Thermo Fisher Scientific and NCI launch myeloMATCH trial to advance AML and MDS treatment

In a significant advancement in cancer treatment, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE: TMO) has partnered with the National Cancer Institute (NCI), a component of the National Institutes of Health, to launch the myeloMATCH precision medicine umbrella trial. This initiative aims to revolutionize the treatment landscape for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) through advanced genetic testing and targeted therapy approaches.

The myeloMATCH trial represents a groundbreaking approach to cancer treatment, utilizing Thermo Fisher’s cutting-edge next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology. By analyzing patients’ bone marrow and blood samples for specific genetic biomarkers, the trial can swiftly match individuals with clinical trials testing new treatments targeted at the mutations driving their cancer. This rapid matching process is crucial for diseases like AML and MDS, which are aggressive and can progress quickly.

Dr. Harry P. Erba, chair of the SWOG Cancer Research Network Leukemia Committee and co-chair of the myeloMATCH Senior Science Council, emphasized the significance of this partnership. “Our collaboration with Thermo Fisher allows us to obtain required genomic profiling rapidly, enabling us to start tailored therapies for each subtype of the disease. This personalized approach aims to transform more patients into leukemia survivors,” he stated.

The Ion Torrent Genexus System, utilized in the myeloMATCH trial, is designed to deliver genomic testing results within a single day, reducing the typical wait times significantly. This efficiency is expected to facilitate quicker enrollment of patients into treatment sub-studies that are most relevant to their specific genetic profiles, ultimately speeding up the pace of research and development in the treatment of these cancers.

The myeloMATCH trial will be conducted across U.S. and Canadian sites of the NCI National Clinical Trials Network, which includes over 2,200 locations. The NCI’s Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis has also formed partnerships with various pharmaceutical companies to provide diverse drugs for the trial, enhancing the scope and impact of the research.

John Sos, senior vice president and president of life sciences solutions at Thermo Fisher Scientific, highlighted the transformative potential of the trial. “By quickly matching patients with the right clinical trials, we aim to better understand the clinical impact of these therapies and ensure that more patients have access to appropriate treatments,” he explained.

As the trial progresses, findings and methodologies are expected to contribute significantly to the field of oncology, providing insights that could lead to more effective treatments for AML, MDS, and potentially other cancers. The collaboration between Thermo Fisher and the NCI underlines a shared commitment to enhancing patient care through innovation and research.