Tempus AI Validates RNA-Based Algorithm for Pancreatic Cancer Therapy Selection
Tempus has reported results validating its PurIST algorithm as a biomarker to guide chemotherapy choice in advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The study reportedly represents the largest real-world analysis of its kind and provides evidence for integrating PurIST into clinical decision-making. The PurIST test was developed through a collaboration between Tempus and GeneCentric and is now commercially available through Tempus for clinical use in unresectable stage III or IV PDAC.
PurIST uses RNA sequencing to classify tumors into basal or classical subtypes without requiring additional tissue beyond that used for Tempus’ genomic profiling. The test can be added to existing xR or xT+xR sequencing orders, providing molecular subtype data alongside genomic results. Earlier research, documented across multiple studies listed by the companies on their page, demonstrated that patients with the classical subtype tend to have superior median overall survival when treated with FFX compared to basal-subtype patients, a finding further supported by the newly published real-world analysis.
Tempus applies AI and multimodal data to precision medicine, offering genomic profiling, molecular diagnostics, and integrated software for both providers and researchers. Its portfolio spans oncology, neurology, cardiology, and infectious diseases, with platforms designed to deliver clinical test results, link into electronic health records, and support research through large-scale real-world datasets.
GeneCentric develops biomarker technologies for precision oncology, including ExpressCT, which measures gene expression from circulating tumor DNA to expand the scope of liquid biopsy testing. Its GenomicsNext platform integrates DNA variant detection with expression profiling and is advanced through strategic collaborations with diagnostic and pharmaceutical partners. Together, the companies combine capabilities in sequencing, AI, and biomarker development, exemplified by their joint work on the PurIST test for pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatic cancer is among the deadliest malignancies, with a five-year survival rate of about 12%. For patients with advanced, unresectable PDAC, first-line chemotherapy typically involves either FOLFIRINOX (FFX) or gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel (GnP). These regimens have variable efficacy, and reliable biomarkers to stratify patients have been lacking. PurIST, an RNA-based classification test, addresses this gap by distinguishing PDAC tumors into “classical” and “basal” molecular subtypes.
The study evaluated 931 patients with advanced PDAC, assigning PurIST classifications through Tempus’ RNA sequencing. Among those treated with FOLFIRINOX (n=536), patients with the classical subtype had a median overall survival of 11.8 months versus 7.0 months for the basal subtype (Hazard Ratio [HR]=1.86; p<0.001). In classical-subtype patients with good performance status (ECOG 0–1, n=311), FOLFIRINOX was linked to a 33% relative reduction in risk of death compared to gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel (HR=0.67; p<0.009), while no such advantage was seen in basal-subtype patients.
The findings suggest PurIST can function as both a prognostic and predictive biomarker, enabling clinicians to select first-line chemotherapy regimens with greater precision and potentially improve survival outcomes.
Topics: Clinical Trials
