Launch of international collaborative prospective study of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

25, Jan, 2022

National Cancer Center Japan

The National Cancer Center Hospital Japan will launch an international joint research project (Asian multicenter prospective study of circulating TumoR DNA SequencINg; A-TRAIN) in seven Asian countries (Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam) to develop novel treatments based on genomic abnormalities for nasopharyngeal carcinoma, which is a common in Asia.

For patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma, the database will be constructed and analyzed by examining genomic abnormalities comprehensively by blood sample, together with clinical information such as treatment details and prognosis. This study is conducted in collaboration with Illumina Corporation. Genomic analysis of blood is performed using Illumina Corporation's TruSight Oncology (TSO) 500 ctDNA panel, which provides a comprehensive analysis of genetic abnormalities in 523 genes.

This study will be conducted as an international collaborative study under the "Asian clinical TriaLs network for cAncerS (ATLAS) project" which aims to accelerate the implementation of clinical research and trials and early drug development in the Asian region.

Research Methods

This study will comprehensively analyse circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA)^*1 in the blood of 96 nasopharyngeal cancer patients with metastatic and/or recurrent disease. Genomic analysis of blood is performed using Illumina Corporation's TruSight Oncology (TSO) 500 ctDNA panel, which provides a comprehensive analysis of genetic abnormalities in 523 genes. Genominc analysis of tumour tissue will also be carried out to analyse concordance with analysis of blood. Tumour tissue is analysed for genomic abnormalities using Illumina's TruSight Oncology (TSO) 500, which comprehensively analyses the same 523 genes as in blood. Furthermore, as the onset of nasopharyngeal cancer is associated with EB virus infection, genomic analysis of the virus is also planned. By analyzing genetic abnormalities and clinical information, we aim to identify potential therapeutic targets and conduct clinical trials.

Investigators

Kan Yonemori (Principal Investigator), Yuki Kojima, Kazuki Sudo, Momoko Tokura and Shu Yazaki
Department of Medical Oncology
National Cancer Center Hospital, Japan

Taisuke Mori
Department of Diagnostic Pathology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Japan
Division of Molecular Pathology, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Japan

Seiichi Yoshimoto and Go Omura
Department of Head and Neck Surgery, National Cancer Center Hospital, Japan

Hiroshi Igaki and Naoya Murakami
Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Japan

Yoshitaka Honma
Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Japan

Kenichi Nakamura and Tomomi Hata
Department of International Clinical Development, National Cancer Center Hospital, Japan

Joint Research Institution

Gretchen Weightman
General Manager - Asia Pacific & Japan • Commercial Operations Admin Dept

Tom Berkovits
Sr Director, Regional Marketing, APJ • Regional Marketing Dept

Ryo Itaya
Associate Director, Market Development, Regional Marketing Dept Illumina K.K.

Kensuke Suzuki
Executive Sales Specialist, Inside Sales Dept Illumina K.K.

Rika Yoshino
Sr Field Applications Scientist, Field Applications Dept Illumina K.K.

Hitomi Fukada
Sr Marketing Programs Manager • Regional Marketing Dept Illumina. K.K.

Comments from Illumina

We are proud to partner with the National Cancer Center Hospital Japan and provide our DNA sequencing technology to help in the development of novel treatments for one of the most common cancers in the head and neck,” Ms Gretchen Weightman, Illumina General Manager Asia Pacific & Japan said. 

“ This study is critical to transform patient care as 81% of new Nasopharayngeal cancer have occurred in Asia and Southeast Asian countries. Next Generation Sequencing has the potential to change the future of oncology and advance the promise of personalised medicine,” Ms Weightman said.

Compared to traditional methods, Next Generation Sequencing offers advantages in accuracy, sensitivity, and speed that has the potential to make a significant impact on the field of oncology. Because NGS can assess multiple genes in a single assay, it eliminates the need to order multiple tests to identify the causative mutation,” Ms Weightman said.

Research Funds

This project is funded by “Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED), Principal Investigator: Dr. Kazuaki Shimada, Hospital Director, National Cancer Center Hospital”

Terminology

*1　Circulating tumor DNA

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) are produced when tumors shed small pieces of their genetic material into the bloodstream. These traces of this tumor DNA can be detected in the blood using digital sequencing technology. In the future, the technology is expected to be widely used for various purposes in cancer treatment such as companion diagnostics to determine therapeutic agents, screening, monitoring of treatment efficacy, and evaluation of residual disease after curative treatments such as surgery or radiotherapy.

Research Enquiries

Tomomi HATA
International Trial Management Section, Clinical Research Support Office
National Cancer Center Hospital, Japan
TEL: +81-3-3547-5201
E-mail：NCCH1905_office@ml.res.ncc.go.jp

• Office of Public Relations

Strategic Planning Bureau
National Cancer Center Japan
TEL: +81-3-3542-2511
E-mail：ncc-admin@ncc.go.jp