A new method for selecting cancer therapy has been implemented, utilizing an algorithm that analyzes RNA profiles within tumors.

Researchers at the Personalized Oncology Institute of Sechenov University have integrated the analytical platform "Oncobox" into clinical practice. This platform analyzes cancer tumors through RNA sequencing of tumor samples. Based on the data obtained, the algorithm generates a personalized ranking of the effectiveness of targeted therapies for individual patients. Physicians can utilize this information to determine the most effective treatment strategy. The first prospective clinical study, conducted by the Institute's staff in collaboration with partner organizations, has confirmed the algorithm's effectiveness in selecting therapy for patients with advanced stages of cancer.

2025-02-20 10:00:21https://naked-science.ru/article/column/podhod-terapii-raka-rnk

The study results were published in the highly regarded journal Computers in Biology and Medicine.

Investigating the expression (activity) of tumor genes through RNA sequencing reveals which molecular targets of anticancer drugs are active in a specific tumor and which are suppressed, explained Anton Buzdin, the chief researcher at the Personalized Oncology Institute of Sechenov University and one of the creators of the "Oncobox" platform. The new approach to selecting personalized cancer therapy involves analyzing RNA sequencing profiles in tumor material using the "Oncobox" platform. The platform's algorithm identifies altered activity of drug target genes and molecular pathways, selecting those anticancer drugs from a wide range that will be most effective for a particular patient.

“Therapy selection based on RNA profiles significantly increases the chance of finding truly effective treatment for individual patients,” emphasized Anton Buzdin. “The routinely used treatment selection based on diagnostic DNA mutations is only beneficial for 15-20 percent of cancer patients, as the others simply do not have such mutations in their tumors. Determining treatment tactics based on RNA analysis will be useful for nearly all patients. Implementing this technology will help extend the lifespan of tens of thousands of patients with late-stage tumors.”

Staff from the Personalized Oncology Institute, in collaboration with partners, successfully conducted and published results from the first prospective clinical study where cancer therapy was assigned using an algorithm that analyzes RNA profiles.

A total of 239 adult patients with solid malignant, predominantly metastatic tumors participated in the study. Of these, 135 received drug therapy, while the others underwent palliative care or radiation therapy. The drugs recommended by the "Oncobox" analytical platform were prescribed to 59 percent of the study participants. In other cases (the control group), patients received treatment according to standard protocols.

Interestingly, participants who received therapy based on the individual effectiveness ratings generated by the algorithm had undergone significantly more prior lines of drug therapy compared to the control group, indicating a greater severity of the disease. However, they also experienced longer progression-free survival. Overall, the clinical study results confirmed that selecting anticancer therapy based on tumor RNA analysis can nearly double the likelihood of treatment response for patients in late stages, as well as increase the average recurrence-free period by 10 months.

The results of the conducted research were previously presented by the scientists at the international conference of the Worldwide Innovative Network (WIN) consortium in Abu Dhabi (UAE). Their work received the first prize for best research and best presentation.