Genetic and epigenetic changes underpinning rare childhood tumours
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigating the (epi-)genomes of rare childhood tumours from archival material
IRAS ID
205455
Contact name
Sam Behjati
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 11 months, 15 days
Research summary
Cancers are caused by changes (mutations) in the genetic code (DNA) of cells. Additionally, cancers may be caused by changes in how the genetic code is regulated (epigenetic changes). Technological advances have made it possible to read (sequence) the genetic and epigenetic profile of tumours. This enables us to explain what drives the formation of individual cancers.
Many common cancers have been sequenced, however, rare childhood cancers are poorly understood. It is important to investigate these rare cancers for two reasons. First, it might be possible to identify genes that can be targeted with specific drugs. Thus, children suffering from rare cancers might be offered new treatment options. Second, rare cancers often contain remarkable mutations which have enlightened our understanding of cancer more generally. Therefore, one of my goals is to understand, through DNA sequencing, rare childhood cancers.
This study uses pre-collected anonymised samples. We will share the data we generate with the research community to further research into the causes of cancer.
REC name
London - Brent Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/LO/0960
Date of REC Opinion
11 May 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion