Development of the Manchester Cancer Research Centre Molecular Tumour Board for matching patients to clinical trials based on tumour and ctDNA genetic profiling

Abstract

Methods: Patients referred to the Experimental Cancer Medicine Team were consented for analysis of ctDNA and tumour under the TARGET (Tumour ChAracterisation to Guide Experimental Targeted Therapy) protocol. ctDNA was subjected to NGS and bioinformatic analysis for alterations in 650 cancer associated genes. Tumour was analysed by NGS for a panel of 24 genes regarded as relevant for treatment of solid tumours. We established a MTB comprising medical oncologists, clinical geneticists, bioinformaticians, scientists and bioethicists to interpret results and advise on clinical relevance and trial options. The aim of Part A of TARGET was to establish workflow and process.