Exceptional Responders Initiative: Questions and Answers - National Cancer Institute

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Exceptional Responders Initiative: Questions and Answers - National Cancer Institute

Exceptional Responders Initiative: Questions and Answers

Key Points

• What is the purpose of the Exceptional Responders Initiative? NCI has embarked on the Exceptional Responders Initiative to understand the molecular underpinnings of exceptional responses to treatment, primarily via chemotherapy, in cancer patients. (Question 1)
• Was there an initial feasibility study conducted? As a proof of principle, there was a search of NCI’s Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program phase II trial database over a period of 10 years (2002-2012) in which about 100 cases were identified as a demonstration that the types of cases needed for the ERI did exist. (Question 3)
• How will molecular testing be performed? DNA and RNA will be isolated from tissues submitted to the ERI and will undergo whole exome sequencing and/or mRNA sequencing. As a research tool, exome sequencing is a powerful way to investigate common and rare genetic alterations that play a role in complex human diseases. (Question 6)