Using QPOP to Predict Treatment for Sarcomas and Melanomas

Q-SAM (Using QPOP to Predict Treatment for Sarcomas and Melanomas)

This is a multi-cohort proof of concept study involving patients with sarcomas or melanomas. Patient models, both two- and three-dimensional, will be derived from tumour samples. These will then be used to evaluate drug sensitivities ex vivo.

Enrolled patients will undergo resections or biopsies as part of standard-of-care, which will be used to generate patient models. Patients will receive standard-of-care systemic treatment. Patient models will also be subjected up to a 14-drug screening panel. The majority of drugs in the respective drug panels has been shown to have activity in the respective cancers and would be used in the standard-of-care setting by treating physicians.

Hypothesis: Ex vivo drug testing on patient-derived models using QPOP can identify drug sensitivities and combinations which may have clinical efficacy against sarcomas and melanomas.

Specific aim 1: To derive patient models, both two- and three-dimensional, of sarcomas and melanomas

Specific aim 2: To perform ex vivo drug testing on patient models of sarcoma and melanoma using QPOP

Specific aim 3: To assess the efficacy of phenotype directed therapy using QPOP to assign treatment after progression on standard-of-care treatment in sarcoma and melanoma

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of sarcoma or melanoma
• At least 1 tumour lesion amenable to fresh biopsy or resection
• Signed informed consent from patient or legal representative
• Able to comply with study-related procedures

Exclusion Criteria:

• There are no specific exclusion criteria if patients meet the inclusion criteria