What a case review actually involves
Seven stages, from first message to follow-up. Knowing the shape of the process in advance makes it easier to prepare for.
Seven stages
Knowing the shape of the process in advance makes it easier to prepare for, and easier to tell whether it is going as it should.
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Submit your case
A short message describing the diagnosis, the current situation, and the question you most want answered.
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Initial discovery and intake
A conversation to establish the clinical question precisely and identify which documents are needed. Scope and timeline are confirmed before any work begins.
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Document and molecular review
The record is read as a whole — clinical history, pathology, imaging, molecular reports and treatment history — and inconsistencies are noted.
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Precision oncology analysis
Molecular interpretation, evidence synthesis and trial assessment, worked through in the order set out in the framework.
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Consultation and discussion
The analysis is discussed with you and, where you wish, your family. Questions are expected; the point is comprehension, not delivery of a document.
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Treating team discussion
The written analysis is provided in a form suitable for your treating oncologist, framed as decision support for them rather than instruction.
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Follow-up and navigation
Where appropriate, follow-up as the situation develops or new results arrive.
What to expect, and what not to
Setting this out plainly at the start avoids disappointment later.
You can expect
- A clear statement of what your records show
- An honest account of where the evidence is thin
- Molecular findings explained in language you can follow
- Specific questions to take to your treating team
- Time to ask questions of your own
How it fits with your care
- Findings go to you and, if you wish, straight to your treating team
- Your oncologist continues to prescribe, administer and direct treatment
- Trials are identified and assessed; the trial site confirms eligibility
- The review says what the evidence supports, and where it runs out
- Anything urgent belongs with your treating team, who can act immediately