RNAi screening of the tyrosine kinome in primary patient samples of acute myeloid leukemia

Targeted therapy has proven to be successful in improving outcomes across multiple cancer types. However, many challenges still remain for implementation of this strategy in most patient cohorts, especially with the challenges of identifying the specific mutations or abnormalities in a heterogeneous tumor that are functionally significant. Previously, we developed a functional screening assay, RNAi-assisted protein target identification (RAPID) technology, which evaluates the viability of tumor cells after exposure to siRNAs against members of the tyrosine kinome and NRAS/KRAS. Here, we publish the comprehensive results of this screen for 332 primary AML patient samples. Data from these screening efforts have already helped identify previously unknown therapeutic targets, and will continue to provide insights into better treatment strategies for these patients.