New Clue for Childhood Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

Examining the entire genetic code for each child who has been diagnosed with cancer can give a more accurate diagnosis or reveal new treatment options, according to research presented at the NCRI Festival.

These are the results of a pilot study presented by Dr. Patrick Tarpey, lead scientist for solid cancer in the East Genomic Laboratory Hub, based at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK.

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‘Introducing whole-genome sequencing innovation will help more children to survive cancer as it helps us to be more precise in diagnosis and treatments.’

He said: “Whole-genome sequencing can sometimes unravel unexpected results that may not have been considered via routine investigations. We’ve already learned a lot about using this type of test in our pilot study, both in terms of its benefits for children and in terms of how to optimize the results”.

The study involved 36 children treated at Addenbrooke’s hospital in Cambridge and included 23 different types of solid tumors. A sample of tumor and blood was sent to a lab where the full DNA sequence could be read.

Scientists then looked for genetic differences that might offer clues about how cancer developed, the specific cancer type, and which treatments might be most effective.

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This process revealed several important genetic differences. In two cases, the information refined children’s diagnosis, and in four cases, it changed their diagnosis.

In eight cases, it revealed new information about children’s prognoses (the likely course of their disease). In two cases, it showed possible hereditary causes of the cancers. In seven cases, it revealed treatments that might not have been considered but were likely to be effective for treating the children.

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These results from a relatively small pilot group of children with cancer showed how whole-genome sequencing to all children with cancer will provide more accurate information on diagnosis, prognosis, and whether there could be any hereditary cancer risk and help inform treatment options.

The study also showed that some of the important genetic changes were difficult to spot among all the data produced by whole-genome sequencing.

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Their significance might have been missed without the careful analysis and interpretation provided by an expert panel called a Genomic Tumour Advisory Board.

When whole-genome sequencing starts to complement current standard-of-care testing for children with cancer, we need to ensure that all the steps in this process can reduce turnaround times and keep financial costs down.

Source-Medindia