Somatic Mosaicism in Twins Discordant for Childhood Cancer

Launched by CHILDREN'S ONCOLOGY GROUP · Sep 19, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying twins who have been diagnosed with central nervous system (CNS) tumors, particularly focusing on why one twin may develop cancer while the other does not. Researchers believe that certain genetic changes, known as somatic mutations, could play a role in this difference. By examining these twins, the study aims to uncover important information that could help us understand childhood cancer better.

To participate in this study, you need to be a child or young adult under 19 years old who has recently been diagnosed with a CNS tumor or has had a recurrence of the disease. You must have a same-sex twin, and families can also join if the twin with the tumor has passed away but has a blood sample stored. Participation involves giving permission for you or your child to be part of the study, and if you're between 8 and 17 years old, you'll be asked to agree to participate as well. If you join, you can expect to provide samples and information that could contribute to important research in understanding pediatric cancers.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Newly diagnosed patient with CNS tumor or have recurrent disease and enrolled on APEC14B1.
• • Patient must have same sex twin. Note: (history of) treatment on a COG therapeutic trial is not required.
• • Patients must be diagnosed at \< 19 years of age at the time of diagnosis.
• • A family is eligible to participate if the twin with the CNS tumor is deceased but has a blood sample banked through APEC14B1.
• • All patients and/or their parents or legal guardians must provide informed consent. Assent will be obtained for participants between the ages of 8-17 years.
• • All institutional, FDA, and NCI requirements for human studies must be met.