Genes and DNA changes in children's germ cell tumors
Genetics and epigenetics of pediatric germ cell tumors
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · NIH-11170420
This work looks at whether inherited genes and chemical changes on tumor DNA help explain why some children with germ cell tumors relapse or resist chemotherapy.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11170420 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If your child has a germ cell tumor, researchers will study both inherited DNA and chemical tags on tumor DNA (DNA methylation) to look for patterns linked to outcomes. The team will use blood/germline samples and tumor tissue collected through the Children’s Oncology Group and expand genetic analysis to include sex chromosomes. They will compare genetic and methylation patterns between children who responded well to cisplatin chemotherapy and those who relapsed or showed resistance. The aim is to find markers that could inform prognosis and future treatment choices.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are children and adolescents diagnosed with germ cell tumors who can provide blood and tumor samples or whose stored samples and outcome data are available.
Not a fit: Patients who cannot provide tumor or germline samples or who need immediate life-saving treatment decisions are unlikely to see direct benefit from this study in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could help doctors identify children at higher risk of relapse or chemo resistance so treatments can be better tailored.
How similar studies have performed: Previous genome-wide studies in adults found risk genes and some of those apply to children, but using tumor DNA methylation as a prognostic marker in pediatric germ cell tumors is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA — MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: POYNTER, JENNY N. — UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
- Study coordinator: POYNTER, JENNY N.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions: Cancer Susceptibility Gene, Cancer-Predisposing Gene