Precision Oncology For Young peopLE (PROFYLE) – Western Canadian Cohort

Project goals:

Cancer is the leading cause of disease-related death in children, adolescents, and young adults (CAYA, 0-29 years) beyond the newborn period. Young patients with metastatic, refractory, or relapsed disease have dismal chances of long-term survival. The primary objective of PROFYLE is to generate patient germline and tumour-specific molecular profiling in a clinically relevant time frame and to integrate sequential biomarker discoveries over the course of treatment. 

  1. Translation of genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic data into patient care through the creation, interpretation and validation of standardized molecular profiling reports that define tumour specific targets;

  2. Integration of whole genomic, transcriptomic, epigenomic and proteomic analyses within the existing PROFYLE national analysis pipeline to access an array of targeted therapy options (early phase clinical trials, Health Canada Single Patient Protocols, and innovative therapies);

  3. Identification of biomarkers/molecular predictors of response, including immunoprofiling data, which may help in the selection of targeted novel therapeutics;

  4. Systematic identification of underlying cancer predisposition variants in CAYA cancer patients with seamless return of results to patients/families and referral to clinical medical genetic services.

  5. Broad sharing of clinical and genomic data with scientists and oncologists in order to advance clinical care and treatment for CAYA with cancer. 

Summary:

The PRecision Oncology For Young peopLE (PROFYLE) program has created a shift in the approach to cancer therapy to reduce mortality and morbidity and improve quality of life for Canadians ≤29 years of age) with hard-to-cure cancers. This has been achieved with catalytic support from the Terry Fox Research Institute to develop and implement the first national Canadian precision oncology pipeline. This pipeline generates standardized tumour molecular profiling, whole genome/transcriptome analysis (WGTA) and matched germline sequencing, in a clinically relevant time frame, and translation of results into recommendations to guide clinical care.

PROFYLE unites three Canadian pediatric cancer genomics legacy programs, BC Pediatric PersonalizedOncogenomics (Peds-POG), Ontario’s SickKids Cancer Sequencing Program (KiCS), and Quebec’s Personalized Targeted Therapy in Refractory or Relapsed Cancer in Childhood (TRICEPS) programs and provides WGTA to young people at all 16 pediatric oncology program sites, and several affiliated adult oncology programs, in Canada. Inclusion of young adults, ages 18 to 29 years old, who often have rare cancer types, present late and at advanced stages and have low rates of clinical trial participation is a PROFYLE priority. 

Key Researchers