Fox Chase and Arima Launch Partnership for Advanced Cancer Diagnostics

Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia and Arima Genomics, Inc. from Carlsbad, California, have announced a groundbreaking partnership aimed at revolutionizing cancer diagnostics. This collaboration will introduce advanced techniques that utilize the three-dimensional structure of DNA, moving beyond traditional methods to enhance cancer detection and treatment.

The initiative will integrate Arima’s innovative technology into Fox Chase’s Cancer Epigenetics Institute. This integration focuses on how DNA folds and interacts within cells, an aspect that conventional genetic testing often overlooks. By analyzing these three-dimensional structures, researchers aim to uncover genomic changes that are typically missed, leading to more precise cancer diagnoses and improved treatment strategies.

At the heart of this effort are Arima’s Aventa Lymphoma and Aventa FusionPlus tests, which are specifically designed to identify complex gene fusions and rearrangements associated with cancer development. This collaboration marks a significant milestone, as it is the first instance of a major cancer center partnering with Arima to implement its 3D genomics technology at a clinical scale while also supporting ongoing research.

Johnathan Whetstine, director of the Cancer Epigenetics Institute, emphasized the importance of this partnership, describing it as a “true bench-to-bedside translation of discovery.” He noted that the collaboration has evolved from years of basic research into clinical application, fundamentally changing how genome organization can inform both diagnosis and treatment.

Traditional DNA sequencing typically breaks genetic material into countless fragments, resulting in the loss of spatial context. In contrast, Arima’s platform preserves the three-dimensional architecture of the genome. This broader perspective provides deeper insights into tumor formation, evolution, and treatment resistance.

According to Tom Willis, CEO of Arima Genomics, the Aventa tests have shown exceptional sensitivity in detecting gene fusions and rearrangements essential for accurate diagnosis, particularly in lymphomas and sarcomas. He described Fox Chase’s adoption of this technology as a pivotal step in transforming cancer care.

Under this partnership, Fox Chase will become the first institution worldwide to standardize Arima’s 3D genomics testing across various tumor types. The collaboration will also involve collecting de-identified patient response data during clinical use, which will open new avenues for research on potential therapies.

“This initiative allows us to not only observe genetic changes but also understand how the DNA is organized,” Whetstine explained. This information could help identify new therapeutic targets or confirm existing findings with greater accuracy.

The technology is expected to be particularly beneficial for challenging blood cancers. Peter Abdelmessieh, an assistant professor at Fox Chase’s Blood Cancer and Cellular Therapy Institute, highlighted the importance of these tools in guiding diagnosis and treatment decisions. He noted that while advancements have been made in lymphoma treatment, the disease often relapses, making this technology crucial for patient care.

The partnership builds upon a long-standing scientific relationship between Arima and the Cancer Epigenetics Institute, culminating in what both organizations refer to as a new frontier in cancer diagnostics. This collaboration represents a significant advance in the integration of cutting-edge technology into routine clinical practice, potentially improving outcomes for patients facing complex cancer diagnoses.