Oct 12, 2016 3 min read

Notice: Undefined offset: 0 in /usr/web/cs-washington.ogdennews.com/wp-content/themes/News_Core_2023_WashCluster/includes/single/strategically_placed_photos_article.php on line 412

Notice: Trying to get property 'term_id' of non-object in /usr/web/cs-washington.ogdennews.com/wp-content/themes/News_Core_2023_WashCluster/includes/single/strategically_placed_photos_article.php on line 412

A collaboration between Allegheny Health Network (AHN) Cancer Institute and the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center will provide molecular testing for all AHN patients with certain late-stage cancers. Molecular testing helps physicians identify certain mutations or genetic alterations in their cancers, making patients more likely to benefit from certain drugs that target those alterations.

Under the new agreement, Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center experts will provide molecular testing for all AHN patients with Stage 4 colorectal cancer, melanoma, non-squamous, non-small cell lung cancers, and advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors.

“By using molecular panel testing, we can gain extraordinary insights into some of the genetic alterations present in each individual’s cancer,” said Gene Finley, MD, Deputy Director of Medical Oncology, AHN Cancer Institute. “Many tumors carry mutations that make them vulnerable to certain medications, and we can use the information provided by Johns Hopkins to help make the best treatment decisions for our patients.”

The treatment of cancers based on the results of molecular testing has grown widely over the past few years. The use of trastuzumab, which is manufactured under several names (including Herceptin) to slow the growth of breast cancers that express the HER-2 hormone, is one example of targeted therapy. Herceptin, like other targeted therapies, generally causes fewer unpleasant side effects than chemotherapy.

“Our agreement with Johns Hopkins gives us a framework to streamline the ordering of molecular tests, which will in turn expedite the availability of results,” said Jan Silverman, MD, System Chair, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, AHN. “Quick results are particularly essential for our patients with advanced cancers.”

Molecular testing is particularly useful for non-small cell lung cancer patients, as scientists have identified several biomarkers associated with the cancer. About one-third of patients test positive for at least one of them, helping doctors determine how a patient will respond to a particular treatment, Finley said.

The agreement to provide molecular testing is the latest way in which AHN Cancer Institute’s collaboration with the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center is benefiting patients throughout the Pittsburgh region and beyond. The collaboration has given AHN patients access to innovative clinical trials at Johns Hopkins, as well as second opinions, providing patients with comprehensive treatment options.

“As we move into a new era in the war on cancer, collaboration among institutions is an essential ingredient to success,” said David Parda, MD, Chair, AHN Cancer Institute. “Our agreement with Johns Hopkins is a perfect example of two great institutions breaking down barriers to share expertise for the benefit of patients. We are working together in a collaborative way to optimize the best methods and approaches for molecular testing and implement best practices.”

AHN researchers, working with the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP), conducted the practice-changing clinical trial that made trastuzemab standard therapy for many breast cancer patients. Pioneering work in molecular testing at both AHN and NSABP also included development of the Oncotype DX assay, further improving a personalized treatment approach for breast cancer patients.

Blair Jobe, MD, and colleagues from the AHN Esophageal and Lung Institute also recently discovered a panel of biomarkers that could detect esophageal cancer at its earliest stages, and many other groups within the AHN Cancer Institute are providing genomic based personalized patient care and conducting advancing research in this important and exciting area within their cancer-specific disease site groups.