Personalizing Care with the Maine Cancer Genomics Initiative

Oncology practices in our system-wide, integrated, cancer care delivery model are partnering with The Jackson Laboratory’s Maine Cancer Genomics Initiative (MCGI) to deliver the most cutting-edge cancer medicine to patients. This initiative supports the provision of the right care, in the right location, with advanced oncology services delivered by providers with the right sub-specialty skills and expertise.

Hospitals within the MaineHealth system are participating in this statewide initiative, led by the Jackson Laboratory in partnership with MaineHealth Institute for Research (MHIR) with generous support from the Harold Alfond^TM Foundation. The goal is to enhance cancer diagnostics and treatment right here in Maine.

The Maine Cancer Genomics Initiative seeks to identify unique molecular level solutions to guide more personalized drug therapy for our patients and to recruit more potentially eligible patients for clinical trials. Over time, the MCGI may guide the pathology team in developing diagnostic panels(s) of molecular tests to be performed at Maine Medical Center.

Launched June 2017, the study design of the Maine Cancer Genomics Initiative is to recruit participants through a statewide network of 100 cancer care providers with a goal of reaching 1800 Mane cancer patients within three years.

Study objectives include:

• Ongoing education of care providers with cutting edge research findings;
• Determining whether test results impacted care;
• Conducting parallel educational program of oncologists; and
• Monitoring patient’s perception of participation.

Long range opportunities for this project include:

• Improved patient outcomes;
• Future access to other innovative clinical trial; and
• Positioning Maine oncology practices as leaders in personalized medicine.

For additional information, please visit https://www.jax.org/mcgi or contact your treating clinician.