How genetics can help predict — and sometimes stop — childhood cancers

Amy Kindstedt hates cancer, but the 9-year-old is very thankful for one thing: Because genetic testing on her baby brother Hunter revealed he had the same genetic mutation she did, his cancer was caught much earlier than hers — possibly sparing him the same level of intense treatment she endured. The mapping of the human genome has ushered in the age of precision cancer medicine, in which an individual’s treatment can be tailored to the specific genetic abnormalities of her disease. In recent years, much attention has been brought to genetic testing for cancer risk, particularly around Angelina Jolie and her decision to undergo preventative surgeries. Sometimes, a gene that contributes to disease contains a mutation, similar to misspelling a word, which can lead to a higher risk of cancer. In Jolie’s case, this was a mutation in the BRCA1 gene. Knowing which mutated genes are at fault for a particular cancer can also help physician-scientists determine, through genetic testing, which members of a patient’s family may have the same mutations and be at higher risk. Less than a month after Amy’s lung surgery, Hunter had a tumor removed from his lung, too. ~ Susan Kindstedt But genetic mutations don’t just affect adults. The Pediatric Cancer Genetic Risk Program at Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, where the Kindstedts were treated, offers multidisciplinary care to families in this situation. During twice-monthly clinics, patients at ...
Source: Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Ask the Expert Our Patients’ Stories Research and Innovation Dr. Junne Kamihara genetic testing pediatric cancer Pediatric Cancer Genetic Risk Program precision cancer medicine Source Type: news