Genomic sequencing offers new hope for rare cancers
13 November 2018
A cancer’s genetic sequence may be the key to matching people with rare cancers to the right anti-cancer treatments, according to a new clinical trial instigated by patients.
Genetic sequencing shows promise for matching people with rare cancers to the right treatments, according to a new clinical trial.
The national trial indicated that genomic profiling of rare cancers – which collectively account for more than 20 per cent of cancer diagnoses in Australia – has the potential to improve a patient’s diagnosis and treatment.
Better treatments are needed for people with rare cancers, which collectively cause more cancer deaths in Australia than any single cancer type
A new, patient-driven clinical trial has investigated whether genomic profiling of rare cancers can improve the diagnosis and treatment of people with rare cancers
Genomic profiling provided meaningful information that influences diagnosis and treatment in more than half the trial participants, offering hope for better outcomes for patients
Finding better treatments
Professor Clare Scott is leading the NOMINATOR trial that uses genomics to match people with rare cancers to better treatments.
A cancer type is considered rare if it affects fewer than 6 people per year per 100,000 people. Despite being individually uncommon, rare cancers collectively account for more than 20 per cent of cancer diagnoses in Australia.
Better approaches to diagnosing and treating rare cancers are urgently needed, said Professor Scott. “More people die from rare cancers in Australia than any other single cancer type. This is because treatments for many rare cancers have not advanced at the same pace as treatments for more common cancers,” she said.
The trial sequenced a panel of genomic markers in participants’ cancers to identify molecular features or mutations in the cancer that could be targeted with existing treatments used in other cancer types with the same characteristics.
“While genomic testing is becoming increasingly used in other cancer types, this is one of the first national studies of its kind in Australia to look at the potential benefits for those with rare cancers,” Professor Scott said.
Promising results
The NOMINATOR Pilot Study results released today included 36 patients. The two-year study will eventually include 100 patients and will lay the groundwork for other national initiatives looking into genomic profiling across a range of cancer types.
“Australians in this trial came to us after they had exhausted all their options. Using genomic profiling we were able to uncover new information that gave many patients new treatment options – and ultimately, new hope,” said Professor Scott.
“Genomic profiling provided meaningful information that influenced diagnosis and treatment in around half of the participants. 20 percent of those tested got a new treatment plan as a result and 6 percent of participants were given a new diagnosis.”
Professor Phyllis Butow, President, Clinical Oncology Society of Australia said one of the impressive things about the study was that it was driven by Australians directly affected by rare cancers.
“Around 52,000 Australians are diagnosed with rare or less common cancers each year. Those directly affected by the disease helped call for and fund this research, so it’s great to see these initial promising results being presented to cancer experts from across the country.”
The NOMINATOR trial is currently recruiting participants with rare cancers and few standard treatment options. Patients are advised to discuss their eligibility and involvement with their oncologist.
