Frequently Asked Questions

What is PGxPredict™:RITUXIMAB test?
The PGxPredict:RITUXIMAB test is a pharmacogenetic test that will provide information on whether a patient is more likely or not more likely to respond to rituximab monotherapy. The test analyzes variation in the gene that encodes a receptor to which rituximab binds. This variation has been shown to be associated with response to rituximab monotherapy in the treatment of follicular, CD20-positive, B-cell NHL.^1,2

What is FCGR3A?
FCGR3A is name of the gene that encodes a receptor to which rituximab binds.

How will the results of my test be interpreted?
The results of the test will be presented in your test report as More Likely or Not More Likely to Respond based on the following table:

*SNP 4985GT is rs396991

What is the likelihood that I will be categorized as More Likely to Respond?
Approximately 20% of patients will have the genotype associated with increased likelihood of response to rituximab monotherapy for follicular, CD20-positive, B-cell NHL. Some patients who do not have the 158Val/Val genotype may still respond to rituximab treatment.

How is the test conducted?
A test kit is sent to your physician and the test can be administered in the office. Whole blood is collected via fingerstick onto sample collection cards and shipped to PGxHealth for analysis.

Who should be tested?
Patients being considered for treatment of follicular, CD20-positive, B-cell NHL may be considered for testing.

How long will it take to get the results?
Results will be available within two to five days of sample receipt. Test results will be sent to the ordering physician.

How can I order a test?
Only your healthcare provider can order this test. Discuss this test with your doctor if you think that you should be tested.

Is the test covered by my health insurance?
PGxHealth provides a service to help determine if insurance carriers will cover all or a portion of the cost of the test. PGxHealth will make every effort to collect payment from your insurance company. It is important to remember that you are responsible for the entire cost of the test.

Who will have access to my results?
Only the ordering physician or those designated by the patient may be sent test results. The insurance carrier may also require results if they are being asked by PGxHealth to be billed for the test. No one else will be sent the results unless written authorization is given to PGxHealth by you.

References

1. Cartron G, Dacheux L, Salles G, Solal-Celigny P, Bardos P, Colombat P and Watier H. 2002. Therapeutic activity of humanized anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody and polymorphism in IgG Fc receptor FcgRIIIa gene. Blood, 99: 754-758.
2. Weng W-K and Levy R. 2003. Two immunoglobulin G fragment C receptor polymorphisms independently predict response to rituximab in patients with follicular lymphoma. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 21(21): 3940-3947.

1-877-2-PGXHEALTH (877-274-9432)