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Archive for the ‘Cancer Informatics’ Category

Real Time Conference Coverage: Advancing Precision Medicine Conference, Afternoon Session October 4 2025

Real Time Conference Coverage: Advancing Precision Medicine Conference, Afternoon Session  October 4 2025

Reporter: Stephen J. Williams, PhD

Leaders in Pharmaceutical Business Intellegence will be covering this conference LIVE over X.com at

@pharma_BI

@StephenJWillia2

@AVIVA1950

@AdvancingPM

using the following meeting hashtags

#AdvancingPM #precisionmedicine #WINSYMPO2025

1:40 – 2:30

AI in Precision Medicine

Dr. Ganhui Lan
Dr. Xiaoyan Wang
Dr. Ahmad P. Tafti
Jen Gilburg

Jen Gilburg (moderator)Deputy Secretary of Technology and Entrepreneurship, Dept. of Community and Economic Development, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

  • AI will help reduce time for drug development especially in early phase of discovery but eventually help in all phases
  • Ganhui: for drug regulators might be more amenable to AI in clinical trials; AI may be used differently by clinicians
  • nonprofit in Philadelphia using AI to repurpose drugs (this site has posted on this and article will be included here)
  • Ganhui: top challenge of AI in Pharma; rapid evolution of AI and have to have core understanding of your needs and dependencies; realistic view of what can be done; AI has to have iterative learning; also huge vertical challenge meaning how can we allign the use of AI through the healthcare vertical layer chain like clinicians, payers, etc.
  • Ganhui sees a challenge for health companies to understand how to use AI in business to technology; AI in AI companies is different need than AI in healthcare companies
  • 95% of AI projects not successful because most projects are very discrete use

2:00-2:20

Building Precision Oncology Infrastructure in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Razelle Kurzrock, MD

Sewanti Limaye, MD, Director, Medical & Precision Oncology; Director Clinical and Translational Oncology Research, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital & Research Centre, Mumbai, India; Founder, Nova Precision AI; Co-Founder, Iylon Precision Oncology; Co-Chair, Asia Pacific Coalition Against Lung Cancer; Co-Chair,  Asia Pacific Immuno-Oncology; Member,  WIN Consortium

  • globally 60 precision initiatives but there really are because many in small countries
  • three out of five individuals in India die of cancer
  • precision medicine is a must and a hub and spoke model is needed in these places; Italy does this hub and spoke; spokes you enable the small places and bring them into the network so they know how and have access to precision medicine
  • in low income countries the challenge starts with biopsy: then diagnosis and biomarker is issue; then treatment decision a problem as they may not have access to molecular tumor boards
  • prevention is always a difficult task in LMICs (low income)
  • you have ten times more patients in India than in US (triage can be insurmountable)
  • ICGA Foundation: Indian Cancer Genome Atlas
  • in India mutational frequencies vary with geographical borders like EGFR mutations or KRAS mutations
  • genomic landscape of ovarian cancer in India totally different than in TCGA data
  • even different pathways are altered in ovarian cancer seen in North America than in India
  • MAY mean that biomarker panels need to be adjusted based on countries used in
  • the molecular data has to be curated for the India cases to be submitted to a tumor board
  • twenty diagnostic tests in market like TruCheck for Indian market; uses liquid biopsy
  • they are also tailoring diagnostic and treatment for India getting FDA fast track approvals

2:20-2:40

Co-targeting KIT/PDGRFA and Genomic Integrity in Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors

Razelle Kurzrock, MD

Lori Rink, PhD, Associate ProfessorFox Chase Cancer Center

  • GIST are most common nesychymal tumor in GI tract
  • used to be misdiagnosed; was considered a leimyosarcoma
  • very asymptomatic tumors and not good prognosis
  • very refractory to genotoxic therapies
  • RTK KIT/PDGFRA gain of function mutations
  • Gleevec imatinib for unresectable GIST however vast majority of even responders become resistant to therapy and cancer returns
  • there is a mutation map for hotspot mutations and sensitivity for gleevec
  • however resistance emerged to ripretinib; in ATP binding pocket
  • over treatment get a polyclonal resistance
  • performed a kinome analysis; Wee1 looked like a potential target
  • mouse studies (80 day) showed good efficacy
  • avapiritinib ahs some neurotox and used in PDGFRA mut GIST model which is resistant to imitinib
  • but if use Wee1 inhibitor with TKI can lower dose of avapiritinib
  • cotargeting KIT/PDGFRA and WEE1 increases replicative stress
  • they are using PDX models to test these combinations
  • combination creates genomic instability

 

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Real Time Conference Coverage: Advancing Precision Medicine Conference, Early Morning Session Track 1 October 4 2025

Reporter: Stephen J. Williams, PhD

Leaders in Pharmaceutical Business Intellegence will be covering this conference LIVE over X.com at

@pharma_BI

@StephenJWillia2

@AVIVA1950

@AdvancingPM

using the following meeting hashtags

#AdvancingPM #precisionmedicine #WINSYMPO2025

 

8:55 – 10:35

SESSION 1

Precision For All:

Global Access, Real Cases, and Implementation Science

 

8:55-9:15

Results and Future Direction from WIN’s Data Science Paper

Razelle Kurzrock, MD

9:15-9:55

When Precision Gets Personal: WIN Consortium International Molecular Tumor Board Live

