Profiling of Oncology Patients as Part of Clinical Care and Research

The era of precision medicine is an exciting time for clinicians, scientists and patients alike. The increasing appreciation and identification of specific mutations that drive cancers, leaves us on the threshold of a new era in which biomarkers will be used to direct targeted agents to only those patients most likely to respond. The potential medical and scientific benefits of such a personalised approach to cancer therapy are immense. However, a number of barriers challenge successful implementation of this approach of which spatial and temporal heterogeneity are a major concern. Gynaecological cancers are a major cause of mortality and morbidity internationally. In Auckland 150 new patients with ovarian, endometrial or cervical cancer are seen by a medical oncologist each year. In general, when these diseases recur, there are few effective therapeutic options and prognosis is poor. Better therapeutic targets and treatments are an unmet need across these tumour types with treatment paradigms still based upon platinum based therapy. PROSPER (Profiling of Oncology Patients as part of Clinical care and Research) will investigate the evolution of gynaecological cancers over time and in response to treatment to develop better biomarkers to guide treatment decisions and ultimately improve patient outcomes. Biopsies at relapse will be collected and profiled with a 580 cancer gene panel. Circulating tumour DNA will be collected and analysed alongside biopsies as a potential non-invasive alternative. Linking genomic and clinical data will allow us to learn more to begin to change our paradigm of care.

Sex

All

Minimum age

18 Years

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age ≥18 years.
2. Histological diagnosis of gynaecological cancer OR diagnosis of cancer and candidate for phase I clinical trial
3. ECOG performance status ≤2
4. Life expectancy of greater than 3 month
5. Ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document.

Exclusion Criteria:

1\. Any contraindication to biopsy