 and Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. has partnered with the National Cancer Institute (NCI) on the myeloMATCH precision medicine umbrella trial.){kind=link}
In a significant stride towards advancing treatment options for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. has partnered with the National Cancer Institute (NCI) on the myeloMATCH precision medicine umbrella trial. This collaboration aims to leverage Thermo Fisher’s next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology to quickly match patients with appropriate clinical trials based on genetic biomarkers found in their bone marrow and blood.
The myeloMATCH trial, designed to streamline the process of matching patients with targeted therapies, promises rapid genomic testing and results delivery, thereby facilitating quicker enrollment into relevant sub-studies. By using the Ion Torrent™ Genexus™ System, a cutting-edge NGS solution, clinical sites can achieve next-day genomic testing, significantly speeding up the process of initiating personalized treatment for patients with these aggressive cancers.
AML, a fast-progressing bone marrow and blood cancer, has a five-year survival rate of only 30-40% for individuals under 60. The rapid identification of genetic mutations is crucial for effective treatment. Dr. Harry P. Erba, chair of the Southwest Oncology Group (SWOG) Leukemia Committee and co-chair of the myeloMATCH Senior Science Council, emphasized the importance of this approach. “Our partnership with Thermo Fisher allows us to rapidly obtain the required genomic profiling and begin specific therapies for each subtype of the disease. This personalized approach could increase the number of leukemia survivors,” he said.
The myeloMATCH trial will operate across more than 2,200 sites in the U.S. and Canada, supported by the NCI’s National Clinical Trials Network. Additionally, multiple pharmaceutical companies have agreed to provide drugs for the trial, further expanding the potential for developing new, effective treatments.
John Sos, senior vice president and president of life sciences solutions at Thermo Fisher Scientific, highlighted the trial’s potential impact: “myeloMATCH is a significant step forward for patients needing better treatment options. The Genexus System enables clinical teams to quickly match patients with the right trials, ensuring more patients have access to precision oncology treatments.”
The trial will utilize the myeloMATCH Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory Network (MDNet) for sequencing, using Thermo Fisher’s Genexus System and the Oncomine-based NCI Myeloid Assay. This system has demonstrated high sensitivity and reproducibility, as presented at the 2023 American Society of Hematology annual meeting.