Leslie Yerman, AGA Tech Summit News

 

BOSTON – Gastroenterologists and GI surgeons had the opportunity to learn more about “Predicting Clinical Outcomes in CRC with Genetics” at the 2017 AGA Tech Summit, sponsored by the AGA Center for GI Innovation and Technology.

“The topic is extremely significant for two reasons,” said presenter C. Richard Boland, MD, of the University of California in San Diego. “First, we are now able to test colorectal cancer (CRC) for genetic alternations – allowing us to gauge prognosis and, eventually, target specific therapies to the actual tumor,” he said in an interview in advance of the meeting. “Second, the issue of detecting germline mutations in familial lines of CRC is an important factor in diagnosis.”

The talk provided answers to several important questions. What clinical issues do physicians want to solve in their CRC patients? What kinds of genetic tests are available? What questions do they address? And, is there an opportunity to develop a novel, disruptive technical approach to the somatic genetics of a CRC tumor?

“All cancers are genetic diseases, developing as a consequence of cumulative mutations. Each cancer is different, both in terms of total mutational burden, as well as the specific mutations that ‘drive’ the tumor,” explained Dr. Boland. “We will be able to stop tumor growth by inhibiting the driver mutation, once we know what that driver is. This will allow us to make more accurate prognoses and predict tumor responses to specific therapies. The hard part will be having effective therapies for each driver mutation.”

The presentation began with a discussion of optimizing CRC care using genetics, predictive tests (for defective DNA mismatch repair – dMMR), specific tumor mutations and blood tests (for miRNAs or other noncoding RNAs). It also covered the sensitivity of immunohistochemistry (IHC) for dMMR and potential problems with IHC.

Then it detailed an innovative technical proposal whose elements include developing a next-generation sequencing platform for CRC and performing microsatellite instability and other mutational testing for specific genes as test-guided therapies emerge. The session also provided an overview of germline mutation testing, including a description of genes that cause hereditary CRC, are on Myriad’s myRisk panel, and are included on Ambry’s 8 Test Panels.

“We think about 3% or so of CRCs have a strong genetic basis, but probably a lot more have weaker genetic bases,” said Dr. Boland. “When we find strongly penetrant germline mutations, it permits case finding and preventive intervention in family members. It also tells us a lot about how to care for the index individual, since all of these familial syndromes have a wide range of effects on patients.

“The technology driving this type of patient assessment is rapidly developing, and making it easier to find these mutations” he continued. “But it is also confusing when we find unexpected mutations in people who don’t seem to fit the classic disease descriptions.”

Attendees were taught why genetic test of CRCs can help direct patient care, how the tests can be efficiently done using a new diagnostic platform, and the state of germline testing and its interpretation.

Dr. Boland has given a lecture for Ambry Genetics (a genetics testing company) and may give others in the future.

 

BOSTON – Gastroenterologists and GI surgeons had the opportunity to learn more about “Predicting Clinical Outcomes in CRC with Genetics” at the 2017 AGA Tech Summit, sponsored by the AGA Center for GI Innovation and Technology.

“The topic is extremely significant for two reasons,” said presenter C. Richard Boland, MD, of the University of California in San Diego. “First, we are now able to test colorectal cancer (CRC) for genetic alternations – allowing us to gauge prognosis and, eventually, target specific therapies to the actual tumor,” he said in an interview in advance of the meeting. “Second, the issue of detecting germline mutations in familial lines of CRC is an important factor in diagnosis.”

The talk provided answers to several important questions. What clinical issues do physicians want to solve in their CRC patients? What kinds of genetic tests are available? What questions do they address? And, is there an opportunity to develop a novel, disruptive technical approach to the somatic genetics of a CRC tumor?

“All cancers are genetic diseases, developing as a consequence of cumulative mutations. Each cancer is different, both in terms of total mutational burden, as well as the specific mutations that ‘drive’ the tumor,” explained Dr. Boland. “We will be able to stop tumor growth by inhibiting the driver mutation, once we know what that driver is. This will allow us to make more accurate prognoses and predict tumor responses to specific therapies. The hard part will be having effective therapies for each driver mutation.”

The presentation began with a discussion of optimizing CRC care using genetics, predictive tests (for defective DNA mismatch repair – dMMR), specific tumor mutations and blood tests (for miRNAs or other noncoding RNAs). It also covered the sensitivity of immunohistochemistry (IHC) for dMMR and potential problems with IHC.

Then it detailed an innovative technical proposal whose elements include developing a next-generation sequencing platform for CRC and performing microsatellite instability and other mutational testing for specific genes as test-guided therapies emerge. The session also provided an overview of germline mutation testing, including a description of genes that cause hereditary CRC, are on Myriad’s myRisk panel, and are included on Ambry’s 8 Test Panels.

