This document addresses in vitro chemosensitivity assays and in vitro chemoresistance assays which have been proposed as a means of predicting the in vivo tumor response to various chemotherapies. Several assays have been developed that differ in their processing and in the technique used to measure drug sensitivity. However, they typically involve isolation of tumor cells from biopsy specimens, incubation of the cells with drugs and assessment of cell survival. Results may be reported as drug sensitive, drug resistant or intermediate. Drugs identified as drug sensitive are thought to be a potentially effective in vivo chemotherapy.

Position Statement

Not Medically Necessary:

In vitro chemosensitivity assays, as a guide to selection of chemotherapeutic drugs for individuals with cancer, are considered not medically necessary for all indications.

In vitro chemoresistance assays including, but not limited to, extreme drug resistance assays are considered not medically necessary for all indications.