Ben Kong shared on LinkedIn:
“Delighted to finally share the published results of the MoST-9 trial, marking the culmination of seven years of work
In this investigator-initiated, national multicenter phase II clinical trial, we demonstrated meaningful clinical activity across multiple cancer types, illustrating how genomic testing can open new treatment opportunities for patients with few treatment options.
For many participants, particularly those with rare cancers, this treatment would not otherwise have been available outside a clinical trial because it is not routinely used for their cancer type. Clinical research is only possible because patients choose to contribute to research while seeking treatment for their own cancer.
This publication represents far more than the results of a clinical trial.
Investigator-initiated research is unique: instead of a multinational CRO, much of the work is undertaken by a small group of clinician-scientists working, frequently outside of routine clinical time, alongside dedicated research staff.
I had the privilege of contributing across every stage of the MoST-9 trial—from developing the original study concept and co-writing the protocol, to treating patients, leading trial operations, analyzing the data, and ultimately translating the findings into this publication.
This work would not have been possible without exceptional mentors and colleagues: Professor David Goldstein, for his unwavering support and belief in investigator-led research; Professor David Thomas for demonstrating the power of precision medicine and translational science; Professor John Simes for championing the rigor of clinical trial methodology; and Dr Frank Lin, whose partnership, scientific insight and friendship have been instrumental throughout this project.
I would also like to acknowledge the many colleagues, research coordinators and collaborators across Australia who made this study possible. Grateful to NHMRC CTC, Southeastern Sydney Local Health District (SESLHD), St Vincent’s Health Network Sydney, The Prince of Wales Hospital, Linear Clinical Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Royal Hobart Hospital, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Royal Darwin Hospital, Princess Alexandra Hospital, St George Hospital, UNSW Medicine and Health and lastly Pfizer/Seagen for supporting this investigator-initiated research.”
Title: Tucatinib and trastuzumab in advanced cancers with HER2 mutations or amplifications: a molecular screening and therapeutics (MoST) program substudy
Authors: Benjamin Y. Kong, Frank Po-Yen Lin, David Espinoza, Mason Aberoumand, Subotheni Thavaneswaran, Tarek Meniawy, Jayesh Desai, Rosemary Harrup, Sudarshan Selva Nayagam, Michail Charakidis, Katharine Cuff, Lucille Sebastian, Chee Khoon Lee, Patrick Wheeler, Maya Kansara, John P. Grady, David M. Thomas, Mandy L. Ballinger, John Simes, David Goldstein
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