Precision Genomics at Intermountain
When President Obama unveiled details of a Precision Medicine Initiative in January 2015, Intermountain Healthcare’s Precision Genomics was already on track with new discoveries, researchers, physicians, and scientists all working hard to ensure the best treatment options for patients based on genetic testing.
Technology and advances in medicine, specifically precision medicine, have been profound. The Fact Sheet surrounding the release of the administration’s unveiling details of this initiative discusses the potential for pioneering a “new model of patient-powered research that promises to accelerate biomedical discoveries and provide clinicians with new tools, knowledge, and therapies to select which treatments will work best for which patients”.
Advancement in precision medicine continues to take place in St. George, Utah where Intermountain Precision Genomics is based. One of elements that sets Intermountain Precision Genomics (IPG) apart from other options is its’ Molecular Tumor Board.
A little background
Let’s back up a little bit. What is Intermountain Precision Genomics (IPG)? Precision Genomics at Intermountain is customizing cancer treatment based on an individual’s DNA. IPG offers genetic sequencing of solid tumors. The core laboratory in St. George is the location where in-depth sequencing identifies cancer-causing mutations that may occur in a person’s DNA. Once the tumor cells are sequenced in the core laboratory, a bioinformatics team of scientists take the lead to process all of the information. The information is then reviewed by a team of physicians and scientists from around the United States. This team is the Molecular Tumor Board.
Molecular Tumor Board
Molecular Tumor Board meets twice weekly to discuss the best course of action based on the discoveries found in sequencing. According to Sheryl Krevsky Elkin, PhD, Scientific Director at N-of-One, and member of the Molecular Tumor Board, “We review and discuss each alteration separately and determine which of the alterations may have clinical relevance. [We determine] what therapies are available and what are the advantages and disadvantages of each.”
Oncologists throughout the world are increasingly adopting genomics to guide the management of patients. For cancer patients and oncologists, the experts on the Molecular Tumor Board become part of the caregiving team. This team approach allows doctors and patients, even in remote areas, to have access to world-class precision medicine that is extending life and improving the quality of life for stage four cancer patients.
As a community oncologist, the backing of the MTB gives added confidence for recommendation of treatments options. The results from sequencing are sent to the ordering physician along with recommendations for drugs and treatments.
Intermountain Precision Genomics and TOMA Biosciences are presenting a webinar, October 1, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. (MST) on how a molecular tumor board reviews next generation sequencing data to enable precision oncology.
WHAT: EXPERIENCE A VIRTUAL MOLECULAR TUMOR BOARD
WHEN: October 1, 2015
11:00 a.m. (MST)
WHERE: Online webinar
HOW: Click HERE to register
The webinar will feature oncologist and Medical Director of Intermountain Precision Genomics, Lincoln Nadauld, M.D., Ph.D. Anyone interested in learning more about the role of the Molecular Tumor Board is welcome to attend. Click HERE to register for the Molecular Tumor Board Virtual Experience.
About Intermountain Precision Genomics
Intermountain Precision Genomics is a service of Intermountain Healthcare offering genetic sequencing of solid tumors. The core laboratory is the location where in-depth sequencing identifies cancer-causing mutations that may occur in a person’s DNA. For more information about Precision Genomics, please visit: precisioncancer.org, join the dialog on Facebook (Intermountain Precision Genomics), follow @precisioncancer on Twitter or call (435) 251-5784.