ZERO2: Precision Medicine for Every Child With Cancer
Study Details
Study Description
Brief Summary
To improve outcomes for childhood cancer patients through the implementation of precision medicine.
| Condition or Disease | Intervention/Treatment | Phase |
|---|---|---|
|
Detailed Description
Through the pilot TARGET and national PRISM trials the feasibility and benefits of using comprehensive molecular profiling and preclinical drug testing in real time for high-risk (HR) patients has been demonstrated. However, the role of precision medicine, especially in facilitating diagnosis and risk stratification in non-HR childhood cancers has not been studied. Integrative tumor-germline whole genome sequencing (WGS) analysis has the potential to advance our understanding of cancer predisposition. In this study, the ZERO platform will be extended to all children with cancer in Australia and New Zealand, evaluating the benefits of precision medicine in different childhood cancer types and risk groups.
Study Design
Arms and Interventions
| Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
|---|---|
| High-risk cancers One of the following two criteria must be met: Confirmed or suspected high-risk malignancy defined as expected overall survival < 30% based on current literature for the specific cancer Cancers for which standard therapy would result in unacceptable and severe morbidity (e.g., infantile fibrosarcoma where definitive surgery would require amputation of limb) Note: This does not include HR neuroblastoma at diagnosis as this group of patients have an overall survival ≥30% and belongs to Cohort 4A. |
Genetic: Whole Genome Sequencing
Each tumor sample will be sequenced and analyzed in parallel with its matched normal (germline DNA from the same patient) to enable the identification of somatic aberrations.
Genetic: RNA seq
Results will be used for bioinformatics analysis for fusion transcripts and gene expression.
Genetic: DNA Methylation
Genome-wide assessment of DNA methylation will be conducted on all samples where possible.
Genetic: Targeted Panel Sequencing
Targeted panel sequencing may be performed:
When WGS is not feasible or appropriate, e.g., insufficient DNA from fresh or frozen sample or only Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) material is available
When mosaicism is suspected
When indicated for a disease type
Genetic: High Throughput Sequencing (in vitro)
High throughput drug screening will be attempted for tumors from Cohort 1 (high-risk cancers with survival <30%) and selected tumor types.
Genetic: Patient Derived Xenograft (PDX)(in vivo)
In vivo drug testing in patient derived xenograft (PDX) will be attempted for tumors from Cohort 1 (high-risk cancers) and selected tumor types.
Other: Liquid Biopsy
Liquid biopsy will be investigated as a non-invasive method for diagnosis of tumors that are difficult to biopsy directly, understanding tumor heterogeneity, monitoring of treatment response, and detection of minimal residual disease (MRD)/relapse in leukemia, solid and CNS tumors.
|
| Rare tumors At least one of the following three criteria must be met: A rare tumor of uncertain prognosis due to rarity of disease A rare tumor with no established treatment strategy A cancer where routine histopathological examination has not been able to establish a diagnosis Confirmed histiocytic disorder AND molecular profiling may facilitate diagnosis and/or treatment Confirmed proliferative vascular or lymphatic malformation AND has failed conventional treatment, e.g., surgery or embolization, OR no appropriate treatment is available AND the disease is organ, limb or life threatening, or debilitating |
Genetic: Whole Genome Sequencing
Each tumor sample will be sequenced and analyzed in parallel with its matched normal (germline DNA from the same patient) to enable the identification of somatic aberrations.
Genetic: RNA seq
Results will be used for bioinformatics analysis for fusion transcripts and gene expression.
Genetic: DNA Methylation
Genome-wide assessment of DNA methylation will be conducted on all samples where possible.
Genetic: Targeted Panel Sequencing
Targeted panel sequencing may be performed:
When WGS is not feasible or appropriate, e.g., insufficient DNA from fresh or frozen sample or only Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) material is available
When mosaicism is suspected
When indicated for a disease type
Other: Liquid Biopsy
Liquid biopsy will be investigated as a non-invasive method for diagnosis of tumors that are difficult to biopsy directly, understanding tumor heterogeneity, monitoring of treatment response, and detection of minimal residual disease (MRD)/relapse in leukemia, solid and CNS tumors.
|
| Primary central nervous system (CNS) tumours Patient is suspected or confirmed to have a primary CNS tumor, including low and high-grade tumors |
Genetic: Whole Genome Sequencing
Each tumor sample will be sequenced and analyzed in parallel with its matched normal (germline DNA from the same patient) to enable the identification of somatic aberrations.
