Molecular Test for Cancer Relapse in UK Children
04 March 2009 - A molecular marker used in America to predict whether children with a form of kidney cancer, called Wilms’ tumour, are more likely to relapse than other children, could be useful for UK patients.
ICR Scientists analysed over 400 Wilms’ tumours from UK patients treated in past clinical trials by either immediate surgery or initial chemotherapy for two molecular markers now used in North America. The findings are published in the European Journal of Cancer.
The team, led by Professor Kathy Pritchard-Jones, found that the American test – which reveals the loss of chromosome 16 – predicted which children were more than twice as likely to relapse and to die from Wilms’ tumour.
Professor Pritchard-Jones said: “Unfortunately, children whose tumours contained this ‘high-risk’ molecular marker were more likely to relapse regardless of the treatment regimen they were given.”
Now we’ve identified this group of patients in the UK who could benefit from this type of classification, we can begin to develop a more tailored treatment strategy that will help to improve the survival chances for these children.”
