Recommendations

Very few research studies suggest that tests to help choose chemotherapy improve treatment. In addition, there are no tests available for many types of cancer. Therefore, ASCO recommends the following for using chemotherapy sensitivity and resistance assays:

• Chemotherapy sensitivity and resistance assays should not be used to select chemotherapy for patients who are not participating in a clinical trial.
• Chemotherapy should be recommended based on research on the specific drug(s) and a patient's health and treatment preferences.