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BostonGene, Exigent Research Ink Trial Agreement for Study of Comprehensive Cancer Sequencing

NEW YORK – Molecular and immune profiling firm BostonGene and community oncology research network Exigent Research said Tuesday that they have partnered to conduct a clinical trial called BEGIN (BostonGene and Exigent Genomic Insight), designed to demonstrate the clinical benefits of comprehensive sequencing in advanced cancer patients in a community setting.

The companies aim to demonstrate that the BostonGene Tumor Portrait sequencing test — which couples whole-exome sequencing, RNA-seq and AI-powered analytics — can improve patient outcomes by tailoring molecularly guided treatment.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

Sibel Blau, Exigent's president and CEO, said in a statement that comprehensive cancer genomics "has the potential to be a real asset for [Exigent's] providers and patients," a community of over 185 sites and 660 providers.

Formed as a partnership between the Quality Cancer Care Alliance and the National Cancer Care Alliance, Exigent aims to accelerate progress in cancer research with a unique network-based model.

Under the collaboration, BostonGene will perform comprehensive analysis using its Tumor Portrait test on patient tumor samples from participating Exigent sites. Investigators will track the utility and frequency of actionable findings in a real-world setting. The trial will also assess the impact of testing on treatment decisions and various value-based care metrics.

BostonGene Chief Medical Officer Nathan Fowler said the partnership marks an important step in the company's mission "to bring precision medicine, today mostly available in academia, into community practices where most patients are seen."