Revolutionizing Cancer Care: Capturing SageMedic’s Innovative Approach
When Michelle Loufman was invited to photograph SageMedic in California, it was more than just a cross-country photoshoot—it was an opportunity to document a groundbreaking approach to cancer care. Based just outside San Francisco, SageMedic is pioneering personalized chemotherapy solutions, an innovation that could reshape oncology care as we know it.
The SageMedic Story
SageMedic began with a mission to improve cancer care in a deeply personal way. After witnessing the toll cancer took on his own family, Dr. Chris Apfel, alongside his wife Dr. Brigitte Apfel, set out to change the way chemotherapy treatment is administered. Dr. Apfel’s mother endured painful ovarian cancer treatments, and his father chose to forgo therapy for lung cancer due to its harsh side effects. These personal losses fueled his determination to develop a more effective and compassionate approach to treatment.
Dr. Apfel transitioned from his clinical role and pursued an MBA to broaden his expertise. He founded SageMedic and developed the SAGE Oncotest™—a tool that tailors cancer care to each patient’s unique needs. With their fully accredited lab in California, SageMedic is determined to help healthcare providers adopt actionable cancer care that focuses on precision and patient-specific solutions.
Understanding the Problem: The Complexity of Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy treatment has long been a cornerstone of oncology care, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Many patients receive multiple chemotherapy treatments, yet some of these may be ineffective or even harmful, causing unnecessary strain on their already fragile immune systems. This scattershot approach often leaves patients enduring side effects that make recovery even harder.
The SageMedic Solution
SageMedic is tackling this issue head-on with their innovative SAGE Oncotest™ tool. By extracting cells from a patient’s tumor and testing their resistance to various chemotherapy treatments in a lab, SageMedic can identify the most effective options. This precision approach minimizes toxicity, improves outcomes, and empowers healthcare providers to offer truly tailored cancer treatment. Institutions like the Cleveland Clinic could greatly benefit from this innovative cancer solution.
Behind the Lens: Documenting Innovation
Michelle had the unique opportunity to photograph SageMedic’s cutting-edge lab and the remarkable lab & leadership team behind this technology. This wasn’t just about capturing visuals—it was about telling a story. Her photos will help SageMedic connect with healthcare providers and investors, highlighting the transformative potential of their work.
For Michelle, this project hit close to home. Her mother’s experience with breast cancer was a deciding factor to put down roots in Cleveland, and the chance to contribute to a company making real strides in oncology care was deeply meaningful. “Cancer treatment often seems worse than the disease itself,” she shares. “Being even a small part of a story that offers hope and actionable solutions is something I’ll always be proud of.”
Why It Matters
SageMedic’s work is a game-changer in cancer care. It shows how personalized treatment can improve lives while reducing the burden of unnecessary side effects. Their mission is more than innovation—it’s about giving patients and their families hope for a better future.
Learn More
Michelle is honored to have helped amplify SageMedic’s story. To learn more about their groundbreaking work, visit SageMedic’s website. Their commitment to tailored cancer treatment is truly inspiring.
For more stories about innovative brands and the photography behind them, check out Michelle’s blog on Brand Storytelling Photography.