Generating solutions

In precision oncology, the current method of screening for specific genomic mutations, even using transcriptomics (the complete set of all RNA molecules), has only moderate success in predicting the success of targeted therapies for cancer. In Canada, precision oncology genomic testing costs around $40 million per year for response rates of ~52%. Because proteins are the main drug targets, genomics alone can often not clarify which mutations are biologically relevant in an individual tumour. It is, therefore, important to determine three key things: i) how mutations affect protein expression levels; ii) which are actually expressed on the protein level in relevant amounts rather than just being encoded in the genome; and iii) to what extent these mutations are expressed in a given sample. This project will develop mass spectrometry kits that decipher the impact at the protein level of ~1000 known cancer mutations, which represent the main cancer drivers and drug targets. MRM Proteomics and Agilent Technologies will commercialize novel, validated “MutaQuant” kits, provide education on use, as well as offering a sample analysis service. There is potential for significant cost savings by preventing non-effective cancer treatment and improving patient outcomes.