BostonGene Partners With Exigent Research on Clinical Utility Study for the Tumor Portrait Test
BostonGene has partnered with Exigent Research, an independent community oncology research network, to launch a new clinical study called the BostonGene and Exigent Genomic INsight (BEGIN) Study. This collaborative effort aims to demonstrate the significant clinical benefits of utilizing the BostonGene Tumor Portrait™ test, specifically designed for advanced cancer patients within a community-based healthcare setting. The BEGIN Study seeks to validate the potential of tailored treatments based on a combination of BostonGene’s whole exome sequencing (WES), RNA transcriptome sequencing (RNAseq), and advanced artificial intelligence (AI) analytics tools.
Exigent Research was founded based upon a strategic partnership between the Quality Cancer Care Alliance (QCCA) and the National Cancer Care Alliance (NCCA). Their mission is to expedite progress in cancer research by employing a unique network-based model. The group is committed to providing patients with access to cutting-edge clinical trials within their local communities while concurrently advancing collective oncology knowledge. The Exigent network spans over 185 sites and includes more than 660 total healthcare providers.
As part of the BEGIN study, BostonGene will conduct a comprehensive analysis using the BostonGene Tumor Portrait™ test on patient tumor samples obtained from participating Exigent sites. The study’s primary objectives is to assess the practicality and frequency of actionable findings derived from a comprehensive sequencing approach for patients with advanced cancer in real-world healthcare settings. Additionally, the trial will evaluate the impact of the BostonGene Tumor Portrait™ test results on treatment decisions and its influence on various value-based care metrics.
Nathan Fowler, MD, Chief Medical Officer at BostonGene, expressed his enthusiasm for this collaboration by highlighting its mission to bring the benefits of precision medicine, which are typically more accessible in academic institutions, to local community healthcare practices where most patients receive their care. He emphasized, “We believe that this partnership will underscore the power of next-generation multiomics AI-driven solutions to positively impact patient outcomes in a community setting.”