The NCI-MATCH trial: lessons for precision oncology

Nat Med. 2023 Jun;29(6):1349-1357. doi: 10.1038/s41591-023-02379-4. Epub 2023 Jun 15.

Abstract

The NCI-MATCH (Molecular Analysis for Therapy Choice) trial ( NCT02465060 ) was launched in 2015 as a genomically driven, signal-seeking precision medicine platform trial-largely for patients with treatment-refractory, malignant solid tumors. Having completed in 2023, it remains one of the largest tumor-agnostic, precision oncology trials undertaken to date. Nearly 6,000 patients underwent screening and molecular testing, with a total of 1,593 patients (inclusive of continued accrual from standard next-generation sequencing) being assigned to one of 38 substudies. Each substudy was a phase 2 trial of a therapy matched to a genomic alteration, with a primary endpoint of objective tumor response by RECIST criteria. In this Perspective, we summarize the outcomes of the initial 27 substudies in NCI-MATCH, which met its signal-seeking objective with 7/27 positive substudies (25.9%). We discuss key aspects of the design and operational conduct of the trial, highlighting important lessons for future precision medicine studies.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Genomics
  • High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing
  • Humans
  • Medical Oncology
  • Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Precision Medicine