Multiple myeloma, a complex and incurable cancer of plasma cells, poses a significant challenge to modern medicine. However, the emergence of cutting-edge technologies in genomics has opened up new avenues for understanding the disease at a molecular level. Single-cell DNA + protein multi-omics is one such approach that holds immense promise in multiple myeloma therapy development. In this blog post, we will delve into the reasons why the Tapestri Platform should be at the forefront of multiple myeloma research and therapy development.
Understanding the Complexity of Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma is not a single disease but a collection of disorders with diverse genetic alterations and clinical outcomes. Traditional approaches to studying this cancer have often focused on one aspect at a time, limiting our ability to comprehend its intricate molecular landscape. Single-cell DNA multi-omics on the Tapestri integrates multiple layers of genomic information, providing a holistic view of the disease.
Unveiling Genomic Heterogeneity
Multiple myeloma exhibits remarkable heterogeneity, even within individual patients. Tapestri enables researchers to identify and characterize various genetic mutations, structural variations, and epigenetic changes within the same tumor. This comprehensive understanding of genomic heterogeneity is crucial for tailoring therapies to individual patients, optimizing treatment outcomes, and overcoming drug resistance.
Personalized Medicine
The era of one-size-fits-all cancer treatment is fading. Tapestri empowers clinicians to develop personalized therapeutic strategies based on an individual’s genomic profile. By identifying specific genetic alterations and biomarkers, treatment plans can be tailored to target the unique genetic makeup of a patient’s cancer cells. This not only enhances treatment efficacy but also minimizes side effects.
Early Detection and Diagnosis
Early detection of multiple myeloma is often challenging because symptoms may not appear until the disease has progressed. The Tapestri Platform can aid in the identification of early molecular changes, allowing for more timely and accurate diagnosis. This may improve patient outcomes by enabling the initiation of treatment at an earlier, more manageable stage.
Drug Development and Targeted Therapies
Developing effective therapies for multiple myeloma relies on a deep understanding of the disease’s molecular mechanisms. Tapestri provides valuable insights into potential drug targets and pathways that can be exploited for therapy development. By uncovering the specific genetic alterations driving the disease, researchers can design targeted therapies with greater precision and efficacy.
Monitoring Treatment Response
Assessing how patients respond to treatment is vital for making real-time adjustments to their therapeutic regimen. The Tapestri Platform allows for the continuous monitoring of genomic changes in cancer cells, enabling clinicians to adapt treatment strategies as needed. This dynamic approach can help maximize the effectiveness of therapy and minimize the risk of relapse.
How Tapestri Has Transformed Multiple Myeloma Therapeutic Development
The Tapestri Platform and multiple myeloma panel provide a novel approach to clonal surveillance by correlating multiple myeloma mutations with its drug targets rather than only resolving the presence of clones as with other technologies.
In a recent data presentation from the 13th World Clinical Biomarkers & CDx Summit, Dr. Todd Druley, MD Ph.D., chief medical officer of Mission Bio, discusses how clinical researchers like Hervé Avet-Loiseau, MD, Ph.D. from The Cancer Research Center of Toulouse, IUCT-Oncopole and Genentech’s Director of Translational Medicine, Cedric Dos Santos, PhD, used Mission Bio’s Tapestri Platform to demonstrate a novel, proof-of-concept approach to clonal surveillance associated with precision therapy targets at single-cell resolution, which is not possible with any existing modality.
In a later poster presentation at the 20th International Myeloma Society Annual Meeting and Exposition, cofounder and Chief Technology Officer Adam Sciambi, Ph.D. shared data on how Tapestri was leveraged to characterize clonal architecture via SNVs, CNVs, and surface immunophenotypes, as well as correlate these cells with precision medicine targets. The goal was to provide the clinician with information on disease presence or absence and insight on actionable targets to optimize outcomes and minimize unnecessary costs and morbidities.
For more information on accessing single-cell DNA multi-omics through the Tapestri Platform or Pharma Assay Development (PAD) services, please join us for the upcoming webinar with Dr. Druley and Dr. Sciambi on October 18, 2023.
