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# First Ascent Biomedical

Personalized Cancer Treatment

## Sitemaps

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## Posts

- [First Ascent Biomedical Responds to ASCO Clarification on Functional Precision Medicine](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/first-ascent-biomedical-responds-to-asco-clarification-on-functional-precision-medicine/) - First Ascent Biomedical Responds to ASCO Clarification on Functional Precision Medicine
- [ASCO Clinical Notice: ASCO Clarification on the Status of Functional Precision Medicine (FPM)](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/asco-clinical-notice-asco-clarification-on-the-status-of-functional-precision-medicine-fpm/) - ASCO Clinical Notice: ASCO Clarification on the Status of Functional Precision Medicine (FPM) | ASCO Connection
- [Raymond Rodriguez-Torres Appointed First Ascent Biomedical New President to Scale Functional Precision Oncology](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/raymond-rodriguez-torres-appointed-first-ascent-biomedical-new-president-to-scale-functional-precision-oncology/) - Raymond Rodriguez-Torres Appointed First Ascent Biomedical New President to Scale Functional Precision Oncology https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/raymond-rodriguez-torres-appointed-first-ascent-biomedical-new-president-to-scale-functional-precision-oncology-302806147.html?tc=eml_cleartime
- [Right to Try Modernization Amendment](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/right-to-try-modernization-amendment/) - Right to Try has given patients with life-threatening illnesses a pathway to access investigational drugs after approved options and clinical trials have been exhausted. It was a meaningful step forward, but science has moved faster than the law. Today, treatment can be matched to a patient's unique biology. Through functional precision oncology, physicians can use
- [How AI-driven functional precision medicine unlocks personalized cancer therapy](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/how-ai-driven-functional-precision-medicine-unlocks-personalized-cancer-therapy/) - The article examines the limitations of traditional, protocol-driven cancer treatment and explains how AI-driven Functional Precision Medicine (FPM) is transforming how oncologists select therapies. It outlines how combining patient-derived tumor biology with automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence allows clinicians to test how an individual patient’s cancer responds to hundreds of FDA-approved drugs and combinations in
- [From Consensus Oncology to Individualized Biology, How AI-Enabled Functional Precision Medicine Could Rewrite Cancer Care](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/from-consensus-oncology-to-individualized-biology-how-ai-enabled-functional-precision-medicine-could-rewrite-cancer-care/) - This article discusses how cancer care remains overly dependent on one-size-fits-all protocols and population averages, which often fail individual patients due to biological variability. The article emphasizes that the real opportunity in oncology lies in functional precision medicine (FPM) that directly tests a patient’s live tumor cells against a wide range of drugs and combinations ex
- [Functional Precision Medicine Beyond the Standard of Care](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/functional-precision-medicine-beyond-the-standard-of-care/) - In this episode, Jim discusses why cancer treatment often relies more on established protocols than on the biological behavior of an individual patient’s tumor. He explains how functional testing can rank drug sensitivities and combinations to support more informed treatment decisions, while also addressing the clinical validation behind the approach and the real-world challenges of
- [The Next Leap in Oncology: How Real-World Biology and AI Are Changing Everything](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/the-next-leap-in-oncology-how-real-world-biology-and-ai-are-changing-everything/) - In this piece, you highlighted how cancer care still relies too heavily on trial and error, leaving many patients without a clear path to the right treatment. You introduced Functional Precision Medicine (FPM) as a breakthrough approach that tests live tumor cells, combines genomic insights, and uses AI to predict which therapies will work best
- [Andria Parks Of First Ascent Biomedical: 5 Things Everyone Needs To Know About Cancer](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/andria-parks-of-first-ascent-biomedical-5-things-everyone-needs-to-know-about-cancer/) - In this in-depth interview, you share powerful insights into the realities of cancer care today, addressing common misconceptions, the emotional and financial toll on patients, and the urgent need to move beyond trial-and-error treatment models. You also discuss how First Ascent Biomedical is advancing Functional Precision Medicine (FPM) through AI and robotics to personalize therapy
- [First Ascent Biomedical Opens FPM Cancer Lab in Miami; Welcomes World-Class Clinical Leadership](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/first-ascent-biomedical-opens-fpm-cancer-lab-in-miami-welcomes-world-class-clinical-leadership/) - First Ascent Biomedical Opens FPM Cancer Lab in Miami; Welcomes World-Class Clinical Leadership
