Ohio Cancer Center Joins Precision Oncology Alliance

The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center –Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC - James) have joined Caris Life Science's Precision Oncology Alliance (POA) to advance artificial intelligence practices.

The POA is a growing network of cancer centers worldwide that collaborate to advance precision oncology through biomarker research. Members work together to establish and improve standards of care for molecular testing through research focusing on predictive and prognostic markers to improve clinical outcomes for cancer patients.

OSUCCC – James is one of 51 National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer centers and one of only a few centers funded by the NCI to conduct phase I, II, and III clinical trials on anti-cancer drugs.

"We know that there is no routine cancer and that no two patients or cancers are exactly alike, and believe that studying large numbers of patients and their tissues will help us move cancer research toward true personalized and effective cancer care," Raphael Pollock, MD, PhD, director of the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, said in a press release. "We are excited to join Caris' POA, as its mission aligns with our comprehensive approach to cancer care, designed to help us understand the differences between cancer patients and to find ways to individualize prevention, detection, and treatment of patients with cancer."

According to the press release, the OSUCCC – James goal is to create a cancer-free world by integrating scientific research with education and patient-centered care.

"We are thrilled to welcome the OSUCCC – James into our growing POA network," said Chadi Nabhan, MD, chairman of the Caris Precision Oncology Alliance, in the news release. "Together, we will work on optimizing big data, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and innovative ideas to further high-quality research that leads to advances in cancer prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment."

The Caris Precision Oncology Alliance includes 59 cancer centers and academic institutions. These institutions will have early access to extensive databases and artificial intelligence platforms to establish evidence-based cancer profiling and molecular testing standards in oncology.

By leveraging genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic profiling through the Caris platform, the alliance can assist health networks in prioritizing therapeutic options and determining which clinical trial opportunities may benefit patients.

POA members also gain access to Caris CODEai, a comprehensive data solution with cancer treatment information and clinical outcomes data for over 275,000 patients covering over 1 million data points per person.

"The OSUCCC – James is a recognized leader in innovative and personalized cancer care," said Brian J. Brille, vice chairman of Caris Life Sciences, in the news release. "Their matrixed, university-based approach serves as a model for other POA members and has allowed OSUCCC-James to provide leading-edge care while developing comprehensive treatment plans specifically designed for each patient they serve."