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Testing Targeted Therapies in Cancer using Structural DNA Alteration Analysis and Patient-Derived Xenografts
Published on: July 25, 2020
Targeted pharmacotherapy after somatic cancer mutation screening
Thomas M Polasek1, Karen Ambler2, Hamish S Scott2
1Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Flinders Medical Centre and Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia.
Precision medicine, using genetic testing like OncoFOCUS™+ KIT screening, guides targeted drug selection for solid tumors. Most patients indicated for targeted therapy received guideline-adherent treatment, highlighting its growing importance in oncology.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Pharmacotherapy
Background:
- Precision medicine, guided by genetic testing, is increasingly used for solid tumor treatment.
- Targeted pharmacotherapy aims to improve patient outcomes based on individual genetic profiles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the utilization of targeted drugs following OncoFOCUS™+ KIT screening in specific cancers.
- To audit the appropriateness of targeted drug selection against National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of patients with malignant melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, and metastatic colorectal cancer.
- Evaluation of OncoFOCUS™+ KIT screening results in relation to prescribed targeted pharmacotherapy.
- Comparison of treatment decisions with NCCN guidelines.
Main Results:
- Nearly all patients not indicated for targeted therapy did not receive it (99%).
- 79% of patients indicated for targeted drugs received guideline-adherent treatment.
- OncoFOCUS™+ KIT screening results were essential for targeted drug selection in 48% of indicated patients.
Conclusions:
- OncoFOCUS™+ KIT screening plays a significant role in guiding targeted pharmacotherapy decisions.
- Precision medicine approaches are crucial for optimizing drug selection in medical oncology.
- Adherence to NCCN guidelines in targeted therapy selection is high but has room for improvement.
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