In 2022, Certis Oncology Solutions, Inc, (Certis) and Aspect Imaging, Ltd, (Aspect) launched a pilot study to test a hypothesis that Artificial Intelligence-guided, MRI-validated functional assays using personalized, orthotopic patient-derived xenograft (O-PDX) models could accurately predict therapeutic response to various treatment options, in mouse models.
During the conduct of the pilot study, Certis scientists discovered intriguing biomarker patterns predictive of favorable response, in mouse models, to existing therapies not currently indicated for certain “untreatable” forms of cancer. AI-enabled predictions were tested in vivo, tumor regression was measured by MRI, and results were confirmed by histology. Early findings compelled a deeper interrogation of public in vitro and clinical outcomes datasets. All findings point to an opportunity to repurpose existing, FDA-approved drugs that may improve clinical outcomes for individuals diagnosed with colorectal and other cancers with KRAS mutations, as well as other potentially actionable targets.