The role of whole-genome sequencing for guiding systemic therapy in patients with soft tissue sarcoma
In this study, the investigators looked to determine if analyzing tumors by sequencing the tumor’s complete genome (WGS) can identify mutations for which there is a specific therapy already indicated or under investigation in an available clinical trial and thus, guide patient therapy in patients with soft tissue sarcoma (STS). The investigators utilized sequencing results that were in patients’ electronic health records and pathology reports from clinical studies and routine tests. In all, sequencing was performed on tumors from 161 STS patients with a variety of subtypes, the most common being leiomyosarcoma (22%), undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma/sarcoma not otherwise specified (17%), and dedifferentiated liposarcoma (14%). At least one actionable target was found in 74 (46%) patients of which, 23 (14%) patients received matched treatment. Of those who did not receive matched treatment, non-availability of a matched treatment or lack of clinical necessity (in 17 patients) and rapid disease progression (in 10 patients) were the main reasons. Additionally, actionable targets were found more frequently in patients with complex genome sarcomas than those with simple genome sarcomas. These results indicate that it may be advantageous for patients with soft tissue sarcoma, especially those with complex genome sarcomas, to have whole-genome
sequence performed on their tumors to possibly identify actionable targets.
Read the full study in ESMO Open, Science for Optimal Cancer Care.