Next Generation Sequencing of Normal Tissues Prospectively in Pediatric Oncology Patients

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.

Sex

All

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.

• DERIVEDJohnson LM, Mandrell BN, Li C, Lu Z, Gattuso J, Harrison LW, Mori M, Ouma AA, Pritchard M, Sharp KMH, Nichols KE. Managing Pandora's Box: Familial Expectations around the Return of (Future) Germline Results. AJOB Empir Bioeth. 2022 Jul-Sep;13(3):152-165. doi: 10.1080/23294515.2022.2063994. Epub 2022 Apr 26. PMID 35471132
• DERIVEDMaciaszek JL, Oak N, Chen W, Hamilton KV, McGee RB, Nuccio R, Mostafavi R, Hines-Dowell S, Harrison L, Taylor L, Gerhardt EL, Ouma A, Edmonson MN, Patel A, Nakitandwe J, Pappo AS, Azzato EM, Shurtleff SA, Ellison DW, Downing JR, Hudson MM, Robison LL, Santana V, Newman S, Zhang J, Wang Z, Wu G, Nichols KE, Kesserwan CA. Enrichment of heterozygous germline RECQL4 loss-of-function variants in pediatric osteosarcoma. Cold Spring Harb Mol Case Stud. 2019 Oct 23;5(5):a004218. doi: 10.1101/mcs.a004218. Print 2019 Oct. PMID 31604778