Andrea Ferreira-Gonzalez
Razelle Kurzrock, MD

Razelle Kurzrock, MD, FACP, Chief Medical Officer, WIN Consortium; Professor of Medicine, Associate Director, Clinical Research, Linda T. and John A. Mellowes Endowed Chair of Precision Oncology, MCW Cancer Center and Linda T. & John A. Mellowes Center for Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine

Notes from Live Tumor Board from Live Tweets

Tumor board Live… Molecular profiling great for identifying synthetic lethal combinations work very well… Many oncologist not accepting recommendations of molec tumor board

Tumor board Live . Oncologists don’t always accept tumor board recommendations based on molecular profiling… Dr Baptiste at first felt constrained to use single agent but WINTER combo trial with molec profiling better

Tumor board Live… Oncologist may give pushback when molecular therapeutic targets identified.. like when methylomics give a result and tumor board suggest temazolamide

Tumor board Live… Oncologist may give pushback when molecular therapeutic targets identified.. like when methylomics give a result and tumor board suggest temazolamide

Tumor board Live… Oncologist may give pushback when molecular therapeutic targets identified.. like when methylomics give a result and tumor board suggest temazolamide

Pemetrexemed not always working but MTAP inhibitions may work

Tumor board Live… Discussion of ovarian cancer case women first presented with CRC BRCA mut but failed PARP inhibitor board is looking at immunotherapy NGS IHC performed

#WINconsortium

Fusions being detected by RNAseq at rate of 100 per month

Tumor board Live…. Theranostics are becoming part of molec tumor board … Radio labeled dual diagnostic therapeutic antibodies

Tumor board Live… Molecular profiling great for identifying synthetic lethal combinations work very well… Many oncologist not accepting recommendations of molec tumor board

SESSION 2

Expanding the Precision Frontier

9:55-10:25

Precision Oncology in the Immunotherapy Era: Biomarkers and Clinical Trial Innovation

Razelle Kurzrock, MD

Lillian Siu, MD, President, AACR 2025-2026; Director, Phase I Clinical Trials Program; Co-Director, Robert and Maggie Bras and Family Drug Development Program Clinical Lead, Tumor Immunotherapy Program; BMO Chair, Precision Cancer Genomics, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre Professor of Medicine, University of Toronto

  • Princess Margaret CC went to Merck got pembrolizumab from them but built a team platform of clinicians and scientists to work on INSPIRE trial
  • $11 million of grants, 13 major papers, great team science
  • did ctDNA from liquid biopsy and also looked at methylation patterns in cfDNA
  • looked at IFN stimulation and outcome to pembrolizumab
  • retro transposable elements found in INSPIRE program, maybe a predictor of immune sensitivity
  • they were able to correlate some of their findings with spatial omics
  • using spatial data they could look at hot versus cold head and neck cancer
  •  factors for response to immunotherapy: TMB, t cell infiltrate,  PDL1 etc
  • using AI with IHC slides as well as NGS data sets
  • as clinical trials become multiomics and AI with multiomics platforms data sharing will be critical for success

10:25 – 10:35

The Microbiome and Its Role in Cancer Development and Treatment Response

Razelle Kurzrock, MD

Sabine Hazan, MD, CEO, Ventura Clinical Trials; CEO, Progenabiome

  • microbiome research at the infancy so we don’t know much when comes to oncology
  • we need to compare microbiome between persons using NGS and other omics
  • we all have different microbiome even though microbiome ‘healthy’
  • lots of factors affect microbiome including surgery
  • families are similar in their microbiome but when looking at Alzheimers there are differences
  • first lab to find whole COVID in the stools
  • virus was different in different people, difference spike proteins. Virus mutates from lung to stool (gut)
  • in intrafamily patients had different microbiome upon COVID infection
  • bifodobacteria was found as a major part of microbiome altered in COVID but also lots of other diseases
  • lots of examples of host microbial symbiosis
  • they had an instance with throat tumor treated with microbiome and tumor receded without chemo
  • in a glioblastoma microbiome adjustment helped but changed positive response to immunotherapy

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Real Time Conference Coverage: Advancing Precision Medicine Conference, Afternoon Session Track 1 October 3 2025

Reporter: Stephen J. Williams, PhD

Leaders in Pharmaceutical Business Intellegence will be covering this conference LIVE over X.com at

@pharma_BI

@StephenJWillia2

@AVIVA1950

@AdvancingPM

using the following meeting hashtags

#AdvancingPM #precisionmedicine #WINSYMPO2025

WIN SYMPOSIUM

1:50-4:05

SESSION 4

From Targets to Trials:
Translating Discovery into Impact

1:50-2:10

Beyond Checkpoint Inhibitors: Targeted Immunotherapeutic Approaches for the Management of Solid Tumors

Andrea Ferreira-Gonzalez
  • we need to turn these immuno-cold tumors into immuno ‘hot’ tumors so immunotherapy will be effective and recognize them
  • however each immunotherapies have their own toxicities
  • immunocheck points inhibitors: 50% of patients get very rough adverse events and have to stop therapy and give immunosuppressives
  • 60 yo female with urothelial carcinoma with chemo induced rash given pembrolizumab but got worse rash… had Steven Johnson Syndrome… fatal outcome from one cycle of PD-L1 inhibitor
  • so now we are giving these immune checkpoints earlier before even surgery… the overall survival better but there are certain personalized toxicities
  • up to 35% patients with cancer have chronic immuno related adverse events and dose limiting toxicities
  • 50% have low grade multiple toxicities (and they treat these AEs with steroids)
  • we have no biomarkers for these PD/PDL1 inhibitor adverse events

