Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has partnered with Arima Genomics, Inc. in Carlsbad, California, to enhance cancer diagnostics through a pioneering approach based on the three-dimensional structure of DNA. This collaboration aims to integrate advanced genomic analysis into routine clinical care, moving beyond traditional genetic testing methods.
The partnership will leverage Arima’s innovative technology, which examines how DNA folds and interacts within cells. This critical dimension could reveal genomic alterations that standard sequencing often overlooks, potentially leading to more accurate cancer diagnoses and tailored treatment plans. The initiative is particularly focused on enhancing diagnostic capabilities for lymphoma and sarcoma.
Transforming Cancer Care with 3D Genomics
At the heart of this project is the Cancer Epigenetics Institute at Fox Chase. The institute will incorporate Arima’s Hi-C technology into its diagnostic workflows, utilizing the Aventa Lymphoma and Aventa FusionPlus tests. These tests are designed to detect complex gene fusions and rearrangements that play a significant role in cancer development and progression.
Johnathan Whetstine, director of the Cancer Epigenetics Institute, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, “This partnership represents a true bench-to-bedside translation of discovery.” He noted that the collaboration results from years of foundational research, now evolving into practical clinical applications.
Unlike conventional DNA sequencing, which fragments genetic material and loses spatial context, Arima’s platform maintains the genome’s three-dimensional architecture. This broader perspective provides deeper insights into tumor formation, evolution, and resistance to treatment. The Aventa tests have shown efficacy in identifying gene fusions and rearrangements critical for accurate diagnoses, especially in challenging cases of lymphoma and sarcoma.
Promising Implications for Patient Care
Tom Willis, chief executive officer of Arima Genomics, called Fox Chase’s decision to implement this technology a significant milestone in transforming cancer diagnostics. Under this agreement, Fox Chase will be the first institution globally to adopt Arima’s 3D genomics testing as a standard protocol across multiple tumor types.
Data from de-identified patient responses will be collected alongside clinical use, offering new opportunities for researchers to identify patterns that may lead to innovative therapies. Whetstine commented, “It allows us to see not just what genetic changes occur, but how the DNA itself is organized.” This could reveal new therapeutic targets or enhance the precision of existing findings.
The technology could be particularly beneficial for patients with difficult-to-treat blood cancers. Peter Abdelmessieh, assistant professor in Fox Chase’s Blood Cancer and Cellular Therapy Institute, highlighted the ongoing challenges in lymphoma treatment, noting that “the disease often will relapse.” Access to Arima’s advanced tools could significantly aid in guiding both diagnostics and treatment strategies.
This partnership builds on a long-standing scientific relationship between Arima and the Cancer Epigenetics Institute, culminating in what both organizations describe as a new frontier in cancer diagnostics. The collaboration promises to not only improve patient outcomes but also advance research in the field of oncology.
As this groundbreaking initiative unfolds, it holds the potential to reshape the landscape of cancer diagnostics and treatment, offering hope for more effective interventions tailored to individual patient needs.