Baylor Research Institute (BRI) at Dallas and the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) in Phoenix, AZ, today announce an agreement that will focus on accelerating early detection and treatments for patients with a broad range of cancers. Aligning the best science of both institutions will lead to new clinical trials and access to technology to drive the development of new therapies – bridging the gap from bench to bedside across Baylor Scott & White Health's 49 hospitals throughout Texas.
"We will combine TGen's strengths in genomics and proteomics with BRI's strengths in metabolomics and immune-based approaches, initially focusing on genomic – or molecular – and translational research for oncology," said Robert Pryor, MD, president, chief operating officer and chief medical officer, Baylor Scott & White Health. "The collaboration is consistent with Baylor Scott & White Health's commitment to delivering precision medicine to patients."
Genomics applies recombinant DNA, DNA sequencing methods and bioinformatics to sequence, assemble and analyze the function and structure of genomes (the complete set of DNA within a single cell of an organism). Proteomics is the large-scale study of proteins. Metabolomics is the systematic study of the unique chemical fingerprints that specific cellular processes leave behind; and immune-based approaches are those that induce, enhance, or suppress an immune response.
BRI and TGen will collaborate in these areas of precision medicine by offering liquid biopsies, performing gene sequencing, conducting one-of-a-kind clinical trials and creating personalized vaccines to enhance patient care throughout the health care system. The hope is to transform medicine by answering critical patient and physician questions about specific treatment options available to the patient as well as the best prevention strategy tailored for each patient.
"This collaboration provides an opportunity for TGen and Baylor to leverage our respective strengths, technologies and talent to make a difference in the lives of cancer patients," said Dr. Jeffrey Trent, TGen president and research director.
Operations will be managed from a joint program located at Baylor Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center on the campus of Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas, and the research will take place in clinics and labs throughout the health care system as well as TGen facilities in Phoenix and Scottsdale.
Dr. Alan Miller, chief of oncology for Baylor Scott & White Health – North Texas, said the joint effort will concentrate on three significant research areas: women's cancer, including breast and gynecological; abdominal malignancies, including pancreatic, colorectal and liver; and hematological cancer, including leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma. "TGen is a proven leader in genomic approaches to cancer and other diseases, this collaboration will accelerate our efforts to bring the latest developments directly to our patients," Dr. Miller said.
Dr. John Carpten, deputy director of basic science and professor and director Integrated Cancer Genomics Division, will lead the TGen efforts. "I'm optimistic our work with Baylor will result in advances that can quickly add to a patient's treatment options, either through our clinical trial efforts, or the development of new drugs that prove effective," Dr. Carpten said.
TGen has identified specific gene defects in numerous disease processes that could lead to immediate targeted therapies for patients. Beyond cancer, the collaboration is expected to expand to other research areas, such as infectious disease, cardiovascular, diabetes, neurology and metabolic disease.
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About Baylor Scott & White Health
As the largest not-for-profit health system in the state of Texas, Baylor Scott & White promotes the health and well-being of every individual, family and community it serves. It is committed to making quality care more accessible, convenient and affordable through its integrated delivery network, which includes the Baylor Scott & White Health Plan, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, the Baylor Scott & White Quality Alliance and its leading digital health platform – MyBSWHealth. Through 51 hospitals and more than 1,200 access points, including flagship academic medical centers in Dallas, Fort Worth and Temple, the system offers the full continuum of care, from primary to award-winning specialty care. Founded as a Christian ministry of healing more than a century ago, Baylor Scott & White today serves more than three million Texans. For more information, visit: BSWHealth.com