Next Generation Sequencing of Normal Tissues Prospectively in Pediatric Oncology Patients

Recruiting

• Conditions: Solid, Liquid, Central Nervous System Tumors
• Interventions: Other: Study Introduction Visit; Other: Informed Consent Visit; Other: Informed Consent Follow-Up Visit; Other: Return of Results Conversation; Other: Return of Results Follow-Up Visits; Procedure: Blood Sample; Procedure: Skin Biopsy

• Registration Number: NCT02530658
• Lead Sponsor: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Brief Summary

The development of next generation sequencing (NGS) techniques, including whole genome (WGS), exome (WES) and RNA sequencing has revolutionized the ability of investigators to query the molecular mechanisms underlying tumor formation. Through the Pediatric Cancer Genome Project (PCGP), investigators at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (SJCRH) have successfully used NGS approaches to evaluate more than 1,000 pediatric cancers ranging from hematologic malignancies to central nervous system (CNS) and non-CNS solid tumors. From these and related studies, it has become clear that genomic approaches can accurately classify tumors into distinct pathologic and prognostic subtypes and detect alterations in cellular pathways that may serve as novel therapeutic targets. Collectively, these studies suggest that by characterizing the genomic make-up of individual tumors, investigators will be able to develop personalized and potentially more effective cancer treatments and/or preventive measures.

This protocol was initially enacted to usher NGS approaches into routine clinical care. During the initial phase of the G4K protocol, 310 participants were recruited and enrolled onto the study. Tumor and/or germline sequencing was completed on all 310 patients, with 253 somatic reports generated (representing 96% of the 263 participants for whom tumor tissue was available and analyzed) and 301 germline reports generated (100% of the 301 participants who agreed to the receipt of germline results). Analyses of the study data are ongoing with plans to prepare initial manuscripts within the next several months. Due to the successful initial execution of the G4K protocol, clinical genomic sequencing of tumor and germline samples is now offered as part of standard clinical care for pediatric oncology patients at St. Jude.

The G4K protocol has now been revised. With the revision, the study team will record, store and analyze germline and tumor genomic information. Through the collection of these data, we will examine how germline mutations in 150 cancer predisposition genes influence clinical presentation, tumor histology, tumor genomic findings, response to therapy and long-term outcomes. The overall goals of this research are to further define the prevalence, spectrum and heritability of germline variants in these genes and to decipher how germline mutations influence the phenotypes of an expanding array of cancer predisposition syndromes. These studies allow us to provide more accurate genetic counseling and management strategies to future children harboring mutations in these genes.

This remains a non-therapeutic study. Investigators anticipate a sample size of approximately 2500 patients who will be recruited over the next 7 years.

Detailed Description

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES:

* To use clinical genomic sequencing to define the prevalence and spectrum of germline mutations in cancer predisposition genes in children with cancer.

* For those identified with germline mutations, to correlate germline genomic information with clinical presentation, tumor genomic findings, treatment response, and outcome.

OTHER PRESPECIFIED OBJECTIVES:

* To generate and analyze data describing patient/parent perceptions of genomic investigations and research at various time points throughout the study.

* To generate and analyze data surrounding the return of genomic sequencing results, examine patient/parent understanding of these results and assess the impact of results on patients and families.

* To determine the feasibility and reliability of performing WES and RNA sequencing on derivatives from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor samples alongside the analysis of matched frozen tumor and germline samples.

For participants who give consent, a normal tissue sample will be obtained and used for WGS, WES and RNA sequence analysis. A defined list of 150 genes will be analyzed for reporting using the normal tissue. Once the results of these analyses are available, they will be disclosed to physicians, patients and parents. Mixed measures approaches will be used to assess understanding, acceptance and impact of genomic results on patients and parents. During the course of the study, the investigators anticipate the list of genes to be reported using normal tissue to change due to advances in the literature or other evidence linking additional genes to tumor formation and cancer risk, and new lists may be defined.

To assess provider, patient and family understanding and describe the impacts of genomic testing and return of results, this study will also incorporate administration of surveys and semi-structured interviews. Surveys and interviews are optional, but will be offered to all primary SJCRH providers, as well as all eligible participants and parents, regardless of whether or not they consent to pursue the genomic testing.

A sample of blood or a skin biopsy will be obtained as a source of germline DNA. This sample is necessary as it is the comparator against which tumor samples are evaluated. Skin biopsies may be done on patients who have a diagnosis where peripheral blood is likely to be contaminated by tumor cells.

