Requests for Collaborations

At FMI, we are committed to translating data into insights of immediate and practical value to patients and caregivers. Empathetic insights from clinical practitioners are integral.

Introduction and Scientific Rationale

Clinico-genomic data can be used to produce insights and evidence that can immediately inform the treatment of patients with cancer. At Foundation Medicine, we have been committed to this mission, with dedicated scientists who specialize in the production of scientific papers to generate and communicate these insights^1-10. This type of work requires collaboration between people with diverse skills and expertise: genomics, data science, epidemiology, biostatistics, and clinical treatment context.

A critical component is collaboration with clinical practitioners who are experienced in the care of patients with cancer, to ensure that insights derived will be of greatest value to patients. We have created this RFC program to solicit ideas and expertise more broadly from diverse audiences and practitioners, to ensure maximum impact for the greatest number of patients. We invite the oncology research community to submit proposals for collaboration with FMI scientists and data.

Data sources and resources

Clinico-Genomic Database (CGDB)

Clinical analyses for a subset of patients included in the genomic landscape analysis used the nationwide (U.S.-based) de-identified Flatiron Health-Foundation Medicine Clinico-genomic Database. The de-identified data originated from cancer clinics in the United States. Retrospective longitudinal clinical data were derived from electronic health records, comprising patient-level structured and unstructured data, curated via technology-enabled abstraction of clinical notes and radiology/pathology reports, which were linked to genomic data derived from Foundation Medicine testing by de-identified, deterministic matching¹¹. Institutional Review Board approval of the study protocol was obtained prior to study conduct and included a waiver of informed consent. The Flatiron Health-Foundation Medicine Clinico-genomic Database contains data from more than 125,000 patients. Example peer-reviewed publications making use of CGDB are linked below.

Scoring and Ranking

For all projects, we seek creative ideas to improve the care of patients with cancer in the most direct, efficient way possible. FMI's clinical research goals are to generate insights from our data that are immediately useful for patient care. Preference will be given to projects with:

Diligent background of clinical and biological context and rationale for the project (1-2 paragraphs, 5+ scientific references recommended)

Clear, testable, directional hypothesis. Example: we hypothesize that patients with de novo metastatic prostate cancer with SPOP mutations will have exceptionally good outcomes on 2nd generation hormonal therapy without chemotherapy compared to those without SPOP mutations, whereas this effect will not be seen with chemotherapy alone.

Fit for purpose of the Flatiron Health-Foundation Medicine Clinico-genomic Database to test the hypothesis, especially in relation to publicly available databases. While not mandatory, potential applicants to this RFC are strongly encouraged to request a feasibility assessment in CGDB prior to submission. Such a request can be submitted through the Medical Science Liaison or scientific representative and has a turnaround time of roughly one week.

Clear path to tangibly and immediately improve the treatment of patients with cancer. Example: If our hypothesis is correct, patients with de novo metastatic prostate cancer and SPOP mutations might be de-risked to attempt a chemotherapy-free treatment regimen.

Maximizes number of patients whose care might be improved, and potentially, the degree of benefit anticipated if hypothesis is correct.

Please find open Requests For Collaboration below

Connect with an MSL for a research discussion

Request for Collaboration

Proposals to Advance Health Equity Research in Precision Medicine

As part of Foundation Medicine’s Advancing Inclusive Diagnostics initiative, we invite the oncology research community to submit applications for retrospective data collaborations focused on the intersection of cancer disparities and genomic testing.

View the Request