Analyzing circulating tumor DNA in childhood ependymoma CSF

Acquiring specimens from CBTN is critical to obtaining a significant sample size (n≥30) so we can contribute accurate, novel data to the currently limited knowledge on liquid biopsies in ependymomas. We have met during CBTN office hours to discuss the availability of specimens and data, and as a CBTN satellite site we would be grateful to include approximately 17 patients with matched plasma and tumor tissue for analysis. Furthermore, if sequencing data exists already for these patients, that would reduce the cost, time, resources, and serve as a baseline of what we can expect to find in the CSF and plasma specimens. Samples from CBTN will be added to specimens from our own patient Biotrust, as well as from a collaborator who has offered an additional 15 patients with matched specimens and data. Together, this could bring our cohort to greater than 30 patients, with the potential of acquiring even more if we approach other collaborators with the prospect of this large ependymoma study. Overall, these samples will help us better understand tumor progression and relapse via liquid biopsy for the pediatric ependymoma population.