- [Mother of a two-time cancer survivor, Andria Parks, shares breast cancer treatment options](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/mother-of-a-two-time-cancer-survivor-andria-parks-shares-breast-cancer-treatment-options/) - The interview explores First Ascent Biomedical’s mission to bring personalized cancer care to patients. Through the integration of biopsy testing, genomic sequencing, and AI, the company enables doctors to pinpoint the most effective treatments for each person—marking a major advancement in the fight against cancer. https://www.wtvm.com/video/2025/10/14/mother-two-time-cancer-survivor-andria-parks-shares-breast-cancer-treatment-options/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/firstascentbio_mother-of-a-two-time-cancer-survivor-andria-activity-7384687893979648001-uBVH?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAABklLFgBp13lwjD928rubSFoKHmZR_iyKA0
- [AI-Driven Platform Aims to Bring Personalized Cancer Treatment to More Patients](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/ai-driven-platform-aims-to-bring-personalized-cancer-treatment-to-more-patients/) - http://AI-Driven Platform Aims to Bring Personalized Cancer Treatment to More Patients | Clinical Lab Products
- [Father turns tragedy into mission to change childhood cancer treatment](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/father-turns-tragedy-into-mission-to-change-childhood-cancer-treatment/) - The interview highlights how First Ascent Biomedical is pioneering personalized treatments for pediatric cancer. By testing hundreds of FDA-approved drugs against each child’s tumor, the company identifies therapies most likely to work within days, emphasizing its mission to move beyond adult-adapted drugs to tailored solutions that give children a better chance at survival and recovery.
- [Childhood Cancer Awareness Month & Erie’s Innovative Breakthrough](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/childhood-cancer-awareness-month-eries-innovative-breakthrough/) - This September—National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month—we’re reminded that while progress has been made, the fight is far from over. According to leading organizations, pediatric cancers remain the leading cause of disease-related death among children in the U.S. That’s why this story is so compelling and so deeply hopeful. In Erie, First Ascent Biomedical and Gannon University are launching a state-of-the-art laboratory within Gannon’s
- [How functional precision medicine could be the future of cancer care | Dr. Diana Azzam | TEDxMiami](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/how-functional-precision-medicine-could-be-the-future-of-cancer-care-dr-diana-azzam-tedxmiami/) - This is a TEDx presentation delivered by First Ascent’s co-founder, Dr. Diana Azzam, illustrating the power of Functional Precision Medicine. Why it is now possible, and the results that can be achieved to forever change how cancer is being treated. Link to TEDx recording.
- [ReachMD: Redefining Cancer Care with Functional Precision Medicine](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/reachmd-redefining-cancer-care-with-functional-precision-medicine/) - https://reachmd.com/programs/project-oncology/personalized-oncology-in-action-advancing-care-with-functional-precision-medicine/36494/
- [Innovation in Cancer Care: A Focus on Patient-Centered Solutions and Research Acceleration](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/innovation-in-cancer-care-a-focus-on-patient-centered-solutions-and-research-acceleration/) - https://reachmd.com/news/innovation-in-cancer-care-a-focus-on-patient-centered-solutions-and-research-acceleration/2475479/
- [First Ascent Biomedical and Fight Colorectal Cancer Foundation Announce Groundbreaking Study to Advance Precision Oncology for Colorectal Cancer Patients](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/first-ascent-biomedical-and-fight-colorectal-cancer-foundation-announce-groundbreaking-study-to-advance-precision-oncology-for-colorectal-cancer-patients/) - First Ascent Biomedical (FA), an innovative biotech company specializing in transforming cancer treatment through functional precision medicine, is proud to announce a new collaboration with the Fight Colorectal Cancer Foundation (Fight CRC) to launch a prospective feasibility study aimed at transforming colorectal cancer treatment. Funded by a $350,000 grant from Fight CRC, and spearheaded by
- [Standing Ovation at TEDxMiami: Dr. Diana Azzam Highlights Miami-Based Partnership That Gave One Child a Second Chance at Life](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/standing-ovation-at-tedxmiami-dr-diana-azzam-highlights-miami-based-partnership-that-gave-one-child-a-second-chance-at-life/) - Dr. Diana Azzam, Co-Founder of First Ascent Biomedical and Associate Professor at Florida International University (FIU), received a standing ovation at TEDxMiami: Beyond Boundaries after sharing a story that blended science, resilience, and hope. Dr. Azzam spotlighted the transformative potential of Functional Precision Medicine (FPM)- a next-generation approach to cancer treatment that tests live tumor
