CUH breast cancer trial to explore more personalised approach
Breakthrough Cancer Research chief executive Orla Dolan, Prof Roisin Connolly, director of cancer research at UCC and Dr Emer Lynch, Breakthrough Clinical Cancer Research Fellow at UCC and Consultant Medical Oncologist at Cork University Hospital at the launch of the MELODY clinical trial. Picture: Daragh Mc Sweeney/Provision
A new clinical trial at Cork University Hospital (CUH), exploring a more personalised approach to treating advanced breast cancer, will open for recruitment in October.
The programme, entitled the MELODY trial, will offer eligible patients the opportunity to take part in research that could help shape the future of cancer care in Ireland.
It was developed through Dr Emer Lynch’s Breakthrough Clinical Cancer Research Fellowship, which provided protected time to develop the study and build Dr Lynch’s expertise in clinical research.
Her research looks at the genetic makeup of breast cancer and the bacteria and other microbes associated with it, to better understand how the disease changes over time and responds to treatment.
With a plan to work over the next two years with 50 women in the Cork and Kerry region, the MELODY trial will be delivered at the CUH/UCC Cancer Centre.
Dr Lynch said the trial will “investigate the use of a simple blood test, known as a liquid biopsy, to identify genetic changes in cancer cells”.
“The aim is to provide clinicians with additional information about an individual’s cancer which could help inform more personalised treatment decisions,” said Dr Lynch.
“In recent years, there have been many advances in tumour gene testing.
“Up until now in Ireland, we have only been able to do this type of testing on tumour tissue biopsies, which can be time-consuming and is invasive for patients, but we now know that many genetic alterations can be detected in blood tests instead.
“This trial will allow us, as physicians, to see what is working and what might be indicated for future treatments.”
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Ireland.
The MELODY trial will explore whether liquid biopsy testing can help provide valuable additional information needed to treat the disease.
Liquid testing of this kind is not currently available in routine public care in Ireland, making the study an opportunity to explore its potential role in supporting more personalised cancer care.
Those interested in learning more about the MELODY trial are encouraged to email uccctg@ucc.ie.
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