Exploring genetic differences in twins with childhood brain tumors
Official title: Somatic Mosaicism in Twins Discordant for Childhood Cancer: a Pilot Study
Run by Children's Oncology Group · NCT06054295 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at the genetic differences in identical twins who have childhood brain tumors to see how these differences might affect their cancer.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | Any age to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Children's Oncology Group Research network |
| Locations | 1 site (Minneapolis, Minnesota) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 3, 2024 |
| Main results expected | June 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | June 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 1, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06054295 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include same-sex twins diagnosed with CNS tumors before the age of 19, whether newly diagnosed or with recurrent disease.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are not part of a twin pair or those diagnosed with tumors unrelated to CNS will not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study investigates the genetic factors contributing to discordance in childhood central nervous system (CNS) tumors among same-sex twins. It aims to analyze blood and saliva DNA samples from 25 pairs of monozygotic twins to assess the prevalence of somatic mosaicism in cancer-associated genes. The study will also compare mutation profiles in pre- and post-treatment samples to ensure that observed differences are not influenced by cancer therapies. The research is conducted through the Children's Oncology Group's Project: EveryChild registry.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of genetic predispositions to CNS tumors, potentially leading to improved prevention and treatment strategies.
How similar studies have gone: While the exploration of somatic mosaicism in twins is a relatively novel approach, similar studies have shown promise in understanding genetic factors in cancer.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion 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.
Where it's running
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University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jenny Poynter, PhD
- Email: poynt006@umn.edu
- Phone: (612) 625-4232
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.