Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2025

08:52
Profiling Sensitivity to Targeted Therapies in EGFR-Mutant NSCLC Patient-Derived Organoids
Published on: November 22, 2021
4.1K
Programmatic Precision Oncology Decision Support for Patients With Gastrointestinal Cancer
Rachel B Keller1, Tali Mazor2, Lynette Sholl3
1Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
JCO Precision Oncology
|January 12, 2023
Summary
A decision support system, GI TARGET, improved precision oncology care for gastrointestinal cancer patients. It provided molecularly informed recommendations, increasing clinical trial enrollment and targeted therapy use.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genomics
- Clinical Decision Support Systems
Background:
- Precision oncology requires oncologists to navigate complex genomic data and targeted therapies.
- A comprehensive understanding of molecular biomarkers is crucial for optimal cancer care.
Approach:
- Developed and implemented GI TARGET, a precision oncology decision support system at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
- A multidisciplinary team reviewed tumor molecular profiling for GI tumors, providing molecularly informed clinical recommendations.
- Utilized MatchMiner for clinical trial matching and suggested targeted therapies (on- or off-label).
Key Points:
- Reviewed genomic data for 506 GI cancer patients, providing recommendations to 19 medical oncologists.
- Recommended precision medicine clinical trials for 80% of patients, resulting in 24 enrollments.
- Recommended targeted therapies for 6% (on-label) and 25% (off-label) of patients, and additional testing for 42%.
Conclusions:
- Integrating precision medicine via a multidisciplinary molecular tumor board is scalable and sustainable.
- Precision oncology recommendations have clinical utility for patients with cancer.
- Decision support systems enhance the application of precision medicine in routine cancer care.
Related Concept Videos
Targeted Cancer Therapies
7.8K
The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
7.8K
Treatment Resistant Cancers
3.4K
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
3.4K
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
5.0K
Combining two or more treatment methods increases the life span of cancer patients while reducing damage to vital organs or tissue from the overuse of a single treatment. Combination therapy also targets different cancer-inducing pathways, thus reducing the chances of developing resistance to treatment.
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
5.0K
Cancer Survival Analysis
411
Cancer survival analysis focuses on quantifying and interpreting the time from a key starting point, such as diagnosis or the initiation of treatment, to a specific endpoint, such as remission or death. This analysis provides critical insights into treatment effectiveness and factors that influence patient outcomes, helping to shape clinical decisions and guide prognostic evaluations. A cornerstone of oncology research, survival analysis tackles the challenges of skewed, non-normally...
411
Cancer Therapies
7.9K
Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
7.9K

