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Enterprise AI Analysis: Concordance analysis of DNA and RNA profiling: The MD Anderson IMPACT2 study in precision oncology

Enterprise AI Analysis

Revolutionizing Oncology with Integrated DNA & RNA Profiling

This study from MD Anderson Cancer Center explores the concordance between DNA and RNA profiling, highlighting RNA's potential to enhance biomarker discovery and therapeutic selection beyond static DNA alterations. Integrating both data types provides a deeper understanding of tumor biology and improves patient outcomes in advanced cancer.

Executive Impact at a Glance

829 Patients in IMPACT2 Study
253 Patients with RNA Profiling
58 Concordant DNA-RNA Events
123 Significant Gene Pair Associations

Deep Analysis & Enterprise Applications

Select a topic to dive deeper, then explore the specific findings from the research, rebuilt as interactive, enterprise-focused modules.

58 Concordant DNA-RNA Events (genomic and expression alterations in the same gene) identified in 50 patients.

These events involved 23 genes, primarily copy number variations (78%), linking DNA alterations directly to gene expression changes.

DNA Profiling (Genomic) RNA Profiling (Transcriptomic)
Primary Focus
  • Identifies static genomic alterations (mutations, fusions, CNAs)
  • Captures dynamic gene expression, pathway activation, and microenvironment interactions
Clinical Utility
  • Established for targeted therapy selection (FDA-approved 138 agents)
  • Investigational, potential for deeper biomarker discovery and prognostic value
Key Insight from Study
  • Identified TP53 alterations associated with VEGFA overexpression.
  • TTB (Tumor Transcriptional Burden) ≥ 6 genes with altered expression correlated with shorter OS.
6.7 mo Months Median OS for patients with ≥6 dysregulated genes (Tumor Transcriptional Burden), compared to 9.8-11.9 months for fewer genes.

This indicates that a higher tumor transcriptional burden is associated with poorer clinical outcomes, suggesting more aggressive tumor biology.

IMPACT2 Study Molecular Profiling Workflow

Enrollment in IMPACT2 (NCT02152254)
Tumor Biopsy & Tissue Sample Collection
DNA Next-Generation Sequencing (Foundation Medicine / Tempus)
PD-L1 Profiling (if adequate tissue)
RNA Profiling (Tempus xT assay)
Concordance & Survival Analysis

TP53 & VEGFA: A Key Interaction

The study revealed a significant association between TP53 alterations (genomic) and VEGFA overexpression (transcriptomic). VEGFA is a known transcriptional target of TP53, and its overexpression when TP53 is inactivated may explain the observed benefit of anti-angiogenic therapies like bevacizumab in TP53-mutant patients. This highlights how RNA profiling can uncover clinically relevant gene-gene interactions not evident from DNA data alone, informing future biomarker-driven therapeutic strategies.

Tumor Transcriptional Burden as a Prognostic Biomarker

Patients with a high Tumor Transcriptional Burden (TTB), defined as ≥6 genes with altered expression, exhibited significantly shorter overall survival (median OS of 6.7 months) compared to those with fewer dysregulated genes. This finding suggests that global transcriptomic dysregulation may reflect more aggressive tumor biology or resistance to therapy. TTB could serve as a candidate prognostic biomarker, especially for patients lacking canonical actionable DNA mutations, offering a new dimension to precision oncology.

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Strategic AI Implementation Roadmap

A phased approach ensures seamless integration and maximum impact.

Phase 1: Pilot Program & Data Integration

Establish a pilot program with a subset of patients. Integrate DNA and RNA profiling data streams from existing genomic platforms and RNA sequencing providers (e.g., Tempus) into a unified bioinformatics pipeline. Develop initial concordance analysis algorithms.

Phase 2: Validation & Biomarker Discovery

Prospectively validate the prognostic and predictive value of RNA alterations in larger cohorts. Refine TTB metrics and identify novel DNA-RNA interaction biomarkers. Correlate integrated molecular profiles with clinical outcomes and treatment responses.

Phase 3: Clinical Decision Support & AI Integration

Develop AI/ML models to interpret integrated DNA and RNA data for therapeutic selection, especially for patients without canonical actionable DNA mutations. Integrate these models into clinical decision support systems, ensuring interpretability and actionability for oncologists.

Phase 4: Scalable Deployment & Continuous Optimization

Expand the integrated molecular profiling approach across the enterprise. Continuously monitor performance, update algorithms with new data, and explore new RNA-based assays (e.g., liquid biopsy RNA) to further refine precision oncology strategies and improve patient care.

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