By St. Jude Children's Research Hospital | St. Jude
Read how unique, large-scale research initiatives and clinical programs at St. Jude are driving landmark discoveries and bringing a new kind of precision care to our patients.
Cancer begins when changes in DNA trigger cells to grow out of control. Through the Pediatric Cancer Genome Project, St. Jude and Washington University in St. Louis have pinpointed the DNA changes behind some of the toughest childhood cancers.
The project, initiated in 2010, has resulted in a wealth of new discoveries revealing the genetic Achilles heels of pediatric cancers. Named as one of TIME magazine's annual Top 10 Medical Breakthroughs, this project has sparked innovative clinical trials to test new treatments for children.
Genomes for Kids (G4K) is a St. Jude clinical research study designed to lay the groundwork for transforming childhood cancer therapy. Through this novel study, researchers are learning more about childhood tumors, how genome sequencing might help predict a tumor's response to treatment, and the best ways to share the test results with families.
Each child is unique, and every cancer is different. As findings from the Pediatric Cancer Genome Project continue to drive basic research on the genetics of cancer, St. Jude has launched an ambitious program to apply its powerful technologies where they are needed most: the bedsides of our patients.
The vision of the program is to use technology called genome sequencing to carefully scrutinize every one of the 3 billion letters of the genetic code of patients and their cancers. When analyzed with advanced computing technology, the results can be used to accurately identify a cancer and find its genetic vulnerabilities. These results can also show if the patient was born with an increased risk for cancer.
Bringing large-scale genome sequencing out of the research lab and into the clinic is a massive endeavor. Using the technology in patient care requires deep expertise, state-of-the-art facilities, and focused, mission-driven research, all major strengths of St. Jude.
This technology offers the promise of true precision medicine, in which treatment and long-term care can be tailored for each child.
Learn more here: https://www.stjude.org/research/initiatives/drug-discovery-therapeutics.html#precision-medicine
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