 

2:10-2:30

Implementing Molecular Profiling in Early Phase Clinical Trials: Precision from Bench to Bedside

Andrea Ferreira-Gonzalez
  • power of biomarkers: BRCA2 null women with ovarian cancer success with olaparib even though at time was not approved except the biomarker known
  • every week they discuss with internal tumor board and consult with Foundation Medicine; however a mutational panel is great but need to understand the underlying effect on tumor biology
  • there are a handful of tumor agnostic targeted agents: based on biomarkers
  • she thinks digital twins will be helpful in determining cohort selection for clinical trails
  • she would like multiomics to be performed on every patient but how would this be done, especially in the ecosystem of the USA
  • from attendee question to speaker panel (from Indai): they have been running tmolecular boards but problem is when new targets or fusion proteins become known without a priori knowledge of them and no combination know what to do?

 

:30-2:40

Q&A

Andrea Ferreira-Gonzalez
Andrea Ferreira-Gonzalez

2:40-3:20

Non- CME Session: Venture Philanthropy

Andrea Ferreira-Gonzalez

Eric Heil, MBAManaging PartnerMedical Excellence Capital

  • started a venture fund and then a 501(c) to give small grants
  • in venture philanthropy it is not traditional grant writing but more of a personal relationship; he says find other companies they have backed and ask them
  • all about networking
  • looked at 1400 deals but only invested in 13
  • back years ago his company biotech got ten million after 2009 from TAP but now it seems smaller bridge money
John Lehr, President & CEO, Parkinson's Foundation

John LehrPresident & CEOParkinson’s Foundation

  • runs venture philanthropy which is more like a mix of venture fund and granting agency
  • most run a for profit venture but mix model with 501c to fund small grants
Dr. Blaine Robinson

Dr. Blaine Robinson, PhDVice President of the Therapy Acceleration Program (TAP)Blood Cancer United

  • runs Blood Cancer United that offers grants for blood based research
  • they run three pillars: venture biotech funding, clinical trial funding, and academic research but most they take equity in biotechs
  • so venture philanthropy is more of equity investing and using those funds to fund younger companies like bridge between first round and series C
  • Blood Cancer United looking for million and above investment “first in class’; was early with Kite and UPenn (where are they now… are they still with them?)

3:20-4:10

eNSCLC Testing

Andrea Ferreira-Gonzalez
  • lung cancer has seemed to be ahead with respect to biomarkers and precision therapies
  • at least with NCCN guidelines they are up to 14 therapeutic biomarkers not diagnostic biomarkers so very ahead on the clinical decision making on actionable mutations for lung cancer
  • so most of the testing is genomic mutational spectrum for oncogenic drivers
  • there are three protein based biomarkers: Met, PDL1,
  • FISH is still used for some fusions
  • NGS is more sensitive test but takes 2-4 weeks
  • the number of  detected EGFR variants are increasing so it is affecting the drug specificity
  • recently NRG1 fusions have been approved as a heregulin HER3 biomarker;
  • 15% which were detected as negative for fusions the patients actually responded because fusions were hard to detect; many false positives
  • 76% did not meet MET eligbility but only 13% were high enough for MET marker but was enough for FDA approval
  • some drugs beneficial for mutated version and some good for over expressed like MET or HER2 but where the mutation or exon skipping is important for therapy choice
  • we need better biobanking because we need more tissue; we loose more tissue during sectioning and not splitting blocks into two (one for diagnostic one for therapeutic)
  • liquid biopsy will find some mutations but other ones not very sensitivity in liquid biopsy like MET mutations (mutations may be assay specific)
  • some muts in bone marrow may just be in aging progenitor cells and sometimes in oncogene like BRAF but not cancer but dlonal homatopoesis (increased risk for myeloproliferative diseases but not solid tumors like melanoma)
  • clonal homatopoesis actually common so watch out when just relying on liquid biopsy

 

 

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Conference Coverage 2025 Advancing Precision Medicine Conference, Philadelphia PA October 3-4 2025

Reporter: Stephen J. Williams, PhD

The Annual Advanced Precision Medicine Conference will be held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center October 3-4 2025 in Philadelphia PA.   Advancing Precision Medicine is an organization dedicated to provide education and discourse among medical professionals to advance the field of precision therapeutics and diagnostics in cancer, cardiovascular, and other diseases.  The Annual symposium is held in Philadelphia.

The event will consist of two parallel tracks composed of keynote addresses, panel discussions and fireside chats which will encourage audience participation. Over the course of the two-day event leaders from industry, healthcare, regulatory bodies, academia and other pertinent stakeholders will share an intriguing and broad scope of content.