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2015-08-19
• Study First Submitted QC: 2015-08-19
• Study First Posted: 2015-08-21
• Study Start: 2015-08-28
• Status Verified: 2024-10
• Last Update Submitted: 2024-10-04
• Last Update Posted: 2024-10-08
• Primary Completion: 2028-07-01
• Study Completion: 2038-07-01

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 2500

Inclusion Criteria

• St. Jude patients prospectively identified at the time of study activation with a diagnosed solid or liquid tumor (benign or malignant).
• Adequate tissue must be available (e.g. sufficient germline and/or tumor tissue, from which >1 µg DNA and >0.1 µg RNA must be isolated). Patients who have no tumor tissue available may enroll using only germline sample.

Exclusion Criteria

• Past history of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (or other condition that would result in hematopoietic cell DNA failing to match host tissue DNA).
• Tumor or germline tissue not meeting the criteria listed above.
• Inability or unwillingness of research participant or legal guardian/representative to give written informed consent.
• Participants who are unable to read, write or converse fluently in English or Spanish will be excluded from Prespecified Objectives 3 and 4.

Study & Design

• Study Type: OBSERVATIONAL
• Study Design: Not specified

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Participants	Study Introduction Visit	St. Jude patients with a diagnosed solid or liquid tumor (benign or malignant) and their biological parents or legally authorized representative. Interventions: Study Introduction Visit, Informed Consent Visit, Informed Consent Follow-Up Visit, Return of Results Conversation, two Return of Results Follow-Up Visits, Tissue Sample (when available), Blood Sample or Skin Biopsy.
Participants	Informed Consent Visit	St. Jude patients with a diagnosed solid or liquid tumor (benign or malignant) and their biological parents or legally authorized representative. Interventions: Study Introduction Visit, Informed Consent Visit, Informed Consent Follow-Up Visit, Return of Results Conversation, two Return of Results Follow-Up Visits, Tissue Sample (when available), Blood Sample or Skin Biopsy.
Participants	Informed Consent Follow-Up Visit	St. Jude patients with a diagnosed solid or liquid tumor (benign or malignant) and their biological parents or legally authorized representative. Interventions: Study Introduction Visit, Informed Consent Visit, Informed Consent Follow-Up Visit, Return of Results Conversation, two Return of Results Follow-Up Visits, Tissue Sample (when available), Blood Sample or Skin Biopsy.
Participants	Return of Results Conversation	St. Jude patients with a diagnosed solid or liquid tumor (benign or malignant) and their biological parents or legally authorized representative. Interventions: Study Introduction Visit, Informed Consent Visit, Informed Consent Follow-Up Visit, Return of Results Conversation, two Return of Results Follow-Up Visits, Tissue Sample (when available), Blood Sample or Skin Biopsy.
Participants	Return of Results Follow-Up Visits	St. Jude patients with a diagnosed solid or liquid tumor (benign or malignant) and their biological parents or legally authorized representative. Interventions: Study Introduction Visit, Informed Consent Visit, Informed Consent Follow-Up Visit, Return of Results Conversation, two Return of Results Follow-Up Visits, Tissue Sample (when available), Blood Sample or Skin Biopsy.
Participants	Blood Sample	St. Jude patients with a diagnosed solid or liquid tumor (benign or malignant) and their biological parents or legally authorized representative. Interventions: Study Introduction Visit, Informed Consent Visit, Informed Consent Follow-Up Visit, Return of Results Conversation, two Return of Results Follow-Up Visits, Tissue Sample (when available), Blood Sample or Skin Biopsy.
Participants	Skin Biopsy	St. Jude patients with a diagnosed solid or liquid tumor (benign or malignant) and their biological parents or legally authorized representative. Interventions: Study Introduction Visit, Informed Consent Visit, Informed Consent Follow-Up Visit, Return of Results Conversation, two Return of Results Follow-Up Visits, Tissue Sample (when available), Blood Sample or Skin Biopsy.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Overall success rate	Approximately 3 months after study enrollment	Success is defined by the combined successes of (1) quality interpretable genomic data are generated from sequencing tumor and germline tissues, and (2) communicating genomic test results to the primary SJCRH oncologist and the patient and his/her parents.; The Binomial proportion of successful performance will be estimated by the sample proportion and the 99% confidence interval based on the normal approximation. Sample size is 400.
Number and type of somatic genetic variants and germline genetic variants	Approximately 3-4 months after the germline sample is obtained	WGS, WES and RNA sequence data will be used to identify and characterize somatic genetic variants of pathological significance and germline genetic variants associated with increased cancer risk. Descriptive statistics, such as counts and proportions of variants associated with increased cancer risk will be computed within each patient and in each disease type.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital; 🇺🇸 Memphis, Tennessee, United States