Genetic: RNA seq
Results will be used for bioinformatics analysis for fusion transcripts and gene expression.
Genetic: DNA Methylation
Genome-wide assessment of DNA methylation will be conducted on all samples where possible.
Genetic: Targeted Panel Sequencing
Targeted panel sequencing may be performed:
When WGS is not feasible or appropriate, e.g., insufficient DNA from fresh or frozen sample or only Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) material is available
When mosaicism is suspected
When indicated for a disease type
Other: Liquid Biopsy
Liquid biopsy will be investigated as a non-invasive method for diagnosis of tumors that are difficult to biopsy directly, understanding tumor heterogeneity, monitoring of treatment response, and detection of minimal residual disease (MRD)/relapse in leukemia, solid and CNS tumors.
|
| Neuroblastoma Patient is suspected or confirmed to have neuroblastoma 4A: HR neuroblastoma at diagnosis 4B: Non-HR neuroblastoma |
Genetic: Whole Genome Sequencing
Each tumor sample will be sequenced and analyzed in parallel with its matched normal (germline DNA from the same patient) to enable the identification of somatic aberrations.
Genetic: RNA seq
Results will be used for bioinformatics analysis for fusion transcripts and gene expression.
Genetic: DNA Methylation
Genome-wide assessment of DNA methylation will be conducted on all samples where possible.
Genetic: Targeted Panel Sequencing
Targeted panel sequencing may be performed:
When WGS is not feasible or appropriate, e.g., insufficient DNA from fresh or frozen sample or only Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) material is available
When mosaicism is suspected
When indicated for a disease type
Other: Liquid Biopsy
Liquid biopsy will be investigated as a non-invasive method for diagnosis of tumors that are difficult to biopsy directly, understanding tumor heterogeneity, monitoring of treatment response, and detection of minimal residual disease (MRD)/relapse in leukemia, solid and CNS tumors.
|
| Acute myeloid leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome and other leukemias not classified as ALL Patient is confirmed by flow cytometry to have acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or other leukemias (Note: Verbal confirmation of flow cytometry result is adequate for enrolment) |
Genetic: Whole Genome Sequencing
Each tumor sample will be sequenced and analyzed in parallel with its matched normal (germline DNA from the same patient) to enable the identification of somatic aberrations.
Genetic: RNA seq
Results will be used for bioinformatics analysis for fusion transcripts and gene expression.
Genetic: DNA Methylation
Genome-wide assessment of DNA methylation will be conducted on all samples where possible.
Genetic: Targeted Panel Sequencing
Targeted panel sequencing may be performed:
When WGS is not feasible or appropriate, e.g., insufficient DNA from fresh or frozen sample or only Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) material is available
When mosaicism is suspected
When indicated for a disease type
Other: Liquid Biopsy
Liquid biopsy will be investigated as a non-invasive method for diagnosis of tumors that are difficult to biopsy directly, understanding tumor heterogeneity, monitoring of treatment response, and detection of minimal residual disease (MRD)/relapse in leukemia, solid and CNS tumors.
|
| Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) Patient is confirmed to have acute lymphoblastic leukemia by flow cytometry (Note: Verbal confirmation of flow cytometry result is adequate for enrolment) |
Genetic: Whole Genome Sequencing
Each tumor sample will be sequenced and analyzed in parallel with its matched normal (germline DNA from the same patient) to enable the identification of somatic aberrations.
Genetic: RNA seq
Results will be used for bioinformatics analysis for fusion transcripts and gene expression.
Genetic: DNA Methylation
Genome-wide assessment of DNA methylation will be conducted on all samples where possible.
