Using genetic testing to improve cancer care for children
Official title: Genetic testing to guide pediatric cancer care and follow up: using anthracycline-associated cardiac toxicity as a model for the future
Funded at Boston Children's Hospital · NIH-10476300 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how genetic testing can help doctors understand the risk of heart problems in kids who have had cancer treatment with certain chemotherapy drugs, so they can create safer and more personalized treatment plans for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2018 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $400,065 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA227576-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10476300 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include children who have been treated for cancer with anthracycline chemotherapy and may have a genetic predisposition to cardiac toxicity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not undergone anthracycline treatment or those with cancers that do not involve this type of chemotherapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how genetic testing can help predict the risk of heart problems in children who have been treated for cancer, specifically those who received anthracycline chemotherapy. By identifying genetic markers associated with treatment-related toxicity, the study aims to tailor cancer therapies to minimize long-term health risks while effectively managing the disease. The approach focuses on understanding individual genetic profiles to adapt treatment plans and follow-up care, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes. The research also addresses the challenges of studying rare childhood cancers and the long-term effects of treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to personalized cancer treatments that reduce the risk of serious heart complications in childhood cancer survivors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using genetic markers to guide treatment decisions in cancer care, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston Children's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yeh, Jennifer M. — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Yeh, Jennifer M.
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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.