MiraDx, a molecular diagnostics company specializing in germline-based personalization of cancer treatment, has announced that two collaborative studies with UCLA will be presented at the upcoming 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in Chicago. The research highlights the company's mirSNP platform as a promising tool for predicting both treatment-related toxicity and therapeutic response in cancer patients.
"Toxicity from cancer therapies remains one of the most difficult challenges patients face, disrupting treatment, diminishing quality of life, and creating uncertainty at every step," said Dr. Joanne Weidhaas, professor of radiation oncology and vice chair of molecular and cellular oncology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and co-founder of MiraDx.
Dr. Weidhaas emphasized the growing need for predictive tools based on individual patient genetics as cancer therapies become increasingly targeted and complex. Such tools could identify patients at higher risk for adverse events while also predicting treatment response, potentially guiding clinical decisions that balance efficacy with long-term quality of life.
MicroRNA Biomarkers in Soft Tissue Sarcoma
The first study (Abstract #11538) focuses on soft tissue sarcoma (STS), where response to radiation therapy is known to be highly variable. Researchers analyzed a cohort of patients treated with preoperative hypofractionated radiation therapy (SBRT) to evaluate whether germline microRNA single nucleotide polymorphisms (mirSNPs) could predict treatment outcomes.
The findings revealed preliminary genetic signatures capable of predicting several critical outcomes:
- Major wound toxicity
- Late toxicity
- Distant metastases
- Pathological response to treatment
These results suggest that mirSNPs could potentially guide more personalized treatment strategies for STS patients, helping clinicians make more informed decisions about treatment regimens based on individual genetic profiles.
Predicting Immune-Related Adverse Events from Immunotherapy
The second study (Abstract #2661) addresses a significant challenge in immunotherapy: predicting immune-related adverse events (irAEs) in patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), specifically anti-PD1 therapy.
Building on previous research, this expanded cohort study identified key genetic differences associated with cycle-specific toxicities in patients treated with anti-PD1 immunotherapy. The researchers developed enhanced models for predicting both early and late irAEs, demonstrating strong predictive capabilities.
This work confirms the potential of microRNA-based signatures to improve the safety profile of immunotherapies by identifying patients at higher risk for adverse events before treatment begins.
Implications for Personalized Cancer Care
The mirSNP platform developed by MiraDx represents a novel approach to cancer treatment personalization. By analyzing an individual's unique microRNA-based germline signatures, the technology aims to enable clinicians to optimize therapeutic decisions across various treatment modalities, including radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapies.
"Research to be presented at ASCO 2025 in radiation treatment for soft tissue sarcoma and anti-PD1 therapies further demonstrate the robust accuracy of mirSNPs to give patient-specific information that could guide treatment decisions that balance efficacy with long-term quality of life," Dr. Weidhaas noted.
Meeting Details
Both studies will be presented as posters at the ASCO 2025 Annual Meeting:
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Poster #21 (Abstract #11538): "MicroRNA-based Biomarkers of Outcome in Soft Tissue Sarcoma Treated with Hypofractionated Preoperative Radiation Therapy" will be presented on May 31, 2025, at 9:00 AM CDT in Hall A.
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Poster #308 (Abstract #2661): "MicroRNA-based Signatures of Early and Late Immune-Related Adverse Events to anti-PD1 Treatment" will be presented on June 2, 2025, at 1:30 PM CDT in Hall A.
Dr. Weidhaas, who serves as head of translational research in the Department of Radiation Oncology at UCLA in addition to her role as co-founder of MiraDx, will present both posters and discuss the implications for personalized cancer therapy.
As cancer treatments continue to advance in complexity and specificity, tools like the mirSNP platform may play an increasingly important role in helping clinicians navigate the delicate balance between treatment efficacy and patient quality of life, potentially ushering in a new era of truly personalized cancer care.
