61P - Next generation sequencing and its clinical utility in advanced cancer: Single institute experience from low-middle income country

Background

Advances in DNA sequencing over the past decade have made it possible to systematically study the genetic changes responsible for cancer development, and we now have a better understanding of the commonly involved processes and signaling pathways. As more genetic alterations become targetable by specific drugs, DNA sequencing is becoming part of routine clinical care but its clinical utility is not well known in low and middle income country.

Methods

This was a single center, retrospective cohort study, which include adult advanced metastatic solid tumor patient who underwent next generation sequencing (NGS) either on tissue block or liquid biopsy (Illumina NGS 560 genes 1000X coverage). Primary end point was to assess the clinical utility of NGS in advanced stage. Secondary end point was to assess the progression free survival (PFS) in patients who received treatment based on NGS.

Results

Over the period of 18 months (from 1^st January 2021 to 30^th 2022), a total of 93 patients were enrolled in the study, and their baseline characteristics are presented in the table. Patients received a median of 2 lines (range:0-4 ) of prior systemic therapy and genomic alteration were identified in 45% (n=42) of them. Of the patients with genomic alterations, 33% (n=31) had a targeted therapy option available either in the form of an approved drug or a clinical trial. However, only 19% (n=18) of the patients received treatment based on the results of NGS testing. Among these patients, 9%(n=8) had a progression-free survival of 6 months or more following NGS-guided treatment Table: 61P

Baseline characteristics of study population (n=93)

Conclusions

Advances in DNA sequencing over the past decade have made it possible to discover new genetic changes, and more genetic alterations are now targetable by specific drugs . However, in routine practice, the results are not very promising, especially in low- and middle-income countries where cost is a major constraint.

Clinical trial identification

Editorial acknowledgement

Legal entity responsible for the study

The authors.

Funding

Has not received any funding.

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.