This event will consist of three immersive tracks, each crafted to explore the multifaceted dimensions of precision medicine. Delve into Precision Oncology, where groundbreaking advancements are reshaping the landscape of cancer diagnosis and treatment. Traverse the boundaries of Precision Medicine Outside of Oncology, as we probe into the intricate interplay of genetics, lifestyle, and environment across a spectrum of diseases and conditions including rare disease, cardiology, ophthalmology, and neurodegenerative disease. Immerse yourself in AI for Precision Medicine, where cutting-edge technologies are revolutionizing diagnostics, therapeutics, and patient care. Additionally, explore the emerging frontiers of Spatial Biology and Mult-Omics, where integrated approaches are unraveling the complexities of biological systems with unprecedented depth and precision.

https://www.advancingprecisionmedicine.com/ 

Leaders in Pharmaceutical Business Intellegence will be covering this conference LIVE over X.com at

@pharma_BI

@StephenJWillia2

@AVIVA1950

@AdvancingPM

using the following meeting hashtags

#AdvancingPM #precisionmedicine #WINSYMPO2025

APM is a mission-driven team dedicated to advancing clinical practice through education in precision medicine, oncology, and pathology. Our expert-led programs bring together clinicians, pathologists, pharmacists, nurses, and researchers from across the country.

What We Offer

In 2025, we’re proud to offer three specialized event series—each tailored to a different corner of the healthcare ecosystem:

Register here for the 2025 Conference: https://www.advancingprecisionmedicine.com/apm-home/apm-annual-conference-and-exhibition-in-philadelphia/ 

Where discovery meets application – and science transforms lives.

What’s New in 2025?

Four Specialized Tracks:

Track 1 – 2025 WIN Symposium: Progress and Challenges in Precision Oncology
Presented in partnership with Advancing Precision Medicine

As the official 2025 WIN Symposium, this dedicated track will explore the evolving landscape of precision oncology, highlighting both groundbreaking advances and the ongoing challenges of translating molecular insights into clinical impact. Curated by the WIN Consortium, the program will feature global leaders in cancer research, diagnostics, and therapeutic innovation—offering a comprehensive view of how precision medicine is reshaping oncology across tumor types and care settings.

Track 2 – Day 1 – Multi-Omics Integration, Day 2 – Precision Medicine Outside of Oncology

From genomics and transcriptomics to proteomics and metabolomics—this track highlights how multi-layered data is revolutionizing systems biology and clinical decision-making.

Diving into applications across cardiovascular, neurology, rare disease, infectious disease, and other therapeutic areas where precision tools are reshaping clinical practice.

 

Why Attend?

  • Cutting-Edge Innovation: Explore AI-powered solutions, multi-omics workflows, clinical trial design, and real-world implementation.
  • Renowned Speakers: Hear from global thought leaders in translational research, biotech innovation, and personalized therapeutics.
  • Dynamic Format: Keynotes, fireside chats, panels, and audience-interactive discussions across four concurrent tracks.
  • Unmatched Networking: Collaborate with scientists, startups, executives, regulators, and investors shaping tomorrow’s care.
  • Philadelphia Advantage: Centrally located near premier academic institutions, hospitals, incubators, and venture capital networks.

Who Should Attend?

Researchers, clinicians, data scientists, regulatory experts, startup founders, investors, tech transfer professionals, and healthcare leaders.

Let’s advance a future that is more predictive, preventive, and precise—together.

Keynote Speaker

  • William Kaelin, Jr, MD

    2019 Nobel Laureate
    Sidney Farber Professor, Harvard Medical School and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

2019 Nobel Laureate

Sidney Farber Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute 

Senior Physician-Scientist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital

Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator

William Kaelin is the Sidney Farber Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Senior Physician-Scientist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator. He obtained his undergraduate and M.D. degrees from Duke University and completed his training in Internal Medicine at the Johns Hopkins Hospital, where he served as chief medical resident. He was a clinical fellow in Medical Oncology at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and later a postdoctoral fellow in David Livingston’s laboratory, during which time he was a McDonnell Scholar.

A Nobel Laureate, Dr. Kaelin received the 2019 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. He is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the National Academy of Medicine, the American Society of Clinical Investigation, and the American College of Physicians. He previously served on the National Cancer Institute Board of Scientific Advisors, the AACR Board of Trustees, and the Institute of Medicine National Cancer Policy Board. He is a recipient of the Paul Marks Prize for cancer research from the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center; the Richard and Hinda Rosenthal Prize from the AACR; the Doris Duke Distinguished Clinical Scientist award; the 2010 Canada International Gairdner Award; ASCI’s Stanley J. Korsmeyer Award; the Scientific Grand Prix of the Foundation Lefoulon-Delalande; the Wiley Prize in Biomedical Sciences; the Steven C. Beering Award; the AACR Princess Takamatsu Award; the ASCO Science of Oncology Award; the Helis Award; the Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Prize; the Massry Prize; the Harriet P. Dustan Award for Science as Related to Medicine from the American College of Physicians.

Dr. Kaelin’s research seeks to understand how, mechanistically, mutations affecting tumor-suppressor genes cause cancer. His laboratory is currently focused on studies of the VHL, RB-1, and p53 tumor suppressor genes. His long-term goal is to lay the foundation for new anticancer therapies based on the biochemical functions of such proteins. His work on the VHL protein helped to motivate the eventual successful clinical testing of VEGF inhibitors for the treatment of kidney cancer. Moreover, this line of investigation led to new insights into how cells sense and respond to changes in oxygen, and thus has implications for diseases beyond cancer, such as anemia, myocardial infarction, and stroke. His group also showed that leukemic transformation by mutant IDH was reversible, setting the stage for the development and approval of mutant IDH inhibitors, and discovered how thalidomide-like drugs kill myeloma cells by degrading two otherwise undruggable transcription factors,

2025 Steering Committee

Presentations

A diverse group of more than 90 key opinion leaders will convene to explore the critical forces shaping the future of healthcare. Representing a range of disciplines—including genomics, bioinformatics, clinical research, biopharma, technology, and investment—these experts will lead discussions on the latest advancements and challenges in precision medicine.

