Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 12, 2026
Author Spotlight: Advancements in Molecular Biomarker Testing for Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Published on: September 8, 2023
Implementing a molecular prescreening strategy for tumors without public NGS access in a cancer center network:
Paula Sàbat1, Maria Ajenjo-Bauza2, Cinta Hierro3
1Medical Oncology Department, Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO)-Hospitalet; L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.
Background:
Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is central to precision oncology. However, its implementation in public healthcare systems is limited by economic and logistical barriers. In 2022, the Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO) launched the PREICO project to expand access to comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) beyond publicly funded indications across a cancer center network.
Methods:
We analyzed patients with advanced solid tumors, enrolled between February 2022 and March 2024. Molecular results were reviewed by a Molecular Tumor Board (MTB), which issued structured reports to support clinical decision-making.
Results:
CGP was performed in 249 patients. At least one pathogenic or likely pathogenic alteration was identified in 96.3% of 242 evaluable samples. High tumor mutational burden (TMB ≥10 mut/Mb, TMB-H) was detected in 15.3% and microsatellite instability (MSI) in 1.7%. Overall, 47 tumor-agnostic ESCAT I actionable biomarkers were detected, including MSI, TMB-H, BRAF V600E mutation, and NTRK and FGFR fusions. 25 patients received NGS-matched therapies (10.3% of the cohort; 19% of treated patients), 56% within early-phase clinical trials, and 44% through compassionate use. Objective response rate was 20%, and clinical benefit rate (CR, PR, or SD≥4 months) was 40%. Median progression-free survival and overall survival were 3.3 and 11.4 months, respectively.
Conclusions:
The PREICO project suggests the feasibility of implementing a centralized CGP prescreening program in a public healthcare setting for tumor types without public NGS access. CGP identified potentially actionable alterations in a substantial proportion of patients across tumor types, informed treatment decisions and facilitated access to clinical trials in selected cases.
Insights
The PREICO project demonstrates that comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) is feasible in public healthcare, identifying actionable biomarkers in most advanced cancer patients. This approach supports precision oncology by informing treatment decisions and clinical trial access.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genomics
- Precision Medicine
Background:
- Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is crucial for precision oncology but faces economic and logistical hurdles in public healthcare.
- The PREICO project aimed to broaden access to comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) beyond standard indications within a cancer center network.
- Launched in 2022 by the Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), PREICO sought to overcome these barriers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and impact of implementing a centralized CGP prescreening program in a public healthcare setting.
- To identify actionable genomic alterations in patients with advanced solid tumors, particularly those without public NGS access.
- To evaluate the role of CGP in informing clinical decision-making and facilitating access to targeted therapies and clinical trials.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of patients with advanced solid tumors enrolled between February 2022 and March 2024.
- Comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) performed on 249 patients.
- Molecular results reviewed by a Molecular Tumor Board (MTB) to generate structured reports for clinical guidance.
Main Results:
- CGP identified at least one pathogenic alteration in 96.3% of evaluable samples.
- Actionable biomarkers, including high tumor mutational burden (TMB-H) and microsatellite instability (MSI), were detected.
- 25 patients received NGS-matched therapies (10.3% of cohort), with a 20% objective response rate and 40% clinical benefit rate.
Conclusions:
- The PREICO project indicates that a centralized CGP prescreening program is feasible within public healthcare systems.
- CGP successfully identified actionable alterations in a significant proportion of patients, guiding treatment and clinical trial enrollment.
- This initiative expands access to precision oncology tools for a wider patient population.
More Related Videos
13:24Integration of Wet and Dry Bench Processes Optimizes Targeted Next-generation Sequencing of Low-quality and Low-quantity Tumor Biopsies
Published on: April 11, 2016
11:15Next Generation Sequencing for the Detection of Actionable Mutations in Solid and Liquid Tumors
Published on: September 20, 2016