“We think about 3% or so of CRCs have a strong genetic basis, but probably a lot more have weaker genetic bases,” said Dr. Boland. “When we find strongly penetrant germline mutations, it permits case finding and preventive intervention in family members. It also tells us a lot about how to care for the index individual, since all of these familial syndromes have a wide range of effects on patients.

“The technology driving this type of patient assessment is rapidly developing, and making it easier to find these mutations” he continued. “But it is also confusing when we find unexpected mutations in people who don’t seem to fit the classic disease descriptions.”

Attendees were taught why genetic test of CRCs can help direct patient care, how the tests can be efficiently done using a new diagnostic platform, and the state of germline testing and its interpretation.

Dr. Boland has given a lecture for Ambry Genetics (a genetics testing company) and may give others in the future.

 

BOSTON – Gastroenterologists and GI surgeons had the opportunity to learn more about “Predicting Clinical Outcomes in CRC with Genetics” at the 2017 AGA Tech Summit, sponsored by the AGA Center for GI Innovation and Technology.

“The topic is extremely significant for two reasons,” said presenter C. Richard Boland, MD, of the University of California in San Diego. “First, we are now able to test colorectal cancer (CRC) for genetic alternations – allowing us to gauge prognosis and, eventually, target specific therapies to the actual tumor,” he said in an interview in advance of the meeting. “Second, the issue of detecting germline mutations in familial lines of CRC is an important factor in diagnosis.”

The talk provided answers to several important questions. What clinical issues do physicians want to solve in their CRC patients? What kinds of genetic tests are available? What questions do they address? And, is there an opportunity to develop a novel, disruptive technical approach to the somatic genetics of a CRC tumor?

“All cancers are genetic diseases, developing as a consequence of cumulative mutations. Each cancer is different, both in terms of total mutational burden, as well as the specific mutations that ‘drive’ the tumor,” explained Dr. Boland. “We will be able to stop tumor growth by inhibiting the driver mutation, once we know what that driver is. This will allow us to make more accurate prognoses and predict tumor responses to specific therapies. The hard part will be having effective therapies for each driver mutation.”

The presentation began with a discussion of optimizing CRC care using genetics, predictive tests (for defective DNA mismatch repair – dMMR), specific tumor mutations and blood tests (for miRNAs or other noncoding RNAs). It also covered the sensitivity of immunohistochemistry (IHC) for dMMR and potential problems with IHC.

Then it detailed an innovative technical proposal whose elements include developing a next-generation sequencing platform for CRC and performing microsatellite instability and other mutational testing for specific genes as test-guided therapies emerge. The session also provided an overview of germline mutation testing, including a description of genes that cause hereditary CRC, are on Myriad’s myRisk panel, and are included on Ambry’s 8 Test Panels.

“We think about 3% or so of CRCs have a strong genetic basis, but probably a lot more have weaker genetic bases,” said Dr. Boland. “When we find strongly penetrant germline mutations, it permits case finding and preventive intervention in family members. It also tells us a lot about how to care for the index individual, since all of these familial syndromes have a wide range of effects on patients.

“The technology driving this type of patient assessment is rapidly developing, and making it easier to find these mutations” he continued. “But it is also confusing when we find unexpected mutations in people who don’t seem to fit the classic disease descriptions.”

Attendees were taught why genetic test of CRCs can help direct patient care, how the tests can be efficiently done using a new diagnostic platform, and the state of germline testing and its interpretation.

Dr. Boland has given a lecture for Ambry Genetics (a genetics testing company) and may give others in the future.

The 2017 AGA Tech Summit, sponsored by the AGA Center for GI Innovation and Technology, promises to provide gastroenterologists and gastrointestinal surgeons with an insider’s perspective on regulators, payors, and companies in the medtech space during its 2017 session from April 12-14 in Boston. “This year’s agenda will highlight personalized diagnostics and the impact of MACRA on gastroenterology,” said Michael L. Kochman, MD, AGAF, of Penn Medicine, Philadelphia, who is executive committee chair of the center. “The intimate nature of the meeting will allow attendees to interact with fellow gastroenterologists and GI surgeons while benefiting from sessions on critical innovation and technology issues in our field.”

Development of the program started at the 2016 conference, building on that session’s highlights, as well as on the needs and interests of its attendees and speakers. “It takes a full 9 months to lock down the topics and find appropriate presenters,” explained Dr. Kochman. “The program is continually assessed and updated to keep up with medtech developments. Handpicked faculty members include prominent leaders in the medical, medtech, and regulatory communities.”

