Research
Our research is driven by the goal of advancing precision oncology through liquid biopsy.
By bringing together leading institutions, diverse patient populations, and cutting-edge analytical approaches, we work to generate high-quality evidence that can meaningfully improve cancer care.
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At the core of this effort is our comprehensive, well-annotated, multi-institutional real-world database, which integrates clinical, pathological, and molecular data from patient with breast cancer. This unique resource enables us to uncover meaningful patterns, validate biomarkers, and generate high-quality evidence with direct clinical relevance.
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Looking forward, PMAC aims to facilitate biomarker-driven translational and clinical studies through ongoing and new academic and industry collaborations, translating molecular insights into better patient outcomes.
Tumor Biology and Treatment Resistance
One of our core objectives is to harness the power of liquid biopsy to achieve a deep molecular understanding of tumor biology and to uncover the mechanisms that drive treatment resistance. A major focus of this work is endocrine resistance, a persistent and clinically significant challenge in the management of patients with hormone receptor–positive breast cancer.
Our consortium has produced multiple publications exploring this topic through integrated analyses of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and circulating tumor cells (CTCs), combined with machine learning and multi-omic approaches. These studies have provided important insights into how tumors evolve under therapeutic pressure and have highlighted biomarkers that may guide more personalized treatment strategies.
Through these efforts, we aim to advance precision medicine tools that can anticipate resistance earlier, support clinical decision-making, and ultimately improve patients' outcomes.
Minimal Residual Disease
(MRD)
A growing research pillar within PMAC is the study of minimal residual disease (MRD), a critical frontier in precision oncology. Our goal is to understand how liquid biopsy can identify patients at higher risk of relapse after curative-intent treatment, and how this information can guide earlier, more targeted interventions to improve long-term outcomes.
To drive progress in this area, we have established a dedicated MRD Working Group, which meets monthly to review emerging data, develop new projects, and foster collaboration across institutions. Through these coordinated efforts, we aim to accelerate the translation of MRD science into clinical practice and ultimately enhance survivorship for all patients.
Rare Breast Cancer Subtypes
A major focus of our program is the study of rare and understudied breast cancer subtypes, where evidence is often limited but the clinical need is high. Leveraging our large, multi-institutional database, we are able to investigate tumors such as invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) and inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) with a level of depth that is rarely achievable in individual centers.
Our consortium has generated one of the most comprehensive ctDNA characterizations of ILC to date, offering new insights into its unique biology and potential therapeutic vulnerabilities. To accelerate progress in this space, we have also established a dedicated ILC Working Group, bringing together experts committed to advancing research and improving patient care.
In parallel, we are expanding our efforts in inflammatory breast cancer, integrating liquid biopsy technologies and multi-institutional collaborations to identify biomarkers that may guide earlier detection and more precise treatment strategies.
Health Disparities and Diversity
Another key area of our research focuses on health disparities and diversity in cancer care. Understanding how biology, access, and systemic factors intersect is essential to improving outcomes for all patients. Our consortium has published landmark work identifying racial differences in ctDNA profiles, as well as disparities in treatment access and clinical outcomes.
Building on these findings, we are conducting ongoing studies designed to uncover the drivers of these inequities and to develop strategies that promote more equitable care. Through diverse patient representation, multi-institutional collaboration, and advanced molecular profiling, we aim to ensure that innovations in precision oncology benefit every community.
Clinical Trials
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PMAC aims to accelerate the development of biomarker-driven clinical trials, addressing a significant unmet need in oncology research. Our deeply annotated clinical and molecular data allow us to generate robust historical control datasets, supporting more efficient study designs.
In addition, PMAC provides academic expertise in precision medicine–based study design, bringing together clinicians to guide the development of trials that are biologically informed and clinically meaningful. Through these capabilities, we help advance innovative therapeutic strategies and contribute to more personalized, effective cancer care.