New: The Hematology Genome Network Introduces Itself
Closer Networking Needed between Diagnosticians and Therapists
Together with the Comprehensive Cancer Center Klinikum Rechts der Isar
TUM and the Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken/Universitätsklinikum Würzburg,
MLL has founded the Hematology Genome
Network. The goal is to provide patients with access to new
diagnostic approaches – including whole genome sequencing (WGS) – for complex
clinical questions. WGS and other new technologies can then be performed during
studies and projects, depending on the actual clinical question involved. In
tumor boards, results are discussed together with clinical experts so that
therapy options can be jointly evaluated. The implementation of the treatment
recommendations and clinical outcomes are documented in a shared database. The
plan is to use this data to redefine the value of state-of-the-art diagnostics
in the new era of precision medicine.
Starting with Two Pilot Projects
Two studies were launched on two topics that are currently relevant:
The purpose of the “Exciting Case” study is to clarify whether WGS can provide additional insights and optimize diagnosis, prognosis assessment, and perhaps therapy selection in patients for whom current standard diagnostics have left questions unanswered (further details and initial results).
The goal of the “Mechanisms of Resistance in Multiple Myeloma to Targeted Therapies” study is to investigate how many patients already have genetic alterations before or after targeted therapies that make resistances towards specific therapies likely (further details on this study).
Anyone Can Become Active in the Hematology Genome Network
We would welcome your
support for the Hematology Genome Network by contributing patients towards
these two studies. Furthermore, you can also
submit an application for membership before participating in the tumor boards or
initiating studies and projects within the Hematology
Genome Network yourself. The data will only be accessible to Network members
for conducting further research.
Making Goals a Reality
Das Ziel des Genomnetzwerkes Hämatologie ist die
Etablierung einer wissensgenerierenden Patientenversorgung: Es erfolgt nicht
nur eine Integration der Daten aus Forschungsprojekten und der täglichen
Patientenversorgung zur Verbesserung der individuellen Behandlung, sondern
basierend auf den Erfahrungen und täglichen Herausforderungen der
Patientenversorgung werden auch neue Forschungsprojekte entwickelt, deren
Ergebnisse wiederum die Patientenversorgung verbessern. So soll das
Genomnetzwerk Hämatologie einen Beitrag leisten, die personalisierte Medizin in der Hämatologie
Wirklichkeit werden zu lassen und die Patientenversorgung weiter zu verbessern.
The author
»Do you have questions regarding this article or do you need further information? Please send me an e-mail.«
Prof. Dr. med. Claudia Haferlach
Executive management
Medical doctor
Department manager Diagnostics
claudia.haferlach@mll.com