#USA #Caris Life Sciences #Clonal Hematopoiesis #Liquid Biopsy #Irving

Caris Life Sciences Unveils Clonal Hematopoiesis Findings in Liquid Biopsy

Caris Life Sciences®, a frontrunner in AI-driven biotechnology and precision medicine, has recently showcased significant findings regarding the clinical relevance of clonal hematopoiesis (CH) in liquid biopsies. This revelation occurred during the 6th Annual Congress of the International Society for Liquid Biopsy (ISLB) held on November 23, 2024. The company, in conjunction with prominent cancer centers, underscored how effectively identifying and subtracting CH from liquid biopsy results is crucial in enhancing the accuracy of cancer treatment decisions.

The data reveal that approximately 40% of the cases analyzed showed CH mutations, an indication that these mutations can mislead oncologists when selecting therapy. According to George W. Sledge, Jr., MD, the Chief Medical Officer of Caris, the distinction between tumor-derived variants and those that arise from CH is paramount for effective treatment planning. Incorrect treatment recommendations can arise if CH variants are mistaken for tumor drivers, leading to potentially harmful consequences for patients.

The Power of Caris Assure

The Caris Assure™ assay stands out for its unique ability to detect not just somatic tumor variants but also incidental CH and germline variants. This is accomplished by sequencing both the plasma and the buffy coat, a process that provides a comprehensive picture of the patient’s genetic landscape. The data presented indicate that 39.5% of patients had identifiable CH mutations that could interfere with treatment plans if not appropriately managed.

Age-Related Prevalence

Interestingly, the incidence of CH mutations appeared to escalate with age. Among the patients aged 65-69, approximately 17% exhibited such mutations, while this figure surged to 50% in those over 80 years. Such statistics suggest a pressing need for oncologists to adapt their diagnostic strategies based on patient age, ensuring they offer the most effective therapies.

Furthermore, specific high frequencies of CH were detected within DNA repair genes such as BRCA1, BRCA2, and CHEK2. For instance, a staggering 79.9% of BRCA2 variants were attributed to CH, demonstrating that many mutations potentially influencing treatment decisions are actually unrelated to cancer tumors. This phenomenon implies that reliance solely on plasma analysis might lead to incorrect diagnoses.

Improving Oncologists’ Decisions

Caris Assure offers oncologists a more reliable method for determining the source of mutations. By providing clarity on whether variants are derived from CH or the tumor itself, the assay helps reduce the likelihood of inappropriate treatment recommendations. As David Spetzler, the president of Caris, emphasized, this is not only about refining clinical protocols but also about enhancing patient-centric care through tailored therapeutic strategies.

In collaboration with the Caris Precision Oncology Alliance™, comprising 96 healthcare institutions and research consortia, the comprehensive study analyzed 11,914 cancer patients across 48 distinct tumor types. The findings aim to empower oncologists with robust data that directly informs treatment pathways and optimizes clinical outcomes for cancer patients.

Future of Precision Medicine

Caris Life Sciences has positioned itself at the forefront of the precision medicine revolution. The company's innovative approaches utilize advanced AI and machine learning technologies to dissect the complex genetic intricacies of diseases. The synthesis of these techniques in their molecular profiling platforms enables them to deliver cutting-edge solutions that benefit clinicians and patients alike.

Ultimately, the advancements highlighted in this study are emblematic of a broader commitment to refining oncology practices. By accurately distinguishing between tumor mutations and those caused by clonal hematopoiesis, Caris Life Sciences is poised to enhance treatment personalization in cancer care significantly. These initiatives not only advocate for improved clinical accuracy but also resonate with Caris's vision of revolutionizing healthcare one patient at a time.

For more information on Caris Life Sciences and their innovative approaches, visit CarisLifeSciences.com.