The MoST Program is a Molecular Screening and Therapeutics clinical trial that uses the power of genomic technology to characterise molecular changes in patient’s cancer that may help to identify a targeted therapymedication that targets specific molecular features of cancer cells.
That sounds confusing, so here’s an overview…
Historically clinical trialsresearch studies performed to test new treatments, tests or procedures and evaluate their effectiveness on various diseases and treatment are based on whereabouts in your body your cancer is.
Many common cancers present in specific sites: the prostate, bowel, breast, lung and skin, but others are less common for a variety of reasons – one of which is that they develop from different cells compared to the common cancers. They can arise in unusual locations, and in some cases, the primary site isn’t even known (Cancer of Unknown Primarya type of cancer that has spread from an unknown point of origin; also known as cancers of occult primary). Consequently, many rare or less common cancers don’t have defined treatment pathways because there is less known about them, fewer experts, and limited data.
But the MoST study focuses particularly on rare and less common cancers and cancers of unknown primary site. It involves using tissue from a previous biopsyremoval of a section of tissue to analyse for cancer cells or a blood test to obtain a sample of your DNA. This small DNA sample is then sequenced to determine what your cancer looks like at a molecular level, and what exact mutations or characteristics it’s showing.
Once the MoST team have figured out exactly what your cancer’s mutations and genomic sequence are (not every patient will have a known target at this stage), the team may be able to determine a treatment that targets your cancer. Because there is a known target, this should improve your chances of treatment success.
Accessing this kind of molecular cancer profiling is an opportunity for those who have a rare cancer or rare cancer subtype, for those who have a cancer for which an existing drug may not yet be funded by the PBS, for those who have cancer types that show they are suitable for an existing clinical trial, and for those who want to explore possible further options if they have simply come to a hurdle in their treatment pathway.
Recently, the MoST study reached a milestone of enrolling 2,500 Australians with cancer for genomic profiling. Many of these Australians attained access to a matched treatment therapy and had better outcomes than they would have otherwise.
If you choose to participate in the MoST Study, you’ll need to consult with your referring oncologist, and after the testing has been done, you’ll be informed of your cancer profiling results, regardless of what they show, even if your specific mutation doesn’t yet have a known treatment option available.
All the treatments that are used in the MoST clinical study:
- Have been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration
- Are in phase two or three clinical trial
- Their possible side effects, doses and administration schedules are known
Afterwards, if you’re not enrolled in one of the treatment arms, you’ll be followed up at 3, 6, 12 months and 2 years. People who are enrolled in a clinical trial (or sub-study) will be followed up every 4 weeks.
We, at Rare Cancers Australia, are very hopeful of this advancement in the cancer research world, especially regarding the potential treatments available for those with a rare or less common cancer. We can also help guide and advise you through this process. If you’re interested in finding out more or getting involved, please contact us at Rare Cancers Australia on 1800 257 600 or email [email protected]
Want to learn more? Watch the below video: