Hereditary predisposition to childhood cancers
Study on hereditary predispositions to childhood cancers - screening and management.
Pediatric cancer is a difficult ordeal for young patients and their families alike. Even if today's therapeutic options enable most children to be cured, cancer still imposes heavy, long-term treatments.
Unfortunately, children who have suffered from cancer tend to develop cancer again during their lives.
A second cancer is the most frequent cause of death after recovery from a first childhood cancer.
Hereditary predisposition to cancerous diseases may explain a significant proportion of second cancers.
As a result, children and adults with a predisposition to childhood cancer require particularly close monitoring. This will enable us to detect a second cancer as early as possible, and to treat it at an early stage in a way that minimizes after-effects.
Clinical signs or a family history can reveal a predisposition to cancerous diseases.
That's why people with certain characteristics can benefit from genetic counseling.
Dr Nicolas Waespe
Pediatric oncologist / hematologist in Berne Island University Hospitalis responsible for this study.
How the study works
Between January 2022 and December 2023, doctors and patients will be surveyed to determine which patients are being screened.
A questionnaire will be sent to pediatric oncologists in several European countries. The questionnaire concerns their approach to cancer screening and follow-up.
Survivors of childhood cancer will also receive a questionnaire. The questionnaire asks about signs of hereditary predisposition and screening.
The aim of the study is to find out whether and how patients were offered genetic counseling in the presence of signs of cancer predisposition. The study will show where there is potential for improvement. Finally, it aims to contribute to improving management and survival after childhood cancer.
Zoé4life financed this study to the tune of CHF 61,720 in 2022.
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