When asked about the summit’s highlights, Dr. Kochman cited two keynote presentations. On Wednesday night, David Friend, MD, chief transformation officer and managing director of the BDO Center for Healthcare Excellence & Innovation, will speak at a dinner for summit sponsors. Dr. Friend helps BDO’s medical device clients develop strategies for obtaining market authorization for new technologies. Thursday morning, Herbert Lerner, MD, senior director of regulatory and clinical sciences at Hogan Lovell, will speak on “21st Century Fears,” drawing on his experience as former deputy division director of reproductive, gastro-renal, and urological devices at FDA/CDRH/ODE (the Food and Drug Administration/Center for Devices and Radiological Health/Office of Drug Evaluation).

“Two important sessions demonstrate the breadth of the meeting,” stated Dr. Kochman. “This year’s Shark Tank will cover novel developments in GI medtech.” Participating companies and entrepreneurs will have 5 minutes to present their projects to an expert panel of venture capitalists, physicians, and industry executives who make acquisition decisions. “There will also be a cutting-edge session covering liquid biopsy and personalized medicine in gastroenterology,” he added. Other highlights include presentations on “The Macroeconomics of Care Delivery: MACRA and the Change to Come” and practice and device development.
 

The event includes a wide range of opportunities for networking with faculty and attendees, including during the breaks on both days, a Thursday night reception, and luncheons.

Summit sessions will span critical elements affecting how innovation in the GI space evolves from concept to reality. Other topics covered will include a digestive world outlook, driving innovation adoption, research updates, quality outcomes, raising capital, medtech success in GI and metabolic diseases from 2016, opportunities and challenges in personalized medicine, and improving patient outcomes via quality efforts.

Those who cannot attend the conference can look forward to “Highlights of the 2017 AGA Tech Summit,” which will be published as a supplement to GI & Hepatology News. “There will be writers in Boston attending and capturing highlights of the event sessions,” said Dr. Kochman. “AGA members will have the opportunity to experience the salient points of the presentations through this publication.”

The AGA Tech Summit will foster innovation and technology in the field of digestive health. “The keynote speakers and presenters, along with the audience’s multiple perspectives will be something we can build on to hopefully shape the future of gastroenterology,” concluded Dr. Kochman.

Dr. Kochman disclosed that he serves as a consultant for Boston Scientific Corp. and Dark Canyon Labs.

ginews@gastro.org

The 2017 AGA Tech Summit, sponsored by the AGA Center for GI Innovation and Technology, promises to provide gastroenterologists and gastrointestinal surgeons with an insider’s perspective on regulators, payors, and companies in the medtech space during its 2017 session from April 12-14 in Boston. “This year’s agenda will highlight personalized diagnostics and the impact of MACRA on gastroenterology,” said Michael L. Kochman, MD, AGAF, of Penn Medicine, Philadelphia, who is executive committee chair of the center. “The intimate nature of the meeting will allow attendees to interact with fellow gastroenterologists and GI surgeons while benefiting from sessions on critical innovation and technology issues in our field.”

Development of the program started at the 2016 conference, building on that session’s highlights, as well as on the needs and interests of its attendees and speakers. “It takes a full 9 months to lock down the topics and find appropriate presenters,” explained Dr. Kochman. “The program is continually assessed and updated to keep up with medtech developments. Handpicked faculty members include prominent leaders in the medical, medtech, and regulatory communities.”

When asked about the summit’s highlights, Dr. Kochman cited two keynote presentations. On Wednesday night, David Friend, MD, chief transformation officer and managing director of the BDO Center for Healthcare Excellence & Innovation, will speak at a dinner for summit sponsors. Dr. Friend helps BDO’s medical device clients develop strategies for obtaining market authorization for new technologies. Thursday morning, Herbert Lerner, MD, senior director of regulatory and clinical sciences at Hogan Lovell, will speak on “21st Century Fears,” drawing on his experience as former deputy division director of reproductive, gastro-renal, and urological devices at FDA/CDRH/ODE (the Food and Drug Administration/Center for Devices and Radiological Health/Office of Drug Evaluation).

“Two important sessions demonstrate the breadth of the meeting,” stated Dr. Kochman. “This year’s Shark Tank will cover novel developments in GI medtech.” Participating companies and entrepreneurs will have 5 minutes to present their projects to an expert panel of venture capitalists, physicians, and industry executives who make acquisition decisions. “There will also be a cutting-edge session covering liquid biopsy and personalized medicine in gastroenterology,” he added. Other highlights include presentations on “The Macroeconomics of Care Delivery: MACRA and the Change to Come” and practice and device development.
 