Genetic: Targeted Panel Sequencing
Targeted panel sequencing may be performed:
When WGS is not feasible or appropriate, e.g., insufficient DNA from fresh or frozen sample or only Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) material is available
When mosaicism is suspected
When indicated for a disease type
Other: Liquid Biopsy
Liquid biopsy will be investigated as a non-invasive method for diagnosis of tumors that are difficult to biopsy directly, understanding tumor heterogeneity, monitoring of treatment response, and detection of minimal residual disease (MRD)/relapse in leukemia, solid and CNS tumors.
|
| Lymphomas Patient is suspected or confirmed to have a lymphoma |
Genetic: Whole Genome Sequencing
Each tumor sample will be sequenced and analyzed in parallel with its matched normal (germline DNA from the same patient) to enable the identification of somatic aberrations.
Genetic: RNA seq
Results will be used for bioinformatics analysis for fusion transcripts and gene expression.
Genetic: DNA Methylation
Genome-wide assessment of DNA methylation will be conducted on all samples where possible.
Genetic: Targeted Panel Sequencing
Targeted panel sequencing may be performed:
When WGS is not feasible or appropriate, e.g., insufficient DNA from fresh or frozen sample or only Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) material is available
When mosaicism is suspected
When indicated for a disease type
Other: Liquid Biopsy
Liquid biopsy will be investigated as a non-invasive method for diagnosis of tumors that are difficult to biopsy directly, understanding tumor heterogeneity, monitoring of treatment response, and detection of minimal residual disease (MRD)/relapse in leukemia, solid and CNS tumors.
|
| Sarcomas Patient is suspected or confirmed to have a sarcoma Includes gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST), malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour (MPNST), desmoplastic small round cell tumour (DSRCT) |
Genetic: Whole Genome Sequencing
Each tumor sample will be sequenced and analyzed in parallel with its matched normal (germline DNA from the same patient) to enable the identification of somatic aberrations.
Genetic: RNA seq
Results will be used for bioinformatics analysis for fusion transcripts and gene expression.
Genetic: DNA Methylation
Genome-wide assessment of DNA methylation will be conducted on all samples where possible.
Genetic: Targeted Panel Sequencing
Targeted panel sequencing may be performed:
When WGS is not feasible or appropriate, e.g., insufficient DNA from fresh or frozen sample or only Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) material is available
When mosaicism is suspected
When indicated for a disease type
Other: Liquid Biopsy
Liquid biopsy will be investigated as a non-invasive method for diagnosis of tumors that are difficult to biopsy directly, understanding tumor heterogeneity, monitoring of treatment response, and detection of minimal residual disease (MRD)/relapse in leukemia, solid and CNS tumors.
|
| Renal tumors Patient is suspected or confirmed to have a renal tumor Includes clear cell sarcoma of kidney |
Genetic: Whole Genome Sequencing
Each tumor sample will be sequenced and analyzed in parallel with its matched normal (germline DNA from the same patient) to enable the identification of somatic aberrations.
Genetic: RNA seq
Results will be used for bioinformatics analysis for fusion transcripts and gene expression.
Genetic: DNA Methylation
Genome-wide assessment of DNA methylation will be conducted on all samples where possible.
Genetic: Targeted Panel Sequencing
Targeted panel sequencing may be performed:
When WGS is not feasible or appropriate, e.g., insufficient DNA from fresh or frozen sample or only Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) material is available
When mosaicism is suspected
When indicated for a disease type
Other: Liquid Biopsy
Liquid biopsy will be investigated as a non-invasive method for diagnosis of tumors that are difficult to biopsy directly, understanding tumor heterogeneity, monitoring of treatment response, and detection of minimal residual disease (MRD)/relapse in leukemia, solid and CNS tumors.
|
| Hepatic and biliary tree tumors Patient is suspected or confirmed to have a liver or biliary tree tumor |
Genetic: Whole Genome Sequencing
Each tumor sample will be sequenced and analyzed in parallel with its matched normal (germline DNA from the same patient) to enable the identification of somatic aberrations.
Genetic: RNA seq
Results will be used for bioinformatics analysis for fusion transcripts and gene expression.
Genetic: DNA Methylation
Genome-wide assessment of DNA methylation will be conducted on all samples where possible.
