#United States #Cancer Diagnosis #Caris Life Sciences #Irving #Caris Assure

Study Highlights

Caris Life Sciences recently published a pivotal research study demonstrating the unparalleled accuracy of their Caris Assure™ blood-based profiling technology in cancer diagnostics. This groundbreaking study, involving clinical data from 16,812 advanced cancer patients, emphasizes the importance of accurately identifying mutations from clonal hematopoiesis (CH) in order to improve treatment decisions.

Understanding Clonal Hematopoiesis

Clonal hematopoiesis occurs when a mutation-bearing hematopoietic stem cell creates blood cells that carry the same mutation. As patients age, these mutations accumulate, which can lead to false positives during blood tests, complicating the diagnosis of cancer. The Caris Assure™ technology is designed to distinguish between mutations that are derived from tumors and those from CH, providing clearer insights for oncologists.

Key Findings of the Study

• - CH Prevalence: The study found that 42.3% of the patients exhibited CH variants, with a particularly high occurrence of certain mutations: 76% of CHEK2 variants, 66.5% of BRCA2, and 58.6% of BRCA1 somatic variants were identified as CH-origin variants.

• - Age Correlation: The prevalence of CH increased significantly with age, rising from 20% in patients aged 65-69 years to 50% in those aged 80 and older.

• - Clinical Implications: The identification of CH variants is particularly crucial for patients with actionable genetic variants associated with PARP inhibitor therapies. Nearly 6% of prostate cancer patients presented with a CH mutation in a gene linked to PARP inhibitors. Without accurate classification, these patients might be wrongly directed toward therapies that do not address their actual tumor biology.

Expert Insights

Dr. George W. Sledge, Jr., EVP and Chief Medical Officer at Caris, emphasized the critical role accurate CH classification plays in providing optimal cancer therapy. “Without accurate CH classification, oncologists risk recommending therapies based on mutations that do not originate from the tumor,” he stated.

David Spetzler, MS, PhD, MBA, President of Caris, heralded the study as setting a new gold standard for liquid biopsy accuracy and cancer care. He noted that the innovative paired analysis of plasma and buffy coat can significantly enhance treatment decisions based on reliable data.

Methodology

In this study, researchers employed comprehensive sequencing methods including whole exome and whole transcriptome assays to analyze cfDNA (cell-free DNA) from blood samples. This approach allowed for the accurate classification of CH, tumor-derived, and germline mutations, providing a holistic view of the mutations present in advanced cancer patients.

Collaborative Efforts

The research was conducted in partnership with members of the Caris Precision Oncology Alliance™ (Caris POA), which consists of 96 cancer institutions and academic centers. This collaboration aims to advance the field of precision oncology through shared research efforts focused on improving molecular testing standards and patient outcomes.

Future Directions

Caris Life Sciences is committed to further enhancing their Caris Assure™ platform to ensure that clinicians make informed treatment decisions based on the most accurate and relevant genetic information. As the landscape of cancer treatment evolves, so does the need for precision medicine tools that provide exhaustive insights into the molecular intricacies of cancers.

For continued developments and information on Caris Life Sciences and their innovative solutions for cancer diagnosis and therapy selection, visit CarisLifeSciences.com.