Topics will include the evolution of genomic sequencing technologies, ethical considerations in managing patient data, the integration of AI in diagnostics, and strategies for translating innovation into clinical practice. The inclusion of investors and strategic partners will also bring a vital perspective on funding models, commercialization pathways, and the acceleration of cutting-edge therapies. Together, these voices will offer a comprehensive view of the trends transforming personalized healthcare on a global scale.

Networking Opportunities

Our precision medicine event, hosting over 500 attendees, offers invaluable networking opportunities. Bringing together professionals, researchers, and industry leaders, the event facilitates engaging discussions, knowledge-sharing, and potential partnerships, driving advancements in precision medicine.

Why Exhibit

Exhibiting at the event provides a unique opportunity to showcase your cutting-edge solutions and connect with key stakeholders in the rapidly advancing field of personalized healthcare. As an exhibitor, you’ll gain visibility among industry leaders, researchers, and professionals, allowing you to forge strategic partnerships, highlight your contributions to precision medicine, and stay at the forefront of innovations shaping the future of healthcare. Don’t miss the chance to position your company as a leader in this dynamic and transformative space, driving meaningful collaborations and contributing to the advancement of precision medicine.

THE LOCATION

APM Annual Conference 2025

Pennsylvania Convention Center
1101 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107

Philadelphia

Registration Fees

Student – free
Academic/Government/Non-Profit  – free
Healthcare Providers – free 
Investors – free
Vendor/Technology Provider $999

Other Live Conference Proceedings can be found on this Online Open Access Journal at:

Press Coverage

including a list of previous conference at:

Part Two: List of BioTech Conferences 2013 to Present

including Live Coverage of the 2024 Advancing Precision Medicine conference at:

Real Time Coverage Advancing Precision Medicine Annual Conference, Philadelphia PA November 1,2 2024

 

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Cancer Surgery Rethought: Immunotherapy Takes the Lead

Curator: Dr. Sudipta Saha, Ph.D.

In a recent phase 2 study published in The New England Journal of Medicine, the efficacy of nonoperative management was assessed in patients with mismatch repair–deficient (dMMR) solid tumors. Instead of undergoing curative-intent surgery, patients with stage I to III dMMR tumors were administered immune checkpoint inhibitors.

The study was conducted across two cohorts involving 117 patients. After two years of follow-up, a recurrence-free survival rate of 92% (95% CI, 86 to 99) was achieved. It was found that complete clinical responses could be maintained without surgical intervention, and substantial preservation of organ function was observed.

The avoidance of surgery was associated with fewer treatment-related complications and a significant improvement in patients’ quality of life. It has been emphasized that dMMR tumors, being highly immunogenic, respond exceptionally well to immune checkpoint blockade, thereby offering a viable alternative to conventional surgery-based treatment plans.

While the study’s findings have been considered ground breaking, long-term data have been recommended to fully validate this approach. Future studies are expected to refine patient selection criteria and monitoring strategies to ensure sustained outcomes.

Overall, a potential shift in the standard of care for patients with early-stage dMMR tumors has been proposed, highlighting how personalized immunotherapy can redefine oncological practice.

References

https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2404512

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28734759

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26028255

https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/12/9/2679

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Resitu Medical Sets Stage for Breakthrough in Breast Tumour Removal

Curator: Dr. Sudipta Saha, Ph.D.

Resitu Medical, a Swedish company specializing in minimally invasive breast tumour removal, has announced the appointment of Stefan Sowa as its new Chief Executive Officer. Strategic leadership is being strengthened as the company moves towards commercialization in both European and American markets.

A novel electrosurgical device, designed to excise entire breast lesions during the biopsy procedure, is being developed by Resitu. The device is intended to minimize the need for open surgery by allowing intact removal of tissue with minimal bleeding, guided by real-time ultrasound imaging. Preclinical studies are currently being conducted, and preparations for FDA clearance and CE marking are underway.

ISO 13485 certification for the design, development, manufacturing, and sales of the device has been successfully obtained. Investment has been secured from major shareholders, including Novoaim, ALMI Invest Stockholm, and STOAF, to support the finalization of the product and the initiation of serial production for clinical trials.

Through the use of its technology, false negatives are hoped to be reduced, while patient outcomes and diagnostic accuracy are expected to be significantly improved. The burden on healthcare systems may also be alleviated by minimizing the need for recalls and secondary biopsies.

Positive attention has been garnered at major medical conferences, with workshops hosted at events such as the Uppsala Breast Meeting, and favourable media coverage has been achieved. With Stefan Sowa at the helm, Resitu’s innovative device is poised to transform breast cancer management practices globally.