- [Community collaboration yields new labs, new program, new approach to cancer care to region](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/community-collaboration-yields-new-labs-new-program-new-approach-to-cancer-care-to-region/) - ERIE, Pa. (March 26, 2025) -- Gannon University, Saint Vincent Hospital and First Ascent Biomedical today announced a collaboration to develop two new laboratories and related medical facilities that will create an educational training pathway to meet demands of the region’s healthcare sector; support the development of a biomedical industry in Erie; and provide world-class
- [First Ascent Biomedical Awarded Florida Cancer Innovation Fund Grant](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/first-ascent-biomedical-awarded-florida-cancer-innovation-fund-grant/) - First Ascent Biomedical Awarded Florida Cancer Innovation Fund Grant Grant Focused on Advancing Precision Cancer Treatment for Underserved Communities Miami, FL – February 28,2025– First Ascent Biomedical (FA), an innovative biotech company specializing in transforming cancer treatment through functional precision medicine, has been awarded a prestigious $2 million grant from the Florida Cancer Innovation Fund. This funding will
- [CancerX Selects First Ascent Biomedical into its 2025 Driving Innovation in Oncology Cohort](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/cancerx-selects-first-ascent-biomedical-into-2025-driving-innovation-in-oncology-cohort/) - CancerX is a groundbreaking public-private partnership designed to accelerate innovation in the fight against cancer. Hosted by the Moffitt Cancer Center, in collaboration with the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) and the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH), CancerX is part of the InnovationX program launched in 2018.
- [Clinical Results Published in Nature Medicine](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/clinical-results-published-in-nature-medicine/) - This is the first time Nature Medicine published a Functional Precision Medicine approach for treating cancer. April 2024 Nature Medicine
- [ASCO 2024 Clinical Results](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/asco-2024-clinical-results/) - Our study shows the technical feasibility of integrating functional precision medicine approaches for patients with refractory/relapsed pediatric cancers. Routine clinical integration of FPM for treatment selection is technically feasible and has led to improved outcomes in pediatric cancer patients with refractory disease in an initial patient cohort. We are enrolling advanced cancer patients for FPM
- [Biomarker Development for Pharmaceutical Companies and Patients](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/biomarker-development-for-pharmaceutical-companies-and-patients/) - Our studies demonstrate the potential for predictive and generative artificial intelligence and machine learning approaches to address critical challenges multi-omics, multi-modal biomarker design to support clinical decision-making and enhance the clinical utility of multi-omics tumor profiling. Improving therapy assignment through more robust pharmacogenomic biomarkers, which can improve outcomes and reduce ineffective therapy assignment. These novel
- [ASCO2024 Press Release](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/asco2024-press-release/) - First Ascent Biomedical Presents Findings from Clinical Studies in Pediatric and Adult Cancers Using its AI-Enhanced Functional Precision Medicine Platform at ASCO 2024 First Ascent Biomedical announced findings from ongoing clinical studies conducted in partnership with Florida International University, examining the company’s Functional Precision Medicine (FPM) platform in adult and pediatric patients with difficult-to-treat cancers.
- [ASCO 2024 Abstract Presentations](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/asco-2024-abstract-presentations/) - First Ascent Biomedical Inc., a clinical-stage functional precision medicine company advancing the novel xDRIVE (Ex Vivo Drug Response Identification and Validation Engine) functional precision medicine AI platform announced today that it will present two posters at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, taking place May 31 – June 4, 2024 in Chicago, IL. The presentations will highlight the Company’s currently
- [New Study Shows Functional Precision Medicine Platform Identifies Effective Treatments for 83 Percent of Children with Difficult-to-Treat Cancers](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/functional-precision-medicine-platform-identifies-effective-treatments/) - Groundbreaking findings published in Nature Medicine shows improved outcomes when standard treatments fail Miami, FL – April 11, 2024 – First Ascent Biomedical announced today results from a prospective clinical study conducted in partnership with Florida International University (FIU) using a unique and groundbreaking functional precision medicine (FPM) platform, identified specific and effective therapeutic options
- [Functional Precision Medicine Leads to Better Cancer Treatments](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/functional-precision-medicine-leads-to-better-cancer-treatments/) - Inside Precision Medicine April 18, 2024 IPM interviewed Dr. Diana Azzam First Ascent co-founder and cancer researcher about her latest publication and the future of cancer research using FPM applications. Dr. Diana Azzam discussed the results from the published Nature Medicine study and the future of FPM. For the full story click here.
- [Ex Vivo Drug Sensitivity Testing and Multi-Omics Profiling-](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/ex-vivo-drug-sensitivity-testing-and-multi-omics-profiling/) - Function Precision Medicine (FPM) and AI to provide new treatment options for minority childhood cancer patients in South Florida. Read the full publication at ClinicalTrials.gov
- [Probabilistic Boolean Modeling of Pre-clinical Tumor Models for Biomarker Identification in Cancer Drug Development](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/probabilistic-boolean-modeling-of-pre-clinical-tumor-models-for-biomarker-identification-in-cancer-drug-development/) - As high-throughput sequencing experiments become more widely used in pre-clinical and clinical settings, pharmacogenetic and pharmacogenomic biomarker development plays an increasingly important role in oncology drug development pipelines and programs. Read the full publication on PubMed.
- [Functionally defined therapeutic targets in diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/functionally-defined-therapeutic-targets-in-diffuse-intrinsic-pontine-glioma/) - Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a fatal childhood cancer. We performed a chemical screen in patient-derived DIPG cultures along with RNA-seq analyses and integrated computational modeling to identify potentially effective therapeutic strategies. Read the full publication on PubMed.
- [Probabilistic modeling of personalized drug combinations from integrated chemical screen and molecular data in sarcoma](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/probabilistic-modeling-of-personalized-drug-combinations-from-integrated-chemical-screen-and-molecular-data-in-sarcoma/) - Cancer patients with advanced disease routinely exhaust available clinical regimens and lack actionable genomic medicine results, leaving a large patient population without effective treatments options when their disease inevitably progresses. Read the full publication on PubMed.
- [Deep Functional and Molecular Characterization of a High-Risk Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/deep-functional-and-molecular-characterization-of-a-high-risk-undifferentiated-pleomorphic-sarcoma/) - Nonrhabdomyosarcoma soft-tissue sarcomas (STSs) are a class of 50+ cancers arising in muscle and soft tissues of children, adolescents, and adults. Rarity of each subtype often precludes subtype-specific preclinical research, leaving many STS patients with limited treatment options should frontline therapy be insufficient. Read the full publication on PubMed.
- [A high-throughput in vitro drug screen in a genetically engineered mouse model of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma identifies BMS-754807 as a promising therapeutic agent](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/a-high-throughput-in-vitro-drug-screen-in-a-genetically-engineered-mouse-model-of-diffuse-intrinsic-pontine-glioma-identifies-bms-754807-as-a-promising-therapeutic-agent/) - Diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPGs) represent a particularly lethal type of pediatric brain cancer with no effective therapeutic options. Read the full publication on PubMed.
- [A kinase inhibition map approach for tumor sensitivity prediction and combination therapy design for targeted drugs](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/a-kinase-inhibition-map-approach-for-tumor-sensitivity-prediction-and-combination-therapy-design-for-targeted-drugs/) - Drugs targeting specific kinases are becoming common in cancer research and are a basis for personalized cancer therapy. Some of these drugs have the capacity to target multiple kinases. Read the full publication on PubMed.
- [Inference of dynamic biological networks based on responses to drug perturbations](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/inference-of-dynamic-biological-networks-based-on-responses-to-drug-perturbations/) - Drugs that target specific proteins are a major paradigm in cancer research. In this article, we extend a modeling framework for drug sensitivity prediction and combination therapy design based on drug perturbation experiments. Read the full publication on PubMed.
- [Functional genomics of human clear cell sarcoma: genomic, transcriptomic and chemical biology landscape for clear cell sarcoma](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/functional-genomics-of-human-clear-cell-sarcoma-genomic-transcriptomic-and-chemical-biology-landscape-for-clear-cell-sarcoma/) - Systemic therapy for metastatic clear cell sarcoma (CCS) bearing EWSR1-CREB1/ATF1 fusions remains an unmet clinical need in children, adolescents, and young adults. Read the full publication on PubMed.
- [Generation of intervention strategy for a genetic regulatory network represented by a family of Markov Chains](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/generation-of-intervention-strategy-for-a-genetic-regulatory-network-represented-by-a-family-of-markov-chains/) - Genetic Regulatory Networks (GRNs) are frequently modeled as Markov Chains providing the transition probabilities of moving from one state of the network to another. Read the full publication on PubMed.
- [A new approach for prediction of tumor sensitivity to targeted drugs based on functional data](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/a-new-approach-for-prediction-of-tumor-sensitivity-to-targeted-drugs-based-on-functional-data/) - The success of targeted anti-cancer drugs are frequently hindered by the lack of knowledge of the individual pathway of the patient and the extreme data requirements on the estimation of the personalized genetic network of the patient's tumor. Read the full publication on PubMed.
- [Integration of genomic, transcriptomic and functional profiles of aggressive osteosarcomas across multiple species](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/integration-of-genomic-transcriptomic-and-functional-profiles-of-aggressive-osteosarcomas-across-multiple-species/) - In complex, highly unstable genomes such as in osteosarcoma, targeting aberrant checkpoint processes (metabolic, cell cycle or immune) may prove more successful than targeting specific kinase or growth factor signaling pathways. Read the full publication on PubMed.
- [Rb1 loss modifies but does not initiate alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/rb1-loss-modifies-but-does-not-initiate-alveolar-rhabdomyosarcoma/) - Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (aRMS) is a myogenic childhood sarcoma frequently associated with a translocation-mediated fusion gene, Pax3:Foxo1a. Read the full publication on PubMed.
- [Case report for an adolescent with germline RET mutation and alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/case-report-for-an-adolescent-with-germline-ret-mutation-and-alveolar-rhabdomyosarcoma/) - In this case report we evaluate the genetics of and scientific basis of therapeutic options for a 14-yr-old male patient diagnosed with metastatic PAX3-FOXO1 fusion positive alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. Read the full publication on PubMed.
- [Undifferentiated small round cell sarcoma in a young male: a case report](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/undifferentiated-small-round-cell-sarcoma-in-a-young-male-a-case-report/) - CIC-rearranged sarcomas (CRSs) have recently been characterized as a distinct sarcoma subgroup with a less favorable prognosis compared to other small round cell sarcomas. Read the full publication on PubMed.
- [The HDAC3-SMARCA4-miR-27a axis promotes expression of the PAX3:FOXO1 fusion oncogene in rhabdomyosarcoma](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/the-hdac3-smarca4-mir-27a-axis-promotes-expression-of-the-pax3foxo1-fusion-oncogene-in-rhabdomyosarcoma/) - Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft tissue sarcoma of childhood with an unmet clinical need for decades. A single oncogenic fusion gene is associated with treatment resistance and a 40 to 45% decrease in overall survival. Read the full publication on PubMed.
- [Elucidating the transcriptional program of feline injection-site sarcoma using a cross-species mRNA-sequencing approach](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/elucidating-the-transcriptional-program-of-feline-injection-site-sarcoma-using-a-cross-species-mrna-sequencing-approach/) - Feline injection-site sarcoma (FISS), an aggressive iatrogenic subcutaneous malignancy, is challenging to manage clinically and little is known about the molecular basis of its pathogenesis. Read the full publication on PubMed.
- [An Integrated Approach to Anti-Cancer Drug Sensitivity Prediction](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/an-integrated-approach-to-anti-cancer-drug-sensitivity-prediction/) - A framework for design of personalized cancer therapy requires the ability to predict the sensitivity of a tumor to anticancer drugs. Read the full publication on PubMed.
- [Target Inhibition Maps Based on Responses to Kinase Inhibitors](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/target-inhibition-maps-based-on-responses-to-kinase-inhibitors/) - The prediction of tumor sensitivity to targeted drugs remains a major challenge in the design of optimal therapeutic strategies. Read the full publication on PubMed.
- [IL-13 receptors as possible therapeutic targets in diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/il-13-receptors-as-possible-therapeutic-targets-in-diffuse-intrinsic-pontine-glioma/) - Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a universally fatal childhood cancer of the brain. Despite the introduction of conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy, improvements in survival have been marginal and long-term survivorship is uncommon. Read the full publication on PubMed.
- [Combination therapy design for maximizing sensitivity and minimizing toxicity](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/combination-therapy-design-for-maximizing-sensitivity-and-minimizing-toxicity/) - Design of personalized targeted therapies involve modeling of patient sensitivity to various drugs and drug combinations. Read the full publication on PubMed.
- [Preclinical testing of the glycogen synthase kinase-3β inhibitor tideglusib for rhabdomyosarcoma](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/preclinical-testing-of-the-glycogen-synthase-kinase-3β-inhibitor-tideglusib-for-rhabdomyosarcoma/) - Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common childhood soft tissue sarcoma. RMS often arise from myogenic precursors and displays a poorly differentiated skeletal muscle phenotype most closely resembling regenerating muscle. Read the full publication on PubMed.
