Identifying personalized treatments for rare cancers through comprehensive molecular analyses

Rare forms of cancer or unusual subtypes are often difficult to treat, as standardized therapies are rarely effective or do not exist. The varying molecular structure of these tumors complicates diagnosis and treatment decisions. The standard treatments are surgery, radiation therapy, or conventional chemotherapy. For many patients with advanced-stage disease, these approaches fail, and individualized, targeted approaches have not yet been developed. If a complete cure cannot be set as the goal within the framework of a treatment plan, this is referred to as a non-curative approach. A detailed molecular analysis of the tumor, combined with an interdisciplinary tumor board (a joint decision on treatment made by physicians from various specialties), can help select an individualized therapy for each patient and improve treatment outcomes.

The goal of this observational study is to identify suitable targeted therapies for patients through comprehensive molecular analyses of the tumors and to discuss these within the framework of a tumor board. To this end, DNA and RNA are examined using tumor tissue samples. This is an observational study, which means that no medications or new forms of therapy are being tested. The study is prospective, meaning that patients will be monitored over an extended period (up to 10 years) to assess long-term treatment outcomes.

Women and men aged 18 and older with rare cancers that are locally advanced or metastatic and incurable are eligible to participate in this study.