DNA Analysis Helps Categorize and Treat Childhood Cancer

Researchers have found the effectiveness of DNA analyzes to target and treat neuroblastoma, one of the most common forms of childhood cancer.

In neuroblastoma, a malignant tumor develops from nerve tissue and spreads to other parts of the body like lymph nodes, skin, liver and bones. Nearly 700 children are diagnosed with the cancer each year in the United States.

A team of researchers from the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden found the power of DNA analysis in identifying and distinguishing different types of this cancer and placing them in different subgroups, for a better and more effective treatment.

"The ultimate scenario would be first to analyze the tumor, and then to introduce medicine that targets the specific properties of that particular tumor," Hanna Kryh, who was part of the study, said in a news release. "In this way, the treatment could be personalized so that patients with a more aggressive form would receive an intensive treatment, while patients with a less aggressive form could be spared unnecessary side-effects. Our studies are a real first step towards such a form of personalized treatment strategy."

The diagnosis method is already introduced in Sweden.

"We have also identified a previously unknown subgroup of neuroblastoma, with a DNA profile that helps us to investigate which genes are important in terms of tumor development, and may be suitable targets for future treatment," the authors said.

Now the researchers are planning to develop patient-specific tests to identify tumor cells.

"This would allow us to monitor how well the patient is responding to the treatment, and to detect remaining tumor cells, that could result in a relapse, at an early stage," the researchers explained.

Efforts have been going on from a long time in hopes of finding better treatment options for the cancer. Previous studies have found the effectiveness of some drugs to fight the cancer that is caused by an ALK gene abnormality.

A study published in the journal Cancer Cell, found a drug combination - crizotinib and mTOR inhibitor effectively fighting neuroblastoma.