Role of biomarkers in cancer research and treatment
Biomarkers are referred to as any substance, structure or process that can be analyzed in the body and helps in predicting disease. Biomarkers have a crucial role in the early detection, diagnosis, and management of treatment for major diseases like cancer and heart diseases.
Understanding Genomic Testing – a webinar by the Cancer Research Institute (https://www.cancerresearch.org/events/webinars/genomics-genetic-testing-cancer-immunotherapy)
An interesting, important article to be aware of, and take into consideration when moving forward for genetic tumor profiling for LMS and uLMS newly diagnosed patients (genomic/ molecular testing) – From the National Cancer Institute:
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/genetics/brca-fact-sheet
S P E C I A L A N N O U N C E M E N T –
Genomic/Molecular Tumor Testing for Patients- cost covered.
The NLMSF has begun the process of establishing a proactive collaborative partnership with Target Cancer Foundation on behalf of the LMS Patient community, as we did with Perthera
Patients have new pathways to be proactive as well, through Perthera which also provides funding coverage for travel to clinical trials, https://perthera.com/patients/, and now the Target Cancer Foundation.
The website for the Target Cancer Foundation: targetcancerfoundation.org/track
TARGET CANCER FOUNDATION’S TRACK TRIAL:
The TRACK Trial is described below and can be found under ClinicalTrials.gov:
https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04504604
This open label, non-randomized, multi-center, pragmatic study aims to establish whether patients with rare tumors can benefit from matched molecular therapy as dictated by their next-generation sequencing (NGS) results. The study leverages a remote consent and participation approach to open enrollment to all patients with rare tumors within the United States. Traditional, site-based patient consenting and participation is also available for enrollment to the study. Note: Recruiting for the trial has not yet begun; updates will be forthcoming by Target Cancer Foundation.
A special webinar from The Target Cancer Foundation about TRACK: https://us02web.zoom.us/…/M23F43Rc0dz5vlKwyx95xxzFbePFi…
We are excited to have the opportunity to enter into a partnership agreement in the new year with Target Cancer Foundation to further support the LMS Patient Community in this meaningful way, and are poised to be able to reach patients in rural areas as well.
2020 Announcement of Rare Cancer Patients enrolled in TRACK:
Matching Patients to Optimal Therapies * Intelligence for Optimum Outcomes· https://perthera.com/ – to learn more about Perthera National Leiomyosarcoma Foundation
Information:https://perthera.com/contact-nlmsf-perthera/
Patient Pamphlet: https://bit.ly/3eczOxR
Patient Take-Home: https://bit.ly/2TzCBHS
A briefing of what Perthera provides, plus Q & A – an initial introduction to molecular testing offered to patients through this program:
Perthera delivers our Precision Oncology services at no cost to patients or oncologists. Our clinical coordination, aIl and data analytics, molecular tumor board, and Report delivery are all included in our concierge services. In addition, Perthera’s analysis adds less than 3 days on average to the overall turnaround time from referral to report delivery.
Perthera is diligent about obtaining patient consent for any data required to provide our services. Our Clinical Coordinators are best in class at communicating with patients and answering any and all questions they might have. Our Medical Director is also available to answer questions that any Physicians/Oncologists might have as well, either before or after ordering a Perthera Report. Our precisely ranked therapeutic recommendations have been clinically proven (in The Lancet Oncology) to improve patient outcomes and extend lives.
Q & A:
1. What lab does the testing? How many mutations do they test for?
As you know, Perthera is not a Lab. We are Lab agnostic and will use the ordering Oncologist’s preferred Lab or one of our own. The ordering physician determines how many panels/mutations they would like us to test. Lab testing is put through a patient’s insurance, often with no balance billing. With a 1 page order form from the patient’s oncologist, the molecular testing is usually covered by the patient’s insurance. Patient communication is very transparent about this.
2. How much does it cost?
As stated above, Perthera delivers our Precision Oncology services at no cost to patients or oncologists.
3. Is the patient’s data confidential or do they sell it?
We fully comply with all HIPAA requirements and maintain strict confidentiality with all patient data.