Pediatric Pan-Cancer Analysis of Structural Variants

Researchers have previously performed a comprehensive analysis of 961 tumours from children, adolescents, and young adults, comprising 24 distinct molecular types of cancer. That project also identified marked differences in terms of mutation frequency and significantly mutated genes in pediatric cancers in comparison to adult cancers. Identification of these differences allows for the classification of tumors, an important step in diagnosis and treatment. A deeper understanding of cancer classification leads to more accurate and effective treatments. For this project, researchers have now developed new and improved tools for the analysis of whole genome sequencing data, information about each gene in a genome. They will perform a similar analysis across pediatric cancer types focused on the discovery of genomic rearrangements using their new tools. Data about gene expression will be integrated into the analysis, furthering researcher’s efforts to bolster classification. The Pediatric Brain Tumor Atlas will provide researchers with the data necessary to focus this work on the pediatric brain cancer population.