A groundbreaking partnership between the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and Perthera, launched in July 2014, is revolutionizing the approach to pancreatic cancer treatment through molecular profiling. The "Know Your Tumor" initiative enables patients with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma to access personalized treatment recommendations based on their tumor's molecular characteristics.
Streamlined Molecular Testing Process
Perthera, based in McLean, Virginia, serves as a molecular diagnostic testing concierge, coordinating the complex process of tissue collection, testing selection, and result interpretation. The company manages the entire testing workflow, ensuring efficient handling of tissue samples and coordinating with multiple testing laboratories to provide comprehensive molecular profiling.
Emanuel F. Petricoin III, PhD, Perthera's co-founder and Board of Advisors chair, emphasizes the program's efficiency: "It's in keeping with our whole service model." The initiative aims to deliver complete molecular profiling reports to oncologists within one month of biopsy, significantly reducing traditional testing timelines.
Clinical Impact and Patient Benefits
The program has shown promising early adoption, with approximately 100 patient referrals and 30 complete molecular profiles generated through March, incorporating both genomic and proteomic testing. The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network fully funds Perthera's services for program participants, though testing and biopsy costs are billed to insurance.
"The hope is that clinical outcomes will be improved because the patients are receiving therapies tailored to their molecular profile," explains Petricoin, who also serves as co-director of the Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine at George Mason University.
Addressing a Critical Need
This initiative addresses a crucial gap in pancreatic cancer treatment, where the disease's characteristics present significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Current statistics from the National Cancer Institute reveal that approximately 44,000 Americans are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer annually, with 37,000 deaths reported. The disease's five-year survival rate stands at a mere 6%.
Research and Future Implications
The program extends beyond individual patient care, aiming to build a comprehensive database of molecular profiles from approximately 3,000 patients over three years. This data collection effort will facilitate:
- Identification of optimal therapies for specific molecular profiles
- Guidance for pharmaceutical companies in drug development
- Evidence-based reimbursement decisions for effective treatments
The initiative aligns with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network's ambitious goal of doubling pancreatic cancer survival rates by 2020. Recent developments in the field, including the FDA's breakthrough designation for the GVAX and CRS-207 combination immunotherapy, suggest growing momentum in pancreatic cancer research and treatment innovation.
"We will be ramping up to handle many, many more patients next year," Petricoin notes, highlighting the program's expansion plans and commitment to advancing personalized treatment approaches for pancreatic cancer patients.
