Investigating genetic factors in childhood cancer
Familial Investigations of Childhood Cancer Predisposition
This study is trying to find out if certain genes passed down in families can increase the risk of childhood cancer by looking at samples from kids who have had cancer and their relatives.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 1500 (estimated) |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Memphis, Tennessee) |
| Trial ID | NCT03050268 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to explore the hereditary factors contributing to various childhood cancers by collecting blood, saliva, and tissue samples from participants. It focuses on families with a history of cancer, particularly those with members diagnosed at a young age. Participants will provide medical and family histories, and their biological samples will be analyzed for genetic changes associated with cancer predisposition. The study will also involve annual follow-ups to update health information and family history.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals with a personal or family history of childhood cancers, particularly those diagnosed under the age of 26.
Not a fit: Patients without a familial history of cancer or those diagnosed with cancer after the age of 26 may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of genetic predispositions to childhood cancers, potentially leading to improved screening and prevention strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in identifying genetic predispositions in familial cancer cases, making this approach both relevant and promising.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
NOTE: This is a research study and is not meant to be a substitute for clinical genetic testing. Families may never receive results from the study or may receive results many years from the time they enroll. If you are interested in clinical testing please consider seeing a local genetic counselor or other genetics professional. If you have already had clinical genetic testing and meet eligibility criteria for this study as shown below, you may enroll regardless of the results of your clinical genetic testing. DEFINITION OF FAMILIAR CANCER FOR THIS PROTOCOL: In this protocol, the definition of "Familial Cancer" is met if any of the following is present: * An individual with a history of cancer diagnosed under 26 years of age who has at least one first, second or third degree relative with a history of cancer diagnosed under 51 years of age; OR * An individual who has been diagnosed with more than one cancer, at least one of which was diagnosed under 26 years of age; OR * An individual with a clinical or molecular diagnosis of a known cancer predisposition syndrome; OR * An individual with a congenital cancer diagnosed before 6 months of age; OR * An individual with a rare pediatric cancer or tumor diagnosed before 26 years of age º Excluding human papilloma virus-associated cervical cancer and non-melanoma skin cancer occurring in adults. INCLUSION CRITERIA: * An individual who meets this protocol's definition of "Familial Cancer," as above. * Biologic relatives of an individual meeting this protocol's definition of "Familial Cancer," who are either affected or unaffected by cancer. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: * An inability or unwillingness of the research participant or his/her legally authorized representative (LAR) to provide written informed consent. * The participant has received allogeneic bone marrow transplantation and has NO pre-transplant germline (cancer-unaffected) DNA available AND is unwilling to provide a skin sample.
Where this trial is running
Memphis, Tennessee
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital — Memphis, Tennessee, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kim E. Nichols, MD — St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
- Study coordinator: Kim E. Nichols, MD
- Email: referralinfo@stjude.org
- Phone: 888-226-4343
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.