Can Genetics Unveil Mortality Risk in Childhood Cancer Survivors?

Childhood cancer survivors, even though they have a higher risk of developing second cancers later in life, represent a remarkable success story in modern medicine.

Highlights:

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientists have unraveled the genetic factors influencing the risk of second cancers in childhood cancer survivors
These genetic variants, known as cancer-predisposing variants, have been linked to increased second-cancer-related mortality
Clinical genetic testing and early interventions based on this knowledge offer hope for reducing the impact of these variants, enhancing the lifelong health of survivors

Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has shed light on the genetic factors that contribute to the risk of childhood cancer survivors developing second cancers later in life.

This study has not only identified the genes involved but has also revealed how these genetic variants affect the severity and prognosis of these secondary cancers. This valuable information can be utilized to guide cancer prevention strategies and improve the overall health outcomes of these survivors ().

International Childhood Cancer Day: "Advance Cures and Transform Care"
The International Childhood Cancer Day is observed on 15th February to raise awareness about childhood cancer and provide support for children.

‘The population of childhood cancer survivors in the U.S. is increasing, with an overall childhood cancer survival rate of 85% five years after diagnosis. #cancersurvivor #secondcancer #medindia’

Rising Numbers of Childhood Cancer Survivors and Their Health Challenges

The population of childhood cancer survivors in the United States is on the rise, boasting an impressive 85% survival rate five years after diagnosis. Nevertheless, these survivors face an increased risk of various health conditions, including the development of second cancers.

Drawing on data from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS) and the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort Study (St. Jude LIFE), researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have identified the genetic underpinnings of this risk and the potential for more severe and lethal secondary cancers.

The findings from this study, published in The Lancet Oncology, have significant implications for genetic counseling, clinical testing, and tailored cancer prevention strategies.

Childhood Cancer
Childhood or pediatric cancers occur in children less than 15 years of age. They are rare and differ from adult tumors in their location and behaviour.

Linking Genetic Variants to Second Cancer Mortality

The research conducted by the St. Jude group underscores the heightened risk of survivors with specific genetic variants, known as cancer-predisposing variants, developing second cancers in adulthood. Furthermore, these secondary cancers tend to be more severe and life-threatening.

By building on previous findings that identified the role of these variants, the study establishes a direct connection between these genetic variants and increased mortality related to second cancers. This newfound knowledge could lead to early interventions and personalized approaches to reducing the risk of deadly second cancers among childhood cancer survivors.

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Implications of Genetic Variants

Many of the identified genetic variants are known to be closely linked to cancer, including the frequently mutated TP53 gene, a common contributor to human cancers.

What makes this discovery particularly valuable is that these variants are present in a survivor's DNA when they are first diagnosed with childhood cancer. This early detection of genetic risk allows for personalized medical approaches to be developed early in a child's life.

By better understanding how these genes impact future cancer risk and outcomes beyond the initial childhood cancer, this study lays the groundwork for preventing second cancers and enhancing the overall well-being of survivors.

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The Potential for Lifesaving Interventions

The research suggests that clinical genetic testing can help identify whether survivors carry these pathogenic variants, potentially leading to life-saving early interventions for those at a higher risk of developing lethal second cancers.

By taking a proactive approach to identify at-risk individuals, healthcare providers can recommend more intensive cancer screening, which, in turn, could result in earlier detection and improved outcomes for second cancers.

Empowering Survivors for Lifelong Health

These genetic variants are a part of a survivor's inherited or germline DNA, present from birth. This means they can be detected when children are first diagnosed with childhood cancers, providing survivors with the knowledge they need to reduce their risk in later life.

Even before completing their childhood cancer treatment, clinicians can recommend genetic counseling, enabling survivors with these variants to implement cancer prevention strategies.

Depending on the specific gene harboring the variant, survivors may have the opportunity to adopt preventive measures to protect their long-term health, such as avoiding risky behaviors like smoking and drinking and attending regular screenings.

In conclusion, this groundbreaking research not only identifies the genetic factors contributing to second cancers in childhood cancer survivors but also offers the potential for early interventions, personalized prevention, and, most importantly, the opportunity for these survivors to lead long and healthy lives.

Reference:

Genetics help explain childhood cancer survivors’ mortality risk from a second cancer - (https://www.stjude.org/media-resources/news-releases/2023-medicine-science-news/genetics-explain-childhood-cancer-survivors-mortality-risk-from-second-cancer.html)

Source-Medindia