- [Design considerations of an IL13Rα2 antibody-drug conjugate for difuse intrinsic pontine glioma](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/design-considerations-of-an-il13rα2-antibody-drug-conjugate-for-difuse-intrinsic-pontine-glioma/) - Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), a rare pediatric brain tumor, afflicts approximately 350 new patients each year in the United States. DIPG is noted for its lethality, as fewer than 1% of patients survive to five years. Read the full publication on PubMed.
- [IGF1R as a Key Target in High Risk, Metastatic Medulloblastoma](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/igf1r-as-a-key-target-in-high-risk-metastatic-medulloblastoma/) - Risk or presence of metastasis in medulloblastoma causes substantial treatment-related morbidity and overall mortality. Read the full publication on PubMed.
- [Preclinical therapeutics ex ovo quail eggs as a biomimetic automation-ready xenograft platform](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/preclinical-therapeutics-ex-ovo-quail-eggs-as-a-biomimetic-automation-ready-xenograft-platform/) - Preclinical cancer research ranges from in vitro studies that are inexpensive and not necessarily reflective of the tumor microenvironment to mouse studies that are better models but prohibitively expensive at scale. Read the full publication on PubMed.
- [Functional genomic analysis of epithelioid sarcoma reveals distinct proximal and distal subtype biology](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/functional-genomic-analysis-of-epithelioid-sarcoma-reveals-distinct-proximal-and-distal-subtype-biology/) - Metastatic epithelioid sarcoma (EPS) remains a largely unmet clinical need in children, adolescents and young adults despite the advent of EZH2 inhibitor tazemetostat. Read the full publication on PubMed.
- [Functional impact of a germline RET mutation in alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/functional-impact-of-a-germline-ret-mutation-in-alveolar-rhabdomyosarcoma/) - Specific mutations in the RET proto-oncogene are associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A, a hereditary syndrome characterized by tumorigenesis in multiple glandular elements. Read the full publication on PubMed.
- [Receptor-driven invasion profiles in diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/receptor-driven-invasion-profiles-in-diffuse-intrinsic-pontine-glioma/) - Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a devastating pediatric cancer with unmet clinical need. DIPG is invasive in nature, where tumor cells interweave into the fiber nerve tracts of the pons making the tumor unresectable. Read the full publication on PubMed.
- [Bromodomain 4 inhibition leads to MYCN downregulation in Wilms tumor](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/bromodomain-4-inhibition-leads-to-mycn-downregulation-in-wilms-tumor/) - Wilms tumor is the most common childhood kidney cancer. Two distinct histological subtypes of Wilms tumor have been described: tumors lacking anaplasia (the favorable subtype) and tumors displaying anaplastic features (the unfavorable subtype). Read the full publication on PubMed.
- [Preclinical rationale for entinostat in embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/preclinical-rationale-for-entinostat-in-embryonal-rhabdomyosarcoma/) - Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft tissue sarcoma in the pediatric cancer population. Survival among metastatic RMS patients has remained dismal yet unimproved for years. Read the full publication on PubMed.
- [Sensitization of osteosarcoma to irradiation by targeting nuclear FGFR1](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/sensitization-of-osteosarcoma-to-irradiation-by-targeting-nuclear-fgfr1/) - Over the past 25 years, chemotherapy regimens for osteosarcoma have failed to improve the 65-70% long-term survival rate. Radiation therapy is generally ineffective except for palliative care. Read the full publication on PubMed.
- [Defining an embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma endotype](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/defining-an-embryonal-rhabdomyosarcoma-endotype/) - Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common childhood soft-tissue sarcoma. The largest subtype of RMS is embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS) and accounts for 53% of all RMS. ERMS typically occurs in the head and neck region, bladder, or reproductive organs and portends a promising prognosis when localized; however, when metastatic the 5-yr overall survival rate is ∼43%.
- [Refractory alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma in an 11-year-old male](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/refractory-alveolar-rhabdomyosarcoma-in-an-11-year-old-male/) - Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a mesenchymal malignancy phenocopying muscle and is among the leading causes of death from childhood cancer. Read the full publication on PubMed.
