Genetic links between birth anomalies and childhood cancer in kids and young people
Official title: Integrating Epidemiologic and Genomic Data to Elucidate the Genetic Overlap Between Congenital Anomalies and Pediatric Cancer
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-11381884 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant tests how inherited birth defects and genetic factors may increase the risk of cancer in children and teens, using real-world birth and cancer data to understand shared genetics.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $467,204 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA284531-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11381884 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include children and young people with congenital anomalies or chromosomal abnormalities who may be at higher cancer risk and could participate in future related studies or trials.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without congenital anomalies or with unrelated genetic backgrounds may not gain direct benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This project combines large birth defect and cancer data with genomic analysis to uncover patterns where congenital anomalies and pediatric cancers share genetic roots. It builds on a prior registry study that found strong links between certain birth defects and specific cancers, and it aims to expand those findings by integrating genomic information. The goal is to identify pleiotropic genetic variations that predispose to both congenital anomalies and cancer, which could inform risk prediction and future targeted prevention. The work is conducted using population-based data from multiple states and includes genetic sequencing to confirm suspected predisposition disorders. Findings could lead to earlier surveillance and personalized care for at-risk children and adolescents.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could improve cancer risk prediction in children with birth defects and guide personalized monitoring and prevention strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Earlier analyses demonstrated meaningful links between congenital anomalies and pediatric cancers, with a novel predisposition disorder identified, supporting continued exploration.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huff, Chad Daniel — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Huff, Chad Daniel
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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.