OncoDNA is pleased to announce collaboration in the MDLUX2 program from INC (National Cancer Institute), Molecular Diagnostics Program funded by IBBL (Integrated BioBank of Luxembourg), the Fondation Cancer and the Fondatioun Kriibskrank Kanner

The programme, a continuation of the previous initiative MDLUX1, aims to assess the value and feasibility of implementing molecular diagnostics tests as part of cancer care in Luxembourg, with the goal of improving the effectiveness of cancer treatment whilst supporting cancer research. Such molecular diagnostics tests are currently not reimbursed by public health insurance (National Health Fund – Caisse Nationale de Santé, CNS) in Luxembourg, hence the importance of MDLUX2 as a pilot project to evaluate their benefits for patients. Hundreds of patients are expected to benefit from the programme over three years.

A set of standardised molecular diagnostic tests will be performed on tissue samples from each patient taking part in MDLUX2. Following a European public tender, OncoDNA was successfully selected as the provider of molecular diagnostic services for the programme. The combined solution of molecular testing and a reporting platform will give clinicians an in-depth insight into the specific mutations that characterise a patient’s tumour and will provide suggestions for potential clinical trials in which patients may decide to participate.

IBBL will stock the remaining tissue and associated clinical data – subject to patient consent – with the purpose of making them available for research studies.

Dr Nikolai Goncharenko, Coordinator of INC, explains:

“The project seeks to guide clinicians in their choice of the most appropriate treatment to be administered to each individual patient. Ultimately, our goal is to improve clinical outcomes for patients, whilst strengthening Luxembourg’s position with respect to molecular diagnostics, personalised medicine and cancer research.”

Patient enrolment in the programme will take place through local hospitals, on the recommendation of clinical multidisciplinary tumour boards. A dedicated form will allow prospective participants to consent to the molecular diagnostic test and grant permission for their biological samples to be stored at IBBL for future research purposes.

MDLUX2 is co-sponsored by IBBL, Luxembourg’s Fondation Cancer and Fondatioun Kriibskrank Kanner (which will cover molecular diagnostic testing for paediatric patients). The programme is implemented under the general coordination of INC with the support of participating hospitals.

Jean-Pol Detiffe, CEO of OncoDNA, said:

“We are delighted to be supporting MDLUX2 and the INC’s objective of improving cancer care in Luxembourg. This exciting programme will also help to raise awareness about the use of molecular diagnostics in healthcare and enable the wider use of precision medicine solutions. This initiative makes the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg the first European country to incorporate our OncoKDM™ platform for molecular profiling, reporting and exchange around cancer care.”

About INC:

Institut National du Cancer (INC) was established in 2015 as an association without lucrative purpose (association sans but lucratif) in the context of Luxembourg’s National Cancer Plan 2014-18. The mission of INC includes coordination of oncology care at the national level, preparation of the national treatment guidelines and design of clinical patient pathways, set-up and coordination of specialised multidisciplinary tumour boards, assessment of the quality indicators for prevention and treatment of cancer, implementation of personalised medicine approaches for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, assembly and moderation of actors involved in the delivery of cancer care, promotion of the national centres of competence, as well as quality marking and certification of medical establishments. INC is funded by the Ministry of Health of Luxembourg. For more information, please visit www.inc.lu.

About IBBL:

IBBL (Integrated BioBank of Luxembourg) is an autonomous not-for-profit institute dedicated to supporting biomedical research for the benefit of patients. IBBL is an integrated research infrastructure offering bioservices, including the collection, processing, analysis and storage of biological samples and associated data. In addition, IBBL carries out research to optimise biospecimen processing and certify biospecimen quality. IBBL is ISO 9001:2015 certified and ISO 17025:2005 accredited. IBBL’s quality management system is conceived to be compliant with NF S96-900:2011 and ISO 17043:2010. IBBL’s mission is to provide biospecimen related services and a biobanking infrastructure for applied medical research. IBBL’s vision is to be an international centre of excellence in biobanking and a valued partner in developing better healthcare solutions. IBBL is an autonomous institute, organised within the Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH). For more information, please visit our corporate website (www.ibbl.lu) or our public website (www.biobank.lu).

About Fondation Cancer:

Fondation Cancer was founded in 1994. Many years of involvement and a proud record of achievement have earned Fondation Cancer widespread recognition as a prime leader in the fight against cancer. Fondation Cancer aims to reduce cancer mortality and morbidity rates by waging an encompassing fight – by promoting research, prevention and early detection, improved methods of treatment and rehabilitation and quality of life. Fondation Cancer supports cancer patients and their family throughout their journey and strives to ensure their rights. For more information, please visit www.cancer.lu.

About Fondatioun Kriibskrank Kanner:

For almost 30 years, the Fondatioun Kriibskrank Kanner has been accompanying children fighting cancer or a rare and life-threatening disease and their families. The foundation has three main missions:

• Help to improve the physical and psychological condition of the child and his family. Its multidisciplinary team offers an individual care taking from the diagnosis all the way to the remission, including assistance with the administrative and financial aspects, psycho-social support as well as educational, therapeutic and recreational activities.
• Raise awareness on childhood cancer and defend the children’s rights.
• Support actively onco-paediatric research by funding selected projects with one main goal: increase the cure rate and survivors’ quality of life.

For more information, please visit www.fondatioun.lu.

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