- [Volasertib preclinical activity in high-risk hepatoblastoma](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/volasertib-preclinical-activity-in-high-risk-hepatoblastoma/) - Relapsed and metastatic hepatoblastoma represents an unmet clinical need with limited chemotherapy treatment options. Read the full publication on PubMed.
- [Defining the Extracellular Matrix of Rhabdomyosarcoma](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/defining-the-extracellular-matrix-of-rhabdomyosarcoma/) - Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft-tissue sarcoma of childhood with a propensity to metastasize. Read the full publication on PubMed.
- [In vitro benchmarking of NF-κB inhibitors.](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/in-vitro-benchmarking-of-nf-κb-inhibitors/) - Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a mesenchymal malignancy phenocopying muscle and is among the leading causes of death from childhood cancer. Read the full publication on PubMed.
- [Machine learning for rhabdomyosarcoma histopathology](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/machine-learning-for-rhabdomyosarcoma-histopathology/) - Correctly diagnosing a rare childhood cancer such as sarcoma can be critical to assigning the correct treatment regimen. With a finite number of pathologists worldwide specializing in pediatric/young adult sarcoma histopathology, access to expert differential diagnosis early in case assessment is limited for many global regions. Read the full publication on PubMed.
- [Machine learning for rhabdomyosarcoma histopathology](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/machine-learning-for-rhabdomyosarcoma-histopathology-2/) - orrectly diagnosing a rare childhood cancer such as sarcoma can be critical to assigning the correct treatment regimen. With a finite number of pathologists worldwide specializing in pediatric/young adult sarcoma histopathology, access to expert differential diagnosis early in case assessment is limited for many global regions. Read the full publication on PubMed.
- [FAB's CTO, Noah Berlow, is Combining Biology & Engineering to Speed Drug Development (Nature)](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/fabs-cto-noah-berlow-is-combining-biology-engineering-to-speed-drug-development-nature/) - Moving drugs to and through phased trials, especially in cancer, is daunting and riddled with complexity. By combining engineering and biology, First Ascent Biomedical & partner, Children's Cancer Therapy Development Institute, have repeatedly demonstrated their process more effectively drives informed decisions for pharmaceutical companies, significantly reducing time and costs. First Ascent Bio has created commercial
- [Probabilistic modeling of personalized drug combinations](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/probabilistic-modeling-of-personalized-drug-combinations/) - Probabilistic modeling of personalized drug combinations from integrated chemical screen and molecular data in sarcoma. Cancer patients with advanced disease routinely exhaust available clinical regimens and lack actionable genomic medicine results, leaving a large patient population without effective treatments options when their disease inevitably progresses. To address the unmet clinical need for evidence-based therapy assignment
- [Lucem Health Announces Innovation Collaborative with First Ascent, bringing AI to the front lines](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/lucem-health-announces-innovation-collaborative-with-first-ascent-bringing-ai-to-the-front-lines/) - The collaboration between Lucem Health, Mayo Clinic Platform, and First Ascent Biomedical will reduce complexity while developing new, or enhancing existing, solutions that help clinicians make better decisions, diagnose earlier, improve efficiency, and serve patients better. Read the full press release here.

## Pages

- [Home](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/) - Personalized Cancer Treatment The RIght Drug, For the RIght Cancer Patient, at The Right Time
- [Patient Portal](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/patient-portal/) - Patient Portal and ApplicationPatient Portal and Application Patient PortalWelcome to First Ascent Biomedical. Please follow the link below if you have already made your patient account. If you have any questions, please reach us at 786‑746‑6722. Access Your Patient Portal
- [For Physicians](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/for-physicians/) - For PhysiciansPrecision Oncology Starts Here: Fast, Personalized Guidance for Complex CasesFirst Ascent provides real-world insights supporting oncologists in identifying the next right step in treatment planning, improving outcomes, reducing costs and mitigating side effects. For oncologists caring for patients who have exhausted standard therapies, First Ascent provides all the data and analysis needed to help
- [For Patients](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/for-patients/) - You Deserve a Cancer Treatment Plan That’s Developed Specifically for You.Your Cancer is Unique. Discover Treatments Tailored to You.Functional precision medicine testing is available to all patients today, across all cancer types. In addition, several sponsored studies may help reduce or fully cover the cost for eligible participants. Explore the programs/studies below to learn whether
