Molecular Testing for the MD Anderson Cancer Center Personalized Cancer Therapy Program

Launched by M.D. ANDERSON CANCER CENTER · Jan 17, 2013

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial at MD Anderson Cancer Center is studying how to use tests on tumor samples to find out what specific changes in genes may be causing different types of cancer, such as gliomas, melanomas, and other malignancies. The goal is to offer personalized treatment options based on the genetic information gathered from these tests. This information will help doctors identify clinical trials that might be the best fit for patients, ensuring they receive the most effective therapies for their specific cancer.

To be eligible for this trial, patients need to have a confirmed diagnosis of cancer, including certain types like glioma or sarcoma, and must be able to understand and agree to participate by signing a consent form. Participants can expect to provide tumor tissue samples, which will be analyzed to learn more about their cancer. Additionally, some patients may also have blood tests to check for cancer-related DNA. This research could help build a better understanding of cancer and improve future treatments.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Patients must have histologically, radiographic, or cytologically documented cancer, suspected glioma, sarcoma, melanoma or hematologic cancer. Patients with benign tumors may also be consented at the discretion of the attending physician if molecular profiling is felt to have potential clinical implications.
• • Patients must have the ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document
• • Patients may be consented without confirming the amount and quality of archival diagnostic or residual tissue available. However, research testing will only be performed on patients who have sufficient archived diagnostic tissue or residual tissue banked in one of the authorized tissue banks at MD Anderson available to proceed with testing. The extent of testing may be modified based on amount of tissue available. If any new tissue acquisition including a biopsy and/or surgical resection etc. is being ordered for clinical care or another research study, or an operation is being performed testing can be ordered on that sample
• • Circulating cell-free deoxyribonucleic acid (cfDNA) Cohort: Circulating cell-free DNA next generation sequencing (NGS) testing will be performed with the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA)-certified Guardant360 panel (or equivalent) for select patients. This particular cohort of research collaboration will be supported by Guardant Health, Inc. at no charge to MD Anderson. Patients who are being considered for enrollment into clinical trials in the next 2 lines of therapy may be enrolled. Selected patients may have cfDNA, circulating RNA /exosome/circulating tumor cell testing approaches performed on alternate platforms (eg Foundation ACT)