Case study 2
Optimising treatment for advanced pancreatic cancer.
Patient:
A 67-year-old woman from rural New South Wales.
Initial referral:
The patient was referred to the Precision Care MDT for review of her molecular report and recommendations regarding PARP inhibitor monotherapy for metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).
Clinical history:
- Diagnosed with de-novo metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma in 2022, with metastases to liver and pelvis
- Initial treatment: Clinical trial with Gemcitabine, Nab-Paclitaxel +/- investigational agent (Sept-Dec 2022), resulting in progressive disease
- Second-line treatment: FOLFIRINOX (Jan-Nov 2023), resulting in partial response followed by progressive disease
- Enrolled in a Phase 1/2 trial in January 2024
- Found to have a germline BRCA2 mutation and referred to a hereditary cancer clinic
Molecular findings:
- FoundationOne CDx testing revealed:
- Two different BRCA2 mutations (VAF 40% and 14%)
- KRAS G12D mutation (VAF 39%)
- RB1 and TP53 mutations
- Low tumour mutational burden (TMB) of 4.8 Mut/Mb
Our approach:
The MDT conducted a comprehensive review of the patient's clinical history, pathology, and molecular reports. Key considerations included:
- The presence of a BRCA2 reversion mutation (VAF 14%) likely developed during platinum-based chemotherapy
- The impact of this reversion mutation on potential PARP inhibitor efficacy
- The presence of other targetable mutations, particularly KRAS G12D
Value-added insights:
- Literature review: We noted that while BRCA2/HRD is usually a later driver of PDAC, in this case, it was likely an early driver of oncogenesis.
- Mutation analysis: We identified that the BRCA2 reversion mutation might restore BRCA protein function, potentially leading to resistance to both platinum-based therapy and PARP inhibitors.
- Alternative targets: We highlighted the KRAS G12D mutation as another potentially targetable pathway.
Recommendations:
Based on our integrated analysis, we provided a prioritised treatment hierarchy:
- KRAS G12D targeted therapy
- MTAP loss targeted therapy
- BRCA2 (PARP inhibitor trials/self-funding)
We also recommended a bioinformatician review of the specific BRCA2 reversion mutations to confirm their impact on protein function.
Outcome:
Our recommendations provided the referring oncologist with:
- A clear treatment hierarchy based on both molecular findings and the patient's treatment history
- Insight into potential resistance mechanisms
- Guidance on further molecular analysis to inform treatment decisions
This case shows how the Precision Care Initiative can provide personalised, cutting-edge treatment recommendations by combining clinical expertise with advanced molecular analysis.
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P: 02 9382 5111
F: 02 9382 5180
E:听precisioncareinitiative@unsw.edu.au
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Nelune Comprehensive Cancer Centre
Prince of Wales Hospital
Randwick NSW 2031