MMRF Accelerator Magazine Summer 2016 Edition | Page 11

Getting relapsed and refractory patients actionable information in record time The MMRF Molecular Profiling Initiative Running out of treatment options, and Speed, of course, is of the essence. time, can be a very real setback for So we’re returning the genetic analysis multiple myeloma patients who relapse of the patient’s tumor in record time: or become refractory to existing drugs. 10-14 days, so that physicians can This is why an innovative new effort rapidly identify trials or treatments sponsored in part critical to the MMRF Precision depending on the results. And because by the MMRF. As a Medicine Model — called the MMRF the MMRF is supporting the cost, Molecular Profiling Initiative (MPI) — volunteer for these there is no financial burden on the is so promising … and important. Our patient whatsoever. goal: determine if multiple myeloma patients would benefit from available drugs depending on molecular alterations present in the tumor. Sequencing of myeloma cells will be able to identify How patients can take advantage of the MPI. As of now, patients can have this “I’ve been in three clinical trials all trials, I am looking to help others in any way, shape, or form.” — Gary Rudman, multiple myeloma patient and MMRF donor analysis done at many MMRC sites throughout the country, including Benefitting the broader Baylor, University of Michigan, research community, too. Washington University, Karmanos, The MMRF Molecular Profiling City of Hope, Ohio State University, Initiative is also part of the MMRF’s Why do we need Hackensack, Princess Margaret broader effort to “democratize” data Clinical Grade sequencing? Hospital, University of California at that will accelerate research toward a Clinical Grade is different than Research San Francisco, Virginia Cancer Specialists cure. The de-identified data (to protect Grade sequencing because the results and Mount Sinai. More MMRC sites are a patient’s identity) will be gathered can go directly to the doctor, who can expected to open this profiling protocol in this initiative to complement and then share them with their patient. over the next few months, with a total augment existing datasets in the If the data reveals an actionable of 500 relapsed/refractory patients to Multiple Myeloma Genomic Initiative mutation, it can provide a relapsed/ be profiled over the next two years. The (MMGI) and the MMRF CoMMpass refractory patient essential guidance Molecular Profiling Initiative is being StudySM. De-identified data will be added in identifying appropriate clinical trials performed as part of a collaboration to the publicly accessible researcher or approved treatments that may with the University of Michigan; the platform — yet another example of immediately benefit them. clinical grade sequencing platform was how the MMRF, in collaboration with developed by the Michigan Oncology research and academic centers, is Sequencing Center and has been used moving aggressively to harness the to sequence other cancers. incredible promise of patient data. these alterations (also called “actionable mutations”) and match them to specific therapies. NE W I N I T I AT I VE S 11