The Metastatic Breast Cancer Project: A National Direct-To-Patient Initiative To Accelerate Genomics Research.

LBA1519Background: The challenge in studying tumors from patients (pts) with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) has been that most tumors are not available for research, largely because most pts are cared for in community settings where genomics studies are not conducted. To address this, we launched a nationwide study, The Metastatic Breast Cancer Project, which seeks to empower patients to accelerate research by sharing their samples and clinical information. Methods: In collaboration with pts and advocacy groups, we developed a website to allow MBC pts to participate across the U.S. Enrolled pts are sent a saliva kit and asked to mail back a saliva sample, which is used to extract germline DNA. We contact participants’ medical providers and obtain medical records and part of their tumor biopsy. Whole exome and transcriptome sequencing is performed on tumor and germline. Clinically annotated genomic data are used to identify mechanisms of response and resistance to therapies. The database is shared widely w...