References

https://news.cision.com/let-em-know-ab/r/resitu-strengthens-c-suite-with-new-ceo-as-it-prepares-for-commercialization-of-its-breast-tumor-rem,c4140424

https://www.resitu.com

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/breast-cancer

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Coverage Afternoon Session on Precision Oncology: Advancing Precision Medicine Annual Conference, Philadelphia PA November 1 2024

Reporter: Stephen J. Williams, Ph.D.

Unlocking the Next Quantum Leap in Precision Medicine – A Town Hall Discussion (CME Eligible)

Co-Chairs

Amanda Paulovich, Professor, Aven Foundation Endowed Chair
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center

Susan Monarezm Deputy Director ARPA-H

Henry Rodriguez, NCI/NIH

Eric Schadt, Pathos

Ezra Cohen, Tempus

Jennifer Leib, Innovation Policy Solutions

Nick Seddon, Optum Genomics

Giselle Sholler, Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital

Janet Woodcock, formerly FDA

Amanda Paulovich: Frustrated by the variability in cancer therapy results.  Decided to help improve cancer diagnostics

  •  We have plateaued on relying on single gene single protein companion diagnostics
  • She considers that regulatory, economic, and cultural factors are hindering the innovation and resulting in the science way ahead of the clinical aspect of diagnostics
  • Diagnostic research is not as well funded as drug discovery
  • Biomarkers, the foundation for the new personalized medicine, should be at forefront Read the Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell
  • FDA is constrained by statutory mandates 

 

Eric Schadt

Pathos

 

  • Multiple companies trying to chase different components of precision medicine strategy including all the one involved in AI
  • He is helping companies creating those mindmaps, knowledge graphs, and create more predictive systems
  • Population screening into population groups will be using high dimensional genomic data to determine risk in various population groups however 60% of genomic data has no reported ancestry
  • He founded Sema4 but many of these companies are losing $$ on these genomic diagnostics
  • So the market is not monetizing properly
  • Barriers to progress: arbitrary evidence thresholds for payers, big variation across health care system, regulatory framework

 

Beat Childhood Cancer Consortium Giselle

 

  • Consortium of university doctors in pediatrics
  • They had a molecular tumor board to look at the omics data
  • Showed example of choroid plexus tumor success with multi precision meds vs std chemo
  • Challenges: understanding differences in genomics test (WES, NGS, transcriptome etc.
  • Precision medicine needs to be incorporated in med education.. Fellowships.. Residency
  • She spends hours with the insurance companies providing more and more evidence to justify reimbursements
  • She says getting that evidence is a challenged;  biomedical information needs to be better CURATED

 

Dr. Ezra Cohen, Tempest

 

  • HPV head and neck cancer, good prognosis, can use cituximab and radiation
  • $2 billion investment at Templest of AI driven algorithm to integrate all omics; used LLM models too

Dr. Janet Woodcock

 

  • Our theoretical problem with precision and personalized medicine is that we are trained to think of the average patient
  • ISPAT II trial a baysian trial; COVID was a platform trial
  • She said there should there be NIH sponsored trials on adaptive biomarker platform trials

This event will be covered by the LPBI Group on Twitter.  Follow on

@Pharma_BI

@StephenJWillia2

@Aviva1950

@AdvancingPM

using the following meeting hashtags

#AdvancingPM #precisionmedicine

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Real Time Coverage Advancing Precision Medicine Annual Conference, Philadelphia PA November 1,2 2024

Reporter: Stephen J. Williams, Ph.D.

Source: https://www.advancingprecisionmedicine.com/apm-annual-conference-and-exhibition-in-philadelphia/ 

This event will be covered by the LPBI Group on Twitter.  Follow on

@Pharma_BI

@StephenJWillia2

@Aviva1950

@AdvancingPM

using the following meeting hashtags

#AdvancingPM #precisionmedicine

The Advancing Precision Medicine (APM) Annual Conference 2024 will take place at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia,  November 1-2, 2024. Located in the heart of the biopharma ecosystem and with easy access to some of the most renowned academic and research institutions in the world, the APM Annual Conference 2024 will attract all segments of the precision medicine landscape.

The event will consist of two parallel tracks composed of keynote addresses, panel discussions and fireside chats which will encourage audience participation. Over the course of the two-day event leaders from industry, healthcare, regulatory bodies, academia and other pertinent stakeholders will share an intriguing and broad scope of content.

his event will consist of three immersive tracks, each crafted to explore the multifaceted dimensions of precision medicine. Delve into Precision Oncology, where groundbreaking advancements are reshaping the landscape of cancer diagnosis and treatment. Traverse the boundaries of Precision Medicine Outside of Oncology, as we probe into the intricate interplay of genetics, lifestyle, and environment across a spectrum of diseases and conditions including rare disease, cardiology, ophthalmology, and neurodegenerative disease. Immerse yourself in AI for Precision Medicine, where cutting-edge technologies are revolutionizing diagnostics, therapeutics, and patient care. Additionally, explore the emerging frontiers of Spatial Biology and Mult-Omics, where integrated approaches are unraveling the complexities of biological systems with unprecedented depth and precision.

Whether you are a seasoned researcher, a dedicated clinician, or a visionary industry professional, this conference serves as a vibrant hub of knowledge exchange, collaboration, and innovation. Elevate your expertise, expand your network, and chart the course of your career trajectory amidst a community of like-minded individuals.  Join us as we embark on this transformative journey, where the possibilities are as limitless as the potential of precision medicine itself.

