New research is bringing hope to children and young people with cancer by using genetic testing to match them with more effective and less harmful treatments.
Scientists in the UK have been studying how childhood cancer tumors change over time, aiming to improve precision medicine and increase survival rates.
One of the most exciting parts of this study is the use of a blood test called circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA).
When cancer cells die, they release small pieces of their DNA into the bloodstream. Scientists can analyze this DNA to track how the cancer is evolving.
This blood test is much less invasive than a traditional tumor biopsy, which requires surgery to remove a piece of the tumor for testing.
Researchers found that in some cases, the blood test was able to detect important genetic mutations that were missed by the biopsy. This means doctors could have a clearer picture of the cancer and how it is changing, leading to better treatment options.
The study was part of the Stratified Medicine Paediatrics (SMPaeds1) program, a project focused on childhood cancer.
It was led by Professor Louis Chesler and Dr. Sally George from The Institute of Cancer Research, London, along with experts from The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust.
Dr. George explained that this was the largest study ever to match blood and tumor DNA in children with cancer. The results show that ctDNA testing could become a standard tool in cancer care, making it easier to monitor cancer progression and choose the best treatment for each patient.
Cancer Research UK and Children with Cancer UK are supporting this work, as it could lead to major improvements in how childhood cancers are treated. By understanding which genetic changes cause cancer to come back (relapse), scientists can develop new treatments to target these mutations.
The next phase of the research, called SMPaeds2, is now underway. It will focus on even more challenging cancers, such as those in the brain, muscle, and bone. These types of cancers are harder to diagnose and treat, so finding less invasive and more effective ways to study them is crucial.
Experts believe this research will help create more personalized treatments for children with cancer. By using genetic testing, doctors can offer targeted therapies that are more effective and cause fewer side effects, improving both survival rates and quality of life.
This breakthrough is a big step forward in the fight against childhood cancer—giving hope to families and a brighter future for young patients.
Source: Cancer Research UK.
