Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 8, 2025

Real-Time Quantitative Measurement of Tumor Cell Migration and Invasion Following Synthetic mRNA Transfection
11:00

Real-Time Quantitative Measurement of Tumor Cell Migration and Invasion Following Synthetic mRNA Transfection

Published on: June 23, 2023

1.2K

Bridging the Gap: Innovative 'Center for Precision Oncology' in Missouri

Beth Gustafson1, Lindsey Douglass1, Timothy Pluard1

  • 1Saint Luke's Cancer Institute, and Dr. Pluard is also with the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri.

Missouri Medicine
|March 2, 2023
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Precision medicine services, like Saint Luke's Center for Precision Oncology, help clinicians interpret next-generation sequencing (NGS) data for advanced cancer patients, improving genomic care plans and treatment outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Genomics
  • Precision Medicine

Background:

  • Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is crucial for identifying targetable mutations in advanced cancers.
  • Interpreting NGS results for clinical application presents challenges for oncologists, potentially affecting patient outcomes.
  • Specialized precision medicine services can bridge this gap by offering collaborative frameworks for genomic patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact and operational aspects of a Center for Precision Oncology (CPO) at Saint Luke's Cancer Institute.
  • To assess the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary approach in delivering genomic patient care plans.
  • To analyze patient referrals, treatment recommendations, and outcomes within a precision medicine program.

Main Methods:

  • Saint Luke's Cancer Institute established the Center for Precision Oncology (CPO) in 2017.
  • The CPO utilizes a multidisciplinary molecular tumor board and offers dedicated clinic visits.
  • An Institutional Review Board-approved molecular registry was created to track genomic data, patient demographics, treatments, and outcomes.

Main Results:

  • In 2020, the CPO received 93 referrals and conducted 29 patient clinic visits.
  • Twenty patients were treated with CPO-recommended therapies, including off-label drugs and Expanded Access Programs (EAPs).
  • Recommended treatments exceeded $1 million in drug costs, highlighting the program's significant impact on patient care.

Conclusions:

  • Precision medicine services are vital for oncologists, offering expert NGS interpretation and multidisciplinary support.
  • These programs empower patients to understand genomic reports and pursue targeted treatments.
  • Associated molecular registries provide valuable resources for future cancer research.

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Segmentation and VR for Advanced Neurovascular Interventions06:18

Author Spotlight: Segmentation and VR for Advanced Neurovascular Interventions

Published on: April 5, 2024

1.2K
Author Spotlight: Integrating Computational and Experimental Approaches in Precision Oncology07:03

Author Spotlight: Integrating Computational and Experimental Approaches in Precision Oncology

Published on: December 1, 2023

978

Related Concept Videos

Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

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...
7.8K
Treatment Resistant Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistant Cancers

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 Medicine02:50

Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine

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...
5.0K
Tumor Immunotherapy01:27

Tumor Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
611
Mouse Models of Cancer Study02:43

Mouse Models of Cancer Study

Mice have long served as models for studying human biology and pathology because of their phylogenetic and physiological similarity with humans. They are also easy to maintain and breed in the laboratory, and hence, many inbred strains are now available for research. Studies on mice have contributed immeasurably to our understanding of cancer biology.
The development of transgenic, knockout, and knock-in mice has led to an exponential increase in their use as model organisms in research,...
5.6K
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression

The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
3.8K