Caris Life Sciences has embarked on a multiyear research collaboration with ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group to perform whole exome and transcriptome sequencing on tumor tissues from 10,000 patients with early-stage breast cancer.
As part of the project, Caris will perform comprehensive molecular characterization on tumor tissues contributed by the patients who participated in the Trial Assigning Individualized Options for Treatment (TAILORx) study. TAILORx seeks to incorporate a molecular profiling test into clinical decision-making for breast cancer patients. Participants have been followed for 11 years or more, with planned follow-up for 20 years, according to an ECOG-ACRIN.
Collectively, ECOG-ACRIN advances the interests of the American College of Radiology Imaging Network (ACRIN) and the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG), which combined organizations to become the ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group in 2012.
TAILORx is one of the world's largest breast cancer research resources, according to the ECOG-ACRIN group, a multidisciplinary scientific organization that designs and conducts cancer research involving adults. ECOG-ACRIN consists of nearly 1,400 academic and community-based cancer centers and hospitals.
The new TAILORx project explores early-stage breast cancer, where the risk of recurrence is a primary concern. Data from the project will be made publicly available after a designated time period following completion of the research project plan.
“It is truly a full circle moment for me, as I’ve been involved with this landmark biomarker trial -- the largest ever sponsored by the [National Cancer Institute] NCI -- during trial development, patient enrollment, findings reporting, and now the next phase of research of TAILORx with Caris,” stated Dr. George Sledge Jr., executive vice president and chief medical officer of Caris in the announcement.
Key leaders from the University of Pennsylvania are also involved. They include Dr. Mitchell Schnall, PhD, senior vice president for data and technology solutions and professor of radiology, and medical oncologist Dr. Peter O'Dwyer, who serves as co-chair of ECOG-ACRIN.
