Using gene expression patterns from lung cancer patients, the research team validated an unprecedented gene-drug mapping technology that began with liquid biopsy transcriptomic profiling, personalized gene expression signature, digital computational analytics, and identifying the best performing drugs from 700+ existing cancer drugs of approved, in clinical trials or investigational. The team then verified their technology, PGA (Patient-derived Gene expression-informed Anticancer drug efficacy), in a prospective study using a cohort of thirty real-world lung cancer patients.

Their work was published in Onco, a prestigious MDPI published journal.

This study showed that there are differences in gene expression profiles between different lung tumors and identifies potential avenues for improved treatment approaches. Most patients in this study were not qualified or unresponsive to targeted therapy or immunotherapy.

"We demonstrated the urgent need to assess changes in gene expression patterns in individual patients. Collectively our data provides a foundation for understanding the therapeutic response and treatment selection in lung cancer with an avenue for designing novel therapeutics and tailored interventions," said OncoDxRx.

"We have uncovered master biomarkers of drug response in lung cancer, revealing new therapeutic opportunities to improve outcomes for this deadly disease. By leveraging personalized gene signatures and in silico drug matching approaches, this study identifies effective treatment options when the standard of care has exhausted."

As a result, potential targets have been identified with more weight being given to the core gene panel of PGA which was identified as targets of tumor vulnerabilities. The technology could also rank drug responses as excellent, good or fair which are of benefit to different subsets of patients.

Lung cancer is among the deadliest cancers globally, with a poor survival rate beyond 5 years. It is often only when the cancer has reached an advanced stage that physical symptoms appear, at which point it becomes more difficult to treat.

"Sadly, lung cancer is typically diagnosed at a late stage, when curative surgery is no longer an option. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that for the 'lucky' 2–3 in 10 who are eligible for precision medicine, the progression rate after first-line treatment is over 60%," said OncoDxRx.