Your quarterly update from the MCGI team April 2025 — June 2025
Your quarterly update from the MCGI team April 2025 — June 2025
Due to unforeseen circumstances affecting event planning, we’ve made the difficult decision to cancel the 2025 MCGI Forum, originally planned for November 14 – 15 in South Portland, Maine.
This decision was not made lightly. We recognize the value the Forum brings to our community of clinicians, researchers, patients, and partners who are advancing cancer genomics in Maine and beyond.
While we share in your disappointment, our commitment to the mission of MCGI remains. We are exploring new opportunities to engage with you both in-person and virtually, and to continue to share updates and highlight the incredible work being done across the state.
Please stay connected with us through our website and social media for future announcements.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected].
MCGI is partnering with MaineHealth on a pilot study to assess the value of Multidisciplinary Genomic Tumor Boards and explore the feasibility of adding methylation array testing during molecular tumor analysis for brain tumors.
This collaboration aims to integrate methylation testing into brain tumor diagnostics to improve treatment strategies and expand options for patients. It’s part of a broader effort to bring more diagnostic tools to communities across Maine.
MaineHealth and the JAX Advanced Precision Medicine Laboratory’s role in this work is featured in this web story alongside a JAX in Motion video visually highlighting the impact. Take a closer look at how this research is changing lives.
Spring brought several exciting opportunities to share our work with both national and local audiences. The season began with the Maine Cancer Action Day at the Maine State House, where MCGI’s Lindsey Kelley, M.P.H., M.S., CGC and Leah Graham, Ph.D. joined advocates to urge lawmakers to support LD 107, a bill aimed at expanding insurance coverage for biomarker testing.
In May, Maine’s Impact Cancer Network Cancer Conference gathered experts and advocates focused on cancer prevention. Leah Graham joined Christian Thomas, M.D. on a panel moderated by Stephen Pelsue, Ph.D. to discuss emerging cancer screening technologies and their potential to transform future treatment approaches. Their conversation highlighted the need to translate these advances into tangible improvements in survivorship and personalized care.
Later that month, Jens Rueter, M.D. represented MCGI at the City of Hope Grand Rounds, where he discussed how Genomic Tumor Boards (GTBs) can strengthen care delivery in community oncology settings. He also participated in AACI/AACR Hill Day in Washington, D.C., where he had the honor of presenting the Cancer Ally Award to former Chief Counsel, Senate Special Committee on Aging Mark LeDuc on behalf of Senator Susan Collins, recognizing his commitment to advancing cancer research.
Closing out the spring, Dr. Rueter presented findings from the S2108CD trial at ASCO 2025 alongside Meghna Trivedi, M.D., M.S. and Barbara Segarra-Vazquez, D.H.Sc highlighting the value of educationally enhanced GTBs.
The MCGI Genomic Tumor Boards continue to bring together clinicians and researchers for case-based discussions on interpreting patient genomic testing results and exploring how they may inform clinical care. These free, virtual sessions are open to physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, genetic counselors, students, and anyone interested in thoughtful dialogue around genomic interpretation, pathology, clinical decision-making, and shared experience from across the oncology community.
Upcoming July GTB Sessions:
• Wednesday, July 2, at 7 a.m. with Neuro-Oncology
• Tuesday, July 8, at 7:30 a.m. with New England Cancer Specialists
• Wednesday, July 9, at noon with Pen Bay Medical Center
• Tuesday, July 15, at 12:15 p.m. with Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care
• Thursday, July 17, at 9 a.m. with York Hospital
• Thursday, July 17, at 4 p.m. with Northern Light
• Wednesday, July 23, at noon with MMP Oncology
• Wednesday, July 30, at 12:15 p.m. with Mount Desert Island Hospital
Are you a physician interested in presenting a case? Simply submit a de-identified genomic test report and clinical summary—our team takes care of the rest. Submit a case for presentation or email us at [email protected].
What are key things to know about biomarker testing? What is HRD? When is germline testing needed? Refresh your understanding of foundational topics in precision oncology through three 30-minute recorded webinars.
Topics
Access Precision Oncology 101: Short Lessons for Busy Clinicians
Stay up to date with the latest research news, upcoming events and helpful resources by following us on our socials.
🔗 Follow us on LinkedIn