Predicting new tumors in survivors of childhood cancer

In 10 seconds? A cancer predisposition screening tool can help clinicians identify survivors of childhood cancer who are at increased risk of secondary cancers.

What’s the novelty? Subsequent neoplasms (that is, a second cancer in someone who was previously cured of the disease) are a leading cause of mortality in children and young adults who survive their original illness for more than 5 years. These account for about 50% of non-relapse related deaths in this patient group. With this new screening tool, clinicians can identify patients who are at increased risk of having a subsequent neoplasm due to what are called germline mutations. These are altered genes that increase the risk of cancer. At-risk children can be put under active monitoring, in the hope that any subsequent cancer can be detected and treated sooner.