Presently, no widely recognised or established biomarkers are specifically designed to predict the effectiveness of FOLFIRINOX/FOLFOX (chemotherapeutic treatments commonly used for various types of cancer, including colorectal and pancreatic cancer) regimens.

A blood-based RNA signature called GemciTest¹ (a non-invasive test of an 11-gene blood signature score) was developed to predict the response to gemcitabine-based first-line treatment in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Gemcitabine is a chemotherapy drug commonly used in the treatment of PDAC, and having a predictive test like GemciTest could help clinicians tailor treatment decisions and improve patient outcomes.

The objective of this study², presented at the 25^th World Congress on Gastrointestinal Cancer, was to evaluate the effectiveness of a complementary blood-based RNA signature (F/FX) to predict the response to FOLFIRINOX/FOLFOX regimens in PDAC.

The F/FX shows the potential of a blood-based RNA signature as a minimally-invasive alternative to improve patient survival and implement personalised therapy in PDAC for patients treated with a FOLFIRINOX/FOLFOX regimen as first-line treatment. Notwithstanding the data are promising, additional confirmation studies are needed in a prospective trial, distinguishing patients with non-resectable locally advanced and those with metastatic tumours.

References:

1. Piquemal D, et al. Performance of a blood-based RNA signature for gemcitabine-based treatment in metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma. J Gastrointest Oncol. 2023 Apr 29;14(2):997-1007. doi: 10.21037/jgo-22-946.
2. Piquemal D, et al. Predictive values of blood-based RNA signature for the FOLFIRINOX/FOLFOX response in advanced pancreatic cancer. Annals of Oncology. June 2023;34(1):S164-S165. doi:10.1016/j.annonc.2023.04.480

Author:
Ana Martins