Genetic: Targeted Panel Sequencing
Targeted panel sequencing may be performed:
When WGS is not feasible or appropriate, e.g., insufficient DNA from fresh or frozen sample or only Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) material is available
When mosaicism is suspected
When indicated for a disease type
Other: Liquid Biopsy
Liquid biopsy will be investigated as a non-invasive method for diagnosis of tumors that are difficult to biopsy directly, understanding tumor heterogeneity, monitoring of treatment response, and detection of minimal residual disease (MRD)/relapse in leukemia, solid and CNS tumors.
|
| Thyroid and endocrine tumors Patient is suspected or confirmed to have a thyroid or endocrine cancer |
Genetic: Whole Genome Sequencing
Each tumor sample will be sequenced and analyzed in parallel with its matched normal (germline DNA from the same patient) to enable the identification of somatic aberrations.
Genetic: RNA seq
Results will be used for bioinformatics analysis for fusion transcripts and gene expression.
Genetic: DNA Methylation
Genome-wide assessment of DNA methylation will be conducted on all samples where possible.
Genetic: Targeted Panel Sequencing
Targeted panel sequencing may be performed:
When WGS is not feasible or appropriate, e.g., insufficient DNA from fresh or frozen sample or only Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) material is available
When mosaicism is suspected
When indicated for a disease type
Other: Liquid Biopsy
Liquid biopsy will be investigated as a non-invasive method for diagnosis of tumors that are difficult to biopsy directly, understanding tumor heterogeneity, monitoring of treatment response, and detection of minimal residual disease (MRD)/relapse in leukemia, solid and CNS tumors.
|
| Other tumors Patient is suspected or confirmed to have a tumor which does not fit into any of the above |
Genetic: Whole Genome Sequencing
Each tumor sample will be sequenced and analyzed in parallel with its matched normal (germline DNA from the same patient) to enable the identification of somatic aberrations.
Genetic: RNA seq
Results will be used for bioinformatics analysis for fusion transcripts and gene expression.
Genetic: DNA Methylation
Genome-wide assessment of DNA methylation will be conducted on all samples where possible.
Genetic: Targeted Panel Sequencing
Targeted panel sequencing may be performed:
When WGS is not feasible or appropriate, e.g., insufficient DNA from fresh or frozen sample or only Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) material is available
When mosaicism is suspected
When indicated for a disease type
Other: Liquid Biopsy
Liquid biopsy will be investigated as a non-invasive method for diagnosis of tumors that are difficult to biopsy directly, understanding tumor heterogeneity, monitoring of treatment response, and detection of minimal residual disease (MRD)/relapse in leukemia, solid and CNS tumors.
|
| Germline only One of the following two criteria must be met: Patients whose submitted tumor sample could not yield sufficient DNA for any molecular analysis AND participants/parents have consented to return of germline findings. Patients who do not have appropriate tumor sample to be submitted for molecular profiling may be considered for germline only analysis. Obtaining tumor samples wherever possible will be encouraged. |
Genetic: Whole Genome Sequencing
Each tumor sample will be sequenced and analyzed in parallel with its matched normal (germline DNA from the same patient) to enable the identification of somatic aberrations.
Genetic: RNA seq
Results will be used for bioinformatics analysis for fusion transcripts and gene expression.
Genetic: DNA Methylation
Genome-wide assessment of DNA methylation will be conducted on all samples where possible.
Genetic: Targeted Panel Sequencing
Targeted panel sequencing may be performed:
When WGS is not feasible or appropriate, e.g., insufficient DNA from fresh or frozen sample or only Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) material is available
When mosaicism is suspected
When indicated for a disease type
Other: Liquid Biopsy
Liquid biopsy will be investigated as a non-invasive method for diagnosis of tumors that are difficult to biopsy directly, understanding tumor heterogeneity, monitoring of treatment response, and detection of minimal residual disease (MRD)/relapse in leukemia, solid and CNS tumors.
|
Outcome Measures
Primary Outcome Measures
- Utility of recommended personalized therapy for HR childhood cancer patients. [5 years]
Disease control rate (stable disease + partial response + complete response) in HR patients who have received recommended personalized therapy which are molecularly and/or preclinically directed
- Utility of recommended personalized therapy for non-HR childhood cancer patients. [5 years]
The proportion of non-HR patients for whom the disease specific, clinically relevant, virtual molecular panel provides additional or equivalent results for diagnosis and risk stratification when compared with routine diagnostic tests.
