Abstract LB074: Towards the next generation cancer dependency map

Abstract Cancer genome alterations that cause cancer cells to grow also confer vulnerabilities, which normal cells lack. The challenge is that, for the majority of cancers, we do not understand the relationship between the genetic alterations and the dependencies they cause. To solve this problem, we are creating a Cancer Dependency Map (DepMap) by systematically identifying genetic dependencies and small molecule sensitivities as well as discovering the biomarkers that predict them. Since its inception, DepMap has compiled data for over eighteen hundred cell line models, performed more than a thousand CRISPR screens, and drug sensitivity profiles using PRISM in over 500 cell lines as well as developed new analytic methods for the identification of cancer vulnerabilities. DepMap is being used by researchers around the world and numerous potential therapeutic targets have been identified using this resource. However, we are still in the early stages of having a complete map and we will discuss our ongoing work towards making the Cancer Dependency Map more powerful. The next generation DepMap will include more complex cellular models including 3D models, representing pediatric and rare cancers, and expanding the perturbation space to include combinations. Additionally, we are performing novel types of omics characterization and building new computational and visualizations tools. These new scientific directions will help make progress towards our identification of the landscape of cancer vulnerabilities and create a roadmap for cancer therapeutics. Citation Format: Kirsty Wienand, Samantha Stokes, Philip G. Montgomery, Kelly Sullivan, Joshua M. Dempster, William C. Hahn, Jennifer A. Roth, Francisca Vazquez. Towards the next generation cancer dependency map [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 2 (Clinical Trials and Late-Breaking Research); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(8_Suppl):Abstract nr LB074.