The event includes a wide range of opportunities for networking with faculty and attendees, including during the breaks on both days, a Thursday night reception, and luncheons.

Summit sessions will span critical elements affecting how innovation in the GI space evolves from concept to reality. Other topics covered will include a digestive world outlook, driving innovation adoption, research updates, quality outcomes, raising capital, medtech success in GI and metabolic diseases from 2016, opportunities and challenges in personalized medicine, and improving patient outcomes via quality efforts.

Those who cannot attend the conference can look forward to “Highlights of the 2017 AGA Tech Summit,” which will be published as a supplement to GI & Hepatology News. “There will be writers in Boston attending and capturing highlights of the event sessions,” said Dr. Kochman. “AGA members will have the opportunity to experience the salient points of the presentations through this publication.”

The AGA Tech Summit will foster innovation and technology in the field of digestive health. “The keynote speakers and presenters, along with the audience’s multiple perspectives will be something we can build on to hopefully shape the future of gastroenterology,” concluded Dr. Kochman.

Dr. Kochman disclosed that he serves as a consultant for Boston Scientific Corp. and Dark Canyon Labs.

ginews@gastro.org

The 2017 AGA Tech Summit, sponsored by the AGA Center for GI Innovation and Technology, promises to provide gastroenterologists and gastrointestinal surgeons with an insider’s perspective on regulators, payors, and companies in the medtech space during its 2017 session from April 12-14 in Boston. “This year’s agenda will highlight personalized diagnostics and the impact of MACRA on gastroenterology,” said Michael L. Kochman, MD, AGAF, of Penn Medicine, Philadelphia, who is executive committee chair of the center. “The intimate nature of the meeting will allow attendees to interact with fellow gastroenterologists and GI surgeons while benefiting from sessions on critical innovation and technology issues in our field.”

Development of the program started at the 2016 conference, building on that session’s highlights, as well as on the needs and interests of its attendees and speakers. “It takes a full 9 months to lock down the topics and find appropriate presenters,” explained Dr. Kochman. “The program is continually assessed and updated to keep up with medtech developments. Handpicked faculty members include prominent leaders in the medical, medtech, and regulatory communities.”

When asked about the summit’s highlights, Dr. Kochman cited two keynote presentations. On Wednesday night, David Friend, MD, chief transformation officer and managing director of the BDO Center for Healthcare Excellence & Innovation, will speak at a dinner for summit sponsors. Dr. Friend helps BDO’s medical device clients develop strategies for obtaining market authorization for new technologies. Thursday morning, Herbert Lerner, MD, senior director of regulatory and clinical sciences at Hogan Lovell, will speak on “21st Century Fears,” drawing on his experience as former deputy division director of reproductive, gastro-renal, and urological devices at FDA/CDRH/ODE (the Food and Drug Administration/Center for Devices and Radiological Health/Office of Drug Evaluation).

“Two important sessions demonstrate the breadth of the meeting,” stated Dr. Kochman. “This year’s Shark Tank will cover novel developments in GI medtech.” Participating companies and entrepreneurs will have 5 minutes to present their projects to an expert panel of venture capitalists, physicians, and industry executives who make acquisition decisions. “There will also be a cutting-edge session covering liquid biopsy and personalized medicine in gastroenterology,” he added. Other highlights include presentations on “The Macroeconomics of Care Delivery: MACRA and the Change to Come” and practice and device development.
 

The event includes a wide range of opportunities for networking with faculty and attendees, including during the breaks on both days, a Thursday night reception, and luncheons.

Summit sessions will span critical elements affecting how innovation in the GI space evolves from concept to reality. Other topics covered will include a digestive world outlook, driving innovation adoption, research updates, quality outcomes, raising capital, medtech success in GI and metabolic diseases from 2016, opportunities and challenges in personalized medicine, and improving patient outcomes via quality efforts.

Those who cannot attend the conference can look forward to “Highlights of the 2017 AGA Tech Summit,” which will be published as a supplement to GI & Hepatology News. “There will be writers in Boston attending and capturing highlights of the event sessions,” said Dr. Kochman. “AGA members will have the opportunity to experience the salient points of the presentations through this publication.”

The AGA Tech Summit will foster innovation and technology in the field of digestive health. “The keynote speakers and presenters, along with the audience’s multiple perspectives will be something we can build on to hopefully shape the future of gastroenterology,” concluded Dr. Kochman.

Dr. Kochman disclosed that he serves as a consultant for Boston Scientific Corp. and Dark Canyon Labs.

ginews@gastro.org