form can be downloaded here. The accompanying flow chart illustrates the process.

A peripheral whole-blood specimen, submitted in the two Streck Cell-Free DNA tubes (10 mL each) that are provided in the collection kit, is needed for analysis. The patient need not fast or skip medications. Because the laboratory intends to process the specimen the day after collection, specimens should be collected and submitted only on days that precede workdays (typically Monday through Thursday morning, excluding holiday weekends). Specimens must not freeze, and they should be stored and transported at 37–87°F. A specimen will be rejected if it is submitted in blood collection tubes other than the provided Streck Cell-Free DNA tubes, submitted in expired collection tubes, less than 10 mL total, illegible or not properly labeled with two unique identifiers, hemolyzed or clotted, not received within 48 hours of collection, or not accompanied by a complete order.

The supplied kit with its contents may be stored at room temperature. The Streck tube lot and expiration date are printed on the box exterior for easy kit management.

No special preparation, pausing of medication, or fasting is required. Other blood collection tubes for other tests collected at the same time will not interfere with EPISEEK. High-intensity exercise within six hours prior to specimen collection may impact test results, so this should be avoided.

In most cases, the test results are available in about one week from arrival in our laboratory.

Currently, Precision Epigenomics receives orders from the clinician and issues reports by fax. Patients should be in touch with the ordering clinician if they have not received results within two weeks from their blood collection date. 

We designed EPISEEK to detect abnormal methylation patterns which may be present as circulating tumor DNA in the blood of patients with cancer but not present in normal blood or other tissues. In this case, the test did not detect these characteristic DNA methylation abnormalities. EPISEEK was not designed to detect all malignancies.

Not all cancers have enough abnormal DNA circulating in the blood to be detected. While EPISEEK was designed to be sensitive, a “Cancer Signal Not Detected” result does not completely rule out the presence of cancer. Patients who receive a “Cancer Signal Not Detected” result should continue with all standard-of-care screening options at intervals appropriate for that individual.

Screening tests usually do not diagnose cancer. They are designed to detect possible cancer in an otherwise healthy population. For example, a screening mammogram may find a density in the breast. That lump may be cancer or something else. An elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level might be found as part of a man’s wellness check. It might be due to cancer or inflammation. Similarly, if a screening test such as Precision Epigenomics’ liquid biopsy test is abnormal, more tests may be done to determine if cancer is present. We designed EPISEEK to be a screening test, not a diagnostic test.

The evaluation of a patient with an abnormal screening test result, such as “Abnormal Methylation Signal Detected” by EPISEEK, must be managed by the patient’s qualified healthcare provider. This may include detailed history and physical examination with special attention to known risk factors, additional laboratory studies, studies such as PET/CT imaging, and even tissue biopsy among other diagnostic maneuvers. “Abnormal Methylation Signal Detected” by EPISEEK does not equate to a diagnosis of cancer.

All screening tests, including our liquid biopsy test, are susceptible to false positives (“Abnormal Signal Detected” when no cancer is present). However, because EPISEEK was designed to detect early malignancies, there may be a small cancer that cannot yet be detected. An additional test in three to six months may be of benefit. Please contact our medical director to see if an additional test may be run at no further cost to the patient if a thorough workup is negative.

For a variety of reasons, such as a hemolyzed specimen, unlabeled specimen, insufficient specimen quantity, delayed transportation, or technical difficulties in the laboratory, the specimen may be reported as canceled. Please contact our laboratory at (520) 372-7522 or support@precision-epigenomics.com to coordinate the submission of an additional specimen to be tested at no further cost to the patient.

We understand the importance of providing comprehensive information to patients regarding the testing procedures and results.

For individuals seeking comprehensive information about the test and the associated informed consent, both patients and clinicians can turn to our Terms of Service. There, you can access easy-to-understand resources explaining the nature of the test, its benefits, and any potential risks involved. Additionally, the Terms of Service and Precision Epigenomics’ website provide comprehensive details on the informed consent process and the EPISEEK test, empowering individuals to make well-informed decisions about their healthcare.

We encourage both patients and clinicians to review in depth our Terms of Service and informed consent available at precision-epigenomics.com.

We believe that clinicians and their patients should read and understand the position of independent groups on what is known and not yet known about MCD testing such as EPISEEK. This can help with supported (shared) decision making on whether MCD testing is right for them.

https://prevention.cancer.gov/major-programs/cancer-screening-research-network-csrn/questions-and-answers-about-multi-cancer#undefined