Agenda – What’s on when

7:30 – 8:25

Registration and Check-in          Meeting Room 203          Philadelphia Convention Center

8:25 – 8:30

Welcome and Introduction

8:30 – 9:00

Opening Keynote

Advancing Precision Medicine in the Prevention and Treatment of Cardiometabolic Disease (CME Eligible)

Daniel Rader

Daniel Rader, Penn Medicine and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

9:00 – 10:20

9:00-10:20

Diagnosis to Treatment – A Case Study in Non Small Cell Lung Cancer

Jason Crites

Moderator: Jason Crites, Assurance Health Data

Miriam Bredella, NYU Lagone Health

Robert Dumanois

Rob Dumanois, Thermo Fisher Scientific

Joe Lennerz

Joe Lennerz, BostonGene

10:20 – 10:50

Networking, Exhibits and Product Presentations

10:25-10:35  PRODUCT PRESENTATION  204C

The Genexus Integrated Sequencer System:
NGS Results in 24 hours for Oncology Genomic Profiling

Jeff Smith,  Thermo Fisher Scientific

10:35-10:45  PRODUCT PRESENTATION  204A

Shifting the Paradigm in Patient Management with MRD Testing: Why Evidence-Generated Performance and Experience is Key

Karen Lin, Natera

10:50 – 12:50

10:50-11:50

Who Needs Liquid Biopsy? Opportunities to Increase Access and Improve Outcomes

Nicole St. Jean, GSK

Phil Febbo,  Veracyte, Inc.

Andrea Ferreira-Gonzalez, Virginia Commonwealth University

Lauren Leiman, BloodPAC

Nicole Sheahan, Global Colon Cancer Association

11:50-12:50

Advancing Digital Pathology and Precision Medicine – Where Are We Now?

Shruti Mathur, Genentech

Luke Benko, Roche Diagnostics

Kimberly GasuadJK Life Sciences

Eric Walk, PathAI

10:50-11:10

Real World Data vs Multi Modal Omics Data for Therapeutic Discovery (CME Eligible)

Adam Resnick, CHOP

11:10-11:30

An Academic Perspective on Rare Disease Target Discovery to Commercial Treatment Development (CME Eligible)

Hakon Hakonarson

Hakon Hakonarson, CHOP

11:30-11:50

NCATS Perspective on Success and Failures of Drug Repurposing for Rare Disease (CME Eligible)

PJ Brooks, NIH

11:50-12:10

Pharma Perspective and Realities (CME Eligible)

Sundeep Dugar, Rarefy Therapeutics

12:10-12:50

A Panel Discussion: Scaling Precision Therapeutic Development for Rare Disease (CME Eligible)

Marni Falk

Marni Falk, CHOP

Stephen Ekker, University of Texas at Austin

Christine Nguyen, FDA

Frank Sasinowski, Hyman, Phelps & McNamara

Adam Resnick, CHOP

Hakon Hakonarson

Hakon Hakonarson, CHOP

Sundeep Dugar, Rarefy Therapeutics

PJ Brooks, NIH

12:50 – 1:50

Lunch & Product Presentations

1:10-1:25  PRODUCT PRESENTATION  204C

The Power of ctDNA Testing in Therapy Selection and Recurrence Monitoring

Taylor Jensen,  LabCorp

1:50 – 3:50

1:50-3:50

Unlocking the Next Quantum Leap in Precision Medicine – A Town Hall Discussion (CME Eligible)

Co-Chairs

Amanda Paulovich

Amanda Paulovich, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center

Henry Rodriguez

Henry Rodriguez, NCI/NIH

Eric Schadt

Eric Schadt, Pathos

Participants

Ezra Cohen, Tempus

Jennifer Leib, Innovation Policy Solutions

Susan Monarez, ARPA-H

Nick Seddon, Optum Genomics 

Giselle Sholler, Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital

Janet Woodcock

Janet Woodcock, Former FDA

1:50-2:50

Advancing Precision Medicine in Non-Oncology Therapeutic Areas

Moderator: Mike Montalto, Amgen

Scott Friedman, Mt. Sinai

Sana Syed, University of Virginia

Lei Zhao, Amgen

2:50-3:20

Towards a Precision Neuroimmunology Platform (CME Eligible)

Amit Bar-Or, Penn Medicine

3:20-3:50

3:50 – 4:20

Networking and Exhibits

4:20 – 6:15

4:20-4:45

Advancing Precision Medicine: Polygenic Risk Scores and Beyond (CME Eligible)

Dokyoon Kim, Penn Medicine

4:45-5:30

The Rocky Road to Clinical Trial Diversity (CME Eligible)

Ysabel Duron, The Latino Cancer Institute

Porscha Johnson, PJW Clinical Pharmacy Consulting

Victor LaGroon, Department of Veterans Affairs

5:30-6:15

In the Rising Age of Women’s Health, How Do We Build Diagnostics to Last?

Oriana Papin Zoghbi, AOADx

Sarah Huah, Johnson & Johnson

6:30 – 7:00

Evening Keynote

Reimagining Health Equity in the Era of Precision Medicine (CME Eligible)

Rick Kittles

Rick Kittles, Morehouse School of Medicine

7:00 – 7:45

Cocktail Networking Reception 

November 02, 2024

8:00-8:55

Registration and Check-in          Meeting Room 203          Philadelphia Convention Center

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Reporter and Curator: Dr. Sudipta Saha, Ph.D.

