Ultrafast whole genome sequencing for children and young people with cancer
Official title: Feasibility of Ultrafast WGS in Paediatric Malignancies
Run by University of Cambridge · NCT07201038 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project tests whether ultrafast whole genome sequencing can give faster genetic diagnoses for children and young people under 25 with suspected or confirmed cancer.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 0 Years to 24 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Cambridge Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Cambridge) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 19, 2022 |
| Main results expected | October 18, 2027 |
| Study ends | October 17, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | March 17, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07201038 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Children and young people under 25 with a suspected or confirmed malignancy who can give informed consent (or whose guardian can) and who have tumour and germline samples available are ideal candidates, with the pilot limited to blood/bone marrow cancers.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who cannot provide informed consent, who lack sufficient tissue for sequencing, or whose clinical management would not change based on genomic findings may not receive benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational project uses rapid whole genome sequencing on tumour and germline samples from pediatric and young adult patients to shorten the time to molecular diagnosis compared with current 7–14 day workflows. The first pilot phase will include only haematological malignancies (ALL/AML) for the initial 10 patients, with broader inclusion thereafter. Samples may be collected prospectively or reviewed retrospectively and sequencing is performed in partnership with Illumina and Cambridge University Hospitals. The goal is to identify actionable genetic changes quickly enough to inform urgent treatment decisions such as targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor use for Ph+ or Ph-like disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, much faster genomic results could allow clinicians to start targeted therapies sooner for high-risk molecular subgroups, potentially improving outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Rapid genomic sequencing in pediatric oncology and neonatal care has shown promising results for speeding diagnosis and guiding therapy, and targeted treatments like TKIs are already proven to improve outcomes in Ph+ ALL.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Have given written informed consent to participate * Be aged \<25 years of age * Have confirmed or suspected malignancy * For pilot/feasibility study (first 10 patients), only haematological malignancies (ALL/AML) will be included * Have tumour and germline sample available - retrospectively collected or for prospective collection Exclusion Criteria: * Inability to provide written informed consent (self or parent/guardian) * Insufficient tissue (BM/PB/tissue) available for research purposes after collection for routine diagnostic purposes
Where it's running
-
Addenbrookes Hospital
Cambridge, United Kingdom Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Victoria Joslin
- Email: vicky.joslin@nhs.net
- Phone: 01223217251
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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.