First lung cancer trial delivers comprehensive genomic testing for precision medicine

Pharma News: Lung cancer accounts for more cancer-related deaths than any other cancer type in Australia or worldwide. Genomic testing enables the cancer to be treated with targeted therapies where patients can live for many years, with milder and manageable side effects.

The ASPiRATION trial, developed by Thoracic Oncology Group of Australasia (TOGA) in partnership with Omico Australia and the NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre at the University of Sydney, and funded by the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) and Roche Products, is the first of its kind in Australia designed to generate high-quality, real-world data about the impact and value of comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) in delivering precision medicine and personalised healthcare for people with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Professor Nick Pavlakis, medical oncologist, TOGA Board of Directors Chair and Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) Past President said “Once we’ve identified these genomic alterations, we can present our patients with the opportunity to receive targeted treatments, specific to their genomic alterations, thus personalising their treatment to get the best outcome.”

“This type of precision medicine can save lives. The more we know about a tumour, the better we can treat it,” he said.

“We’ve already seen the tremendous benefit of ASPiRATION. Through CGP, we successfully identified eight RET fusion patients and many KRAS G12C patients and were able to direct them to highly-effective treatments that wouldn’t have been options for them otherwise,” said Prof Pavlakis, adding

“The ASPiRATION trial demonstrates the value of trials designed by a dedicated membership group of expert lung cancer clinicians and patient representatives.”

Professor Solomon, medical oncologist, TOGA Board of Directors Scientific Chair and ASPiRATION study co-chair presented the preliminary findings from the study at COSA’s Annual Scientific Meeting, as part of their Equitable care for all theme.

“Unfortunately, before this trial, not everyone with NSCLC had access to this type of molecular testing. Inequities exist for patients in regional versus metropolitan centres, as well as between those who can, and can’t, pay for testing,” said Prof Solomon.

The ASPiRATION trial will provide 1000 newly diagnosed lung cancer patients access to CGP, regardless of where they live in Australia.

“It’s breaking down barriers to access and ensuring all Australian patients with NSCLC are given the same treatment opportunities. So far we have 500 patients who have consented for the study and 17 hospitals from around Australia involved,” said Prof Solomon.

ASPiRATION is accompanied by clinical trial substudies that enable access to targeted therapies not yet available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Additionally, patients whose CGP results identify NSCLC mutations not encompassed by these substudies, may be able to access targeted therapies through other programs and clinical trials.

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