Interregional Childhood Oncology Precision medicine Exploration and Sequencing Tumor and Germline DNA – Implications for National Guidelines (ICOPE/STAGING)

Led by Principal investigator, professor in pediatrics, Dr. Kjeld Schmiegelow

The research project ICOPE/STAGING is a prospective study where, over the course of several years, researchers have collected data from 1,200 children with cancer. The purpose of the research is to understand the significance of rare variants and to identify new cancer predisposition genes. This knowledge aims to contribute to improving patient treatment with the goal of reducing the number of deaths related to childhood cancer.

Researchers gather germline sequencing data, phenotype information, pedigree details, clinical information, and information about potential late effects. With these data and by utilizing the Danish National Genome Center’s supercomputer, the research project investigates the genetic etiology (genetic predispositions and structural variants) behind the diseases.

The goal is that, in a few years, we will know much more than today about why children get cancer. This knowledge will enable us to diagnose the condition earlier and determine the most effective treatment. We envision that each child will be treated differently due to various genetic predispositions or mutations in cancer cells. This understanding will help us identify the most suitable medication for each patient, says Principal investigator, professor in pediatrics, Dr. Kjeld Schmiegelow.