Secondary Outcome Measures
- Utility of pre-defined virtual molecular panel for non-HR childhood cancer patients. [5 years]
The proportion of non-HR patients for whom a pre-defined virtual molecular panel; leads to a streamline molecular report issued within 4 weeks from receipt of samples, changes or refines the initial histopathological diagnosis, changes or refines risk stratification at diagnosis, changes or refines treatment at diagnosis and/or facilitates enrolment in clinical trials requiring prior molecular studies.
- Utility of comprehensive precision medicine for patients with rare tumors in childhood. [5 years]
Proportion of rare cancer cohort patients for which comprehensive precision medicine improves diagnosis, identifies at least one therapeutic target or facilitates improvement in therapy within a clinically relevant timeframe.
- Utility of Molecular Tumour Board (MTB) recommendation tier system for HR childhood cancer patients. [5 years]
Evaluation of the correlation of MTB recommendation tier to treatment outcome, clinician rated value of MTB recommendation tier in facilitating therapeutic decision and drug access and proportion of HR patients for which the MTB recommendation improves diagnosis, risk stratification or facilitates improvement in therapy within a clinically relevant timeframe.
- Utility of preclinical testing in HR childhood cancer patients. [5 years]
Evaluation of proportion of tumors where in vitro sensitivity testing can be successfully performed compared with PRISM trial, turnaround time for preclinical in vitro and in vivo drug testing, proportion of tumors where in vitro drug sensitivity identifies additional molecular drivers and proportion of patients for whom preclinical testing: i. Facilitates therapeutic decision ii. Identifies additional therapeutic options in patients for whom genomic profiling did not identify molecular targets iii. Predicts clinical outcome
- Clinical utility of germline WGS in patients with childhood cancers. [5 years]
Evaluation of; Proportion of HR and non-HR patients with a reportable germline finding (i. For whom the result was not previously known ii. For whom the results would have been missed using current clinical testing criteria) Proportion of patients for whom medical management for the current cancer and future cancer risk has been altered based on the germline findings
- Treatment outcome in HR childhood cancer patients who have received recommended personalised therapy which are molecularly and/or preclinically directed. [5 years]
Evaluation of; Objective response in patients who have received single agent versus combination personalized therapy Disease control (stable disease + partial response + complete response) in patients who have received a single agent versus combination personalized therapy Progression-free interval (PFI) ratio: PFI personalized therapy : PFI conventional therapy Difference in outcome between patients have received recommended personalised therapy and those who did not (i. Proportion of patients without progression or death at 6 and 12 months between the two groups ii. Difference in progression-free and overall survival between the two groups)
Eligibility Criteria
Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
-
Age < 18 years Note: Individual patients aged 19 - 25 years old with a pediatric cancer, e.g., neuroblastoma, may be enrolled after discussion with, and at the discretion of, the Study Chair or their delegate.
-
Life expectancy >6 weeks at time of enrolment
-
Consent i. Signed and dated informed consent for study enrolment from participant aged ≥ 18 years or from parent/guardian of participant aged <18 years. ii. Separate signed and dated informed consent for understanding the role of germline testing and choice for the return of germline results.
Contacts and Locations
Locations
| Site | City | State | Country | Postal Code | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Women's and Children's Hospital | Adelaide | Australia | ||
| 2 | Queensland Children's Hospital | Brisbane | Australia | ||
| 3 | Royal Hobart Hospital | Hobart | Australia | ||
| 4 | Monash Children's Hospital | Melbourne | Australia | ||
| 5 | Royal Children's Hospital | Melbourne | Australia | ||
| 6 | John Hunter Children's Hospital | Newcastle | Australia | ||
| 7 | Perth Children's Hospital | Perth | Australia | ||
| 8 | Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick | Sydney | Australia | ||
| 9 | The Children's Hospital at Westmead | Sydney | Australia |
Sponsors and Collaborators
- Sydney Children's Hospitals Network
- Children's Cancer Institute
- Australian & New Zealand Children's Haematology/Oncology Group
- Minderoo Foundation
- Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF)
Investigators
- Principal Investigator: David Ziegler, SCHN
Study Documents (Full-Text)
None provided.More Information
Publications
None provided.- ZERO2