- [For Industry](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/for-industry/) - Overcome Tumor Complexity. Accelerate Personalized Cancer Therapies.More Intelligent, Faster, Lower-Risk Drug Development at ScaleTransforming oncology drug discovery, validation and development through advanced Functional Precision Medicine The oncology R&D landscape demands a faster, more predictive path forward. First Ascent Biomedical replaces outdated preclinical proxies with patient-derived models that reflect the true biological complexity of human tumors—empowering
- [About Us](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/about-us/) - About First Ascent BiomedicalAbout First Ascent BiomedicalFirst Ascent is a biotech start-up founded in 2018 with a mission to transform medical oncology through highly individualized, prospective treatment planning technologies that improve survival and advance science. First Ascent is a biotech start-up founded in 2018 with a mission to transform medical oncology through highly individualized, prospective
- [Resources](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/resources/) - ResourcesResourcesWe are currently involved in two clinical studies NTC05857969 & NCT06024603. Our mission is to make this platform accessible outside of a clinical trial by Q3 2024. Giving those with the rarest cancers a fighting chance. A treatment plan for every type of cancer including all solid and all liquid tumors. The First Ascent Team has a growing body
- [News](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/news/) - First Ascent Biomedical in the NewsFirst Ascent Biomedical in the News AllAI/ML IndividualizationClinical TrialsPartnershipPharmaPress ReleasePublicationSample Case Studies & LiteratureValidationPublished On: July 17, 2026First Ascent Biomedical Responds to ASCO Clarification on Functional Precision MedicineFirst Ascent Biomedical Responds to ASCO Clarification on Functional Precision MedicineRead More Published On: July 17, 2026ASCO Clinical Notice: ASCO Clarification on the
- [Contact](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/contact/) - Let’s Get StartedLet’s Get StartedWe look forward to connecting! We look forward to connecting! Thank you for your message. It has been sent.×There was an error trying to send your message. Please try again later.×First name *Last name *Email *CompanyPhone numberJob TitleTell us a little about your inquiry * Send message
- [FAQs](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/faqs/) - Frequently Asked QuestionsFrequently Asked Questions FAQs for Patients and Physicians How much tissue is needed for the diagnosis? In general, First Ascent requires a 5mm x 5mm live tissue section. Additional tumor material will be accepted. DNA and RNA sequencing can be performed with non-live tissue samples such as snap frozen material or FFPE tissue.
- [Florida Health](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/for-patients/florida-health/) - You Deserve a Cancer Treatment Plan That’s Developed Specifically for You.Florida Health–Sponsored Precision Medicine ProgramThe state of Florida, through a Florida Innovation grant is providing access to First Ascent Biomedical’s functional precision medicine testing at no cost to eligible cancer patients across the state — including those in rural and underserved communities. This program allows
- [Fight Colorectal Cancer](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/for-patients/fight-colorectal-cancer/) - You Deserve a Cancer Treatment Plan That’s Developed Specifically for You.Fight Colorectal Cancer Sponsored StudyFight CRC and First Ascent Biomedical have partnered to bring functional precision medicine to the colorectal cancer community through sponsored testing opportunities. When standard options have been exhausted, we offer something different—personalized, science-backed treatment recommendations tailored to how your cancer actually
- [Cleveland Clinic](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/for-patients/cleveland-clinic/)
- [Nicklaus Children's Hospital](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/for-patients/nicklaus-childrens-hospital/)
- [Thank You](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/thank-you/) - Thank You!Thank You! Your request has been sent to First Ascent Biomedical. A representative will respond to your request as soon as possible. Publication and Pharma Partners
- [Privacy Policy](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/privacy-policy/) - Privacy PolicyPrivacy Policy Policy Statement First Ascent Biomedical Inc. (First Ascent) always respects your privacy. We may collect information about you when you provide us information on our contact page or visit our website, www.firstascentbio.com (“Site”), or any URL owned and managed by First Ascent. This privacy policy (“Policy”) describes the types of information we

## Categories

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- [Pharma](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/category/pharma/)
- [Partnership](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/category/partnership/)
- [Sample Case Studies & Literature](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/category/sample-case-studies-literature/)
- [AI/ML Individualization](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/category/sample-case-studies-literature/ai-ml-individualization/)
- [Press Release](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/category/press-release/)

## Tags

- [CancerX](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/tag/cancerx/)
- [KidsX](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/tag/kidsx/)
- [Pediatric Cancer](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/tag/pediatric-cancer/)
- [Cancer Innovation](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/tag/cancer-innovation/)
- [Partnership](https://firstascentbiomedical.com/tag/partnership/)