A large clinical trial has shown that pembrolizumab (Keytruda), an immunotherapy drug, nearly doubles the cancer-free survival time for patients with high-risk, muscle-invasive bladder cancer following surgery. The study, published on September 15, 2024, in The New England Journal of Medicine, was led by NIH researchers and demonstrated that pembrolizumab outperforms traditional observation methods post-surgery. Patients receiving pembrolizumab had a median cancer-free survival of 29.6 months, compared to 14.2 months for the observation group.

The trial enrolled 702 participants, some of whom had previously undergone cisplatin-based chemotherapy (neoadjuvant therapy). Pembrolizumab was administered every three weeks for a year. The drug was well tolerated, with common side effects including fatigue, itching, diarrhea, and thyroid issues.

Interestingly, the benefit of pembrolizumab was seen regardless of the tumor’s PD-L1 status.

  • Patients with PD-L1-positive tumors had a median cancer-free survival of 36.9 months.
  • Patients with PD-L1-negative tumors experienced 17.3 months cancer-free.

These results suggest that PD-L1 status should not be the sole factor in selecting patients for this therapy.

While overall survival rates were similar between the pembrolizumab and observation groups, many patients in the observation group began taking nivolumab once it was approved, complicating survival comparisons. Researchers are continuing to explore other treatment combinations and biomarkers to better personalize adjuvant therapy for bladder cancer patients.

References:

https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/immunotherapy-after-surgery-helps-people-high-risk-bladder-cancer-live-cancer-free-longer

https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2401726

https://www.urotoday.com/recent-abstracts/urologic-oncology/bladder-cancer/154851-adjuvant-pembrolizumab-versus-observation-in-muscle-invasive-urothelial-carcinoma.html

https://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/audio-english-spanish-biomed-e-series/new-genre-audio-english-spanish-series-c-e-books-on-cancer-oncology/new-genre-volume-two-cancer-therapies-metabolic-genomics-interventional-immunotherapy-and-nanotechnology-in-therapy-delivery-series-b-volume-2%ef%bf%bc/

https://pharmaceuticalintelligence.com/2017/11/21/knowing-the-genetic-vulnerability-of-bladder-cancer-for-therapeutic-intervention/

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Armored CD7-CAR T Cells: A Fratricide-Resistant Solution for T-ALL Therapy

Reporter and Curator: Dr. Sudipta Saha, Ph.D.

This research reported in Nature Medicine addresses the challenge of treating T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) with CAR T-cell therapy, particularly focusing on CD7, a surface marker highly expressed on T-ALL cells. The authors develop a novel CAR T-cell therapy that targets CD7, but with a crucial innovation which is fratricide resistance.

Fratricide, a phenomenon where CAR T cells kill each other (killing sister cells) due to shared CD7 expression, has been a significant problem in using CD7-directed therapies. To overcome this, the researchers made CD7-negative CAR T cells (CD7-CAR T cells) by knocking out CD7 from the CAR T cells themselves, preventing them from attacking one another.

Their preclinical results show that these CD7-CAR T cells exhibit strong anti-leukemic activity in T-ALL models, both in vitro and in vivo.

  • The fratricide-resistant T cells not only maintain their potency but also display enhanced proliferation and persistence, crucial for sustained therapeutic effects. Additionally,
  • the study highlights the feasibility and safety of this approach by demonstrating no adverse off-target effects or side effects, making it a potentially promising treatment for T-ALL patients who have limited options.

The research presents a significant advancement in CAR T-cell therapy by addressing the challenge of fratricide, offering a new, effective, and safe therapeutic option for T-ALL patients. The development of fratricide-resistant CD7-CAR T cells could lead to more successful outcomes in clinical applications, revolutionizing the treatment for T-ALL patients.

References:

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-024-03228-8

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39227445

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36086817

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35435984

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28539325

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29296885

 

Other articles on Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) published in this Open Access Journal include the following:

Inotuzumab Ozogamicin: Success in relapsed/refractory Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)

FDA: CAR-T therapy outweigh its risks tisagenlecleucel, manufactured by Novartis of Basel – 52 out of 63 participants — 82.5% — experienced overall remissions – young patients with Leukaemia [ALL]

Sunitinib brings Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) to Remission – RNA Sequencing – FLT3 Receptor Blockade

 

Other articles on CAR-T cell Therapies published in this Open Access Journal include the following:

Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy to honor Dr. Crystal Mackall with Edward Netter Leadership Award

Lessons on the Frontier of Gene & Cell Therapy – The Disruptive Dozen 12 #GCT Breakthroughs that are revolutionizing Healthcare

19th Annual Koch Institute Summer Symposium on Cancer Immunotherapy, June 12, 2020 at MIT’s Kresge Auditorium

2022 FDA Drug Approval List, 2022 Biological Approvals and Approved Cellular and Gene Therapy Products

Tweets at #WMIF2022 by @pharma_BI & @AVIVA1950 and all Retweets of these Tweets – 2022 World Medical Innovation Forum, GENE & CELL THERAPY • MAY 2–4, 2022 • BOSTON

 

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