Precision Oncology Program (POP), an observational study using real-world data and imaging mass cytometry to explore

Laura Amanda Boos1, Christian Doerig2, Gabriele Gut1,3

  • 1Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.

BMJ Open
|March 26, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

The Precision Oncology Program integrates real-world data and imaging mass cytometry to guide personalized cancer treatment. This approach aims to improve decision-making by combining clinicogenomic and spatial proteomic data for individual patient care.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Bioinformatics
  • Proteomics

Background:

  • Precision oncology requires robust evidence for individualized treatment recommendations.
  • Increasing biomarkers and therapeutic targets create a need for integrated data approaches.
  • The Precision Oncology Program (POP) addresses this by evaluating combined data modalities.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the feasibility and utility of integrating real-world data (RWD) and imaging mass cytometry (IMC) for personalized cancer treatment.
  • To evaluate if patient-matched clinicogenomic data and spatial proteomics can inform treatment decisions at the Molecular Tumor Board.
  • To leverage a nationwide de-identified clinicogenomic database for cohort matching and data analysis.

Main Methods:

  • Recruitment of patients across all tumor types and stages at the Comprehensive Cancer Center Zurich.
  • Identification of matched cohorts in the Flatiron Health-Foundation Medicine clinicogenomic database (CGDB).
  • Performance of multiplexed imaging mass cytometry (IMC) on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues.
  • Review of RWD and IMC data by the Molecular Tumor Board for potential impact on therapy decisions.

Main Results:

  • The study is observational, and recommendations derived from RWD and IMC are non-prescriptive.
  • The feasibility and utility of integrating clinicogenomic data and spatial proteomics are under evaluation.
  • The potential impact of these integrated data modalities on personalized treatment decisions is being assessed.

Conclusions:

  • The Precision Oncology Program demonstrates a novel approach to integrating diverse data sources for cancer treatment.
  • This program aims to enhance profiling-driven decision-making in precision oncology.
  • Findings will contribute to evidence generation for individualized cancer therapies.