Genomic Tumor Profiling Is Transforming The Diagnosis And Treatment Of Pediatric Soft Tissue Sarcomas

Doctors are using a advanced tool called “genomic tumor profiling” to better understand and treat rare muscle and bone cancers (soft tissue sarcomas) in children. Historically, these cancers were treated with a standard, “one-size-fits-all” approach because they were difficult to tell apart under a microscope. Now, by analyzing the unique DNA and genetic makeup of a child’s specific tumor, doctors can accurately identify the exact subtype of the cancer. This helps them predict how the tumor will behave, see how it changes if it comes back, and sometimes find specific genetic weaknesses they can target with specialized medications.

While finding a perfect drug match for every genetic change is still rare, knowing the tumor’s genetic profile helps doctors map out exactly how the cancer grows so they can find other ways to stop it. Mayo Clinic has made this process much easier and faster by designing their own in-house testing panel specifically for children’s cancers, which often have different genetic markers than adult cancers. Because they do the testing in their own labs, they can get results in about 10 days using very small tumor samples. They also share this testing with doctors across the country, allowing children everywhere to get highly personalized cancer care without needing to travel away from their local doctors.

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