Precision Cancer Med (PCM) & Investigation

Duke University, Durham NC

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

The Precision Cancer Medicine and Investigational Therapeutics Program (PCMIT) is a new, multidisciplinary program that unites basic, translational and clinical scientists toward a shared goal of improving the availability and activity of anti-cancer therapies. The program has three Specific Aims: 1) Discovery of actionable molecular targets by leveraging bioinformatics, biobanking, and molecular expertise; 2) Development of novel therapeutics and diagnostic technologies to optimize therapeutic selection and overcome resistance; 3) Design and execution of practice-changing precision cancer medicine clinical trials. Across our aims, we enable bench-to-bedside discoveries that seek to improve the survival and therapeutic options for people living with cancer, thus supporting the DCI’s Discover-Develop-Deliver mission. PCMIT Member accomplishments over this grant period include (Aim 1) Discovery of genomic biomarkers that, for example, drive aggressive growth in lymphoma and therapeutic resistance in prostate cancer; (Aim 2) Development of novel strategies to overcome therapeutic resistance, including the discovery of a therapeutic strategy to target ESR-1 mutated breast cancer; and (Aim 3) Design and execution of investigator initiated trials that utilize immuno-, endocrine, and targeted therapies to treat advanced solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. Examples of practice-changing trials include the MOUNTAINEER trial, which led to FDA approval of the first anti-HER2 regimen for HER2+ metastatic colorectal cancer, and the EMERALD trial, which led to FDA approval of the first drug to target ESR1-mutated breast cancer. To prioritize the needs and demographics of our catchment area, a dedicated Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) Program Liaison meets regularly with community members, COE leadership, and PCMIT investigators to enhance dialogue and increase the focus on catchment area relevant research. PCMIT is comprised of 70 full members from 13 departments and 3 schools within Duke University. Over this grant period, 2 new faculty recruits have joined PCMIT. Total direct funding for primary program members is $45.5M, of which $24.9M is peer reviewed, including $8.8M from the NCI. Program Members have 24 NIH R01 or equivalent grants (held by 17 individual PD/PIs), including 10 multi-PI projects. The PCMIT Program has successfully competed for multi-project grants including 5 U-grants. Since the inception of the program in 2021 through 2023, program members published 1,266 cancer -focused papers, 289 (23%) are intra-programmatic, 548 (43%) are inter-programmatic collaborations and 344 (27%) are impact factor over 10. During this same time period, the program enrolled 2,287 participants to all trials and 856 to interventional trials. Overall, the PCMIT program leverages precision diagnostic testing, innovative biospecimen analysis platforms, and DCI’s robust clinical research infrastructure to enable high impact translational research and practice-changing trials.