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Highlights
- Myriad Genetics announces significant research collaborations to improve breast cancer treatment.
- Studies will utilize the Precise® MRD test to explore circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in various breast cancer scenarios.
- The focus is on enhancing patient outcomes through advanced molecular monitoring techniques.
Myriad Genetics, Inc., a leading company in genetic testing and precision medicine, has unveiled a series of collaborative research initiatives aimed at leveraging molecular residual disease (MRD) testing in breast cancer. These collaborations utilize Myriad's Precise® MRD test, designed to provide insights into circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) levels, which could significantly influence treatment decisions and patient outcomes.
Among the collaborations, a notable study led by Dr. Bora Lim at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center will explore whether ctDNA levels can predict the response to pembrolizumab and hormonal therapy in patients with HR-positive inflammatory breast cancer. This population has historically struggled to achieve a pathological complete response at surgery, making the predictive potential of ctDNA particularly relevant.
Another research initiative, directed by Dr. Anna Weiss at The University of Rochester Medical Center, aims to determine if ctDNA levels correlate with nodal involvement in newly diagnosed HR-positive breast cancer patients. Understanding this correlation could enhance surgical decision-making, ultimately improving patient management and outcomes.
Furthermore, the multicenter prospective MONITOR-breast study seeks to establish the association between ctDNA levels and therapy response in patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer across all subtypes. This ambitious study will involve 650 participants and focus on the prognostic capabilities of ctDNA, especially in detecting recurrences earlier than traditional imaging methods.
In an international collaboration, the JBCRG-C11 (CREA) study will investigate the maintenance of complete response in HER2-positive advanced or metastatic breast cancer patients using trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd). Led by Dr. Yoichi Naito from the National Cancer Center Hospital East in Japan, this study aims to determine how ctDNA can optimally guide therapy in these patients.
Additionally, Myriad has partnered with Aptitude Health to evaluate ctDNA levels in high-risk patients during diagnosis, neoadjuvant treatment, and post-surgery in community oncology settings. This partnership underscores the company's commitment to improving monitoring techniques in varied healthcare environments.
Dale Muzzey, Myriad's chief scientific officer, commented on the challenges of MRD testing in breast cancer. "Relative to many other cancer types that typically have high levels of ctDNA in the blood, breast cancer often has very low levels of ctDNA, which makes MRD testing a challenge. Myriad’s Precise MRD test is well suited to overcome this challenge because it tracks up to 1,000 tumor-specific variants identified via whole-genome sequencing."
The development of the Precise MRD test demonstrates Myriad's dedication to meeting the needs of cancer patients, academic partners, and biopharmaceutical companies. This innovative test enables exceptional sensitivity and quantification of ctDNA, facilitating continuous monitoring from diagnosis through treatment and surveillance.
In summary, Myriad Genetics’ ongoing research collaborations represent a significant advancement in the use of MRD testing for breast cancer. By leveraging cutting-edge technology to assess ctDNA levels, these initiatives aim to enhance treatment strategies and ultimately improve patient outcomes in a critical area of oncology.
