The myeloMATCH program, a collaborative effort by four leading cancer research organizations in the United States and Canada, has commenced patient enrollment for a series of clinical trials focused on precision medicine treatments for adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). This initiative aims to accelerate the development of new therapies by identifying which treatments are most effective for patients based on their unique genomic and molecular profiles.
A Multi-Tiered Approach to Treatment
myeloMATCH is structured into four tiers, each designed to address different stages of a patient's treatment journey. Tier 1 trials focus on initial induction therapy for newly diagnosed patients, aiming to significantly reduce the disease burden. Tier 2 trials treat patients with residual disease following initial therapy. Tier 3 trials offer consolidation therapy or stem-cell transplant options. Finally, Tier 4 trials target progressively lower levels of residual disease, utilizing advanced lab tests to identify ultra-low levels of measurable residual disease (MRD) and test the efficacy of additional treatments.
Advanced Biomarker Testing
The program provides advanced biomarker testing at no cost to patients, analyzing blood and bone marrow samples to identify genomic and molecular features driving their leukemia. Results are typically returned to the patient's doctor within three days, enabling rapid assignment to the most appropriate myeloMATCH treatment trial. According to Harry P. Erba, MD, PhD, of Duke University School of Medicine, the goal is to "continually reduce the patient's tumor burden, to target residual disease more effectively, and ultimately cure more patients of the disease."
Addressing Unmet Needs in Myeloid Malignancies
AML is a type of blood cancer characterized by the bone marrow producing excess numbers of abnormal, immature white blood cells. MDS encompasses a group of cancers where immature blood cells in the bone marrow fail to mature into healthy blood cells. Mark R. Litzow, MD, of Mayo Clinic, emphasized that myeloMATCH represents a monumental effort to bring precision medicine to the diagnosis and treatment of these challenging myeloid malignancies. The increasing understanding of the genetic heterogeneity of these diseases, coupled with the development of targeted treatments, offers an opportunity to more precisely and effectively treat these disorders.
Collaboration and Future Impact
With a goal to enroll 5,000 or more patients, myeloMATCH represents the core NCI clinical trial strategy for myeloid malignancies. By tracking patient progress and biomarkers throughout all treatment stages, the program will also enable the evaluation of the clonal evolution of AML over the entire course of treatment. "MyeloMATCH is a fantastic opportunity to bring the advances of drug development, genetics, and diagnostics to large numbers of patients with AML or MDS. What we learn from myeloMATCH may have a major impact on the future of clinical trials in leukemia and beyond," said Jerald P. Radich, MD, of Fred Hutch Cancer Center and the SWOG Cancer Research Network.
