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UK scientists are beginning work to genetically test tumours from children with cancer.
They hope this will give younger patients access to newer, more personalised medicines and further improve survival rates.
The new test analyses changes in 81 different cancer genes.
Scientists say it should lead to “a more level playing field”, and accelerate children’s access to important new drugs.
The testing is based at the Royal Marsden NHS Hospital in London and will reach 400 children from around the UK over the next two years.
The implementation of the test has been funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR).
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Cancer tumours are rare in children so, without a big patient population, there is less of an incentive for pharmaceutical companies to conduct clinical trials.
This means they risk missing out on innovative treatments which target the cancer cells, leaving healthy ones alone.
Prof Louis Chesler, who is leading the genetic testing research, said: “Children often don’t have equal access to the most modern and potentially beneficial cancer drugs.
“The cost of developing these gene-targeted drugs is very high. They tend to go to adults first, where more people are being treated and results can be seen more quickly.
Read full, original post: ‘Exciting’ new genetic test for child cancer patients
