Welcome to the inaugural edition of the Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC) Cancer Diagnostics and Precision Medicine Newsletter, your trusted source for the latest research, emerging best practices, and policy developments shaping the future of personalized cancer care. Each quarterly issue delivers key insights from recent conferences, proven strategies from leading precision medicine programs, ACCC-developed tools and resources, and timely updates on legislation and advocacy efforts.
Precision Medicine Spotlight Videos
ACCC presents a 5-part video series spotlighting the precision medicine program at Saint Luke's Cancer Institute in Kansas City, Missouri. Multidisciplinary team members share their experiences and lessons learned from biomarker testing, clinical trials, and more, along with patients who share their testimonials from treatment received at this cancer program.
Metastatic Prostate Cancer Management: Integrating Germline and Somatic Testing
For many decades, the only option for treating metastatic prostate cancer was hormone therapy. Precision medicine has opened up new avenues for managing this disease, tailored to the individual and their unique tumor biology. This 30-minute eCourse educates providers on integrating germline and somatic testing into metastatic prostate cancer management.
Integrating EHRs with Reference Labs for Biomarker Testing
Integrating electronic health record (EHR) systems with reference labs for biomarker testing can optimize precision medicine by utilizing existing technology. ACCC created a road map to biomarker testing EHR integration to guide cancer programs through the process.
Development of a methylation-based, tissue-free test for the detection of molecular residual disease by circulating tumor DNA
Researchers at MD Anderson have developed a tissue-free molecular residual disease (tfMRD) test that detects circulating tumor DNA using methylation-based signatures, eliminating the need for tumor tissue. In patients with colorectal cancer from the Bespoke CRC trial, the test showed strong agreement with the tumor-informed assay and identified patients who benefitted from adjuvant chemotherapy.
Empowering young-onset colorectal cancer patients with an accessible, self-navigable online platform for universal germline testing
To improve access to germline testing in young-onset colorectal cancer, MD Anderson researchers created an online platform for education, consent, and care coordination. In a trial, 63% used the tool and 96% of those completed testing, reducing the need for pre-test genetic counseling by nearly half.
Comprehensive genomic profiling of matched ctDNA and tissue from patients with less common cancers enrolled in, but not eligible for, a treatment arm of the NCI-MATCH trial
In a subset of rare cancers from the NCI-MATCH trial, researchers compared tissue and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) sequencing, finding 83.4% overall mutation concordance. Lower concordance was tied to low tumor fractions, but some key mutations appeared only in ctDNA. Results support liquid biopsy as a useful alternative when tissue is limited.
The Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC) is the leading education and advocacy organization for the cancer care community. Founded in 1974, ACCC is a powerful network of more than 45,000 multidisciplinary professionals from over 1,700 provider organizations nationwide. As advances in cancer screening and diagnosis, treatment options, and care delivery models continue to evolve - so has ACCC - adapting its resources to meet the changing needs of the entire oncology care team.
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