Personalized Targeted Therapy in Refractory or Relapsed Cancer in Childhood

Personalized Targeted Therapy in Refractory or Relapsed Cancer in Childhood(TRICEPS Study)

A new research paradigm that involves sequencing tumor DNA/RNA to identify driver mutations, select among the Health Canada approved drugs (for adult cancers) known to block certain oncogenic pathways, and recommend these drugs to the treating physician, without taking into account the tumor histology.

In this paradigm, the treatment is targeted to the actionable mutation(s) i.e. those driving oncogenesis. It is also personalized to the molecular signature of the patient's tumor, irrespective of its histopathological subtype. The experience of the investigators team in genomics, including next generation sequencing and bioinformatic analysis combined with the clinical expertise, bring at last this approach within our technical capacities. In parallel, the number of Health Canada-approved drugs (which have been tested in a pediatric setting) designed to interfere with oncogenesis pathways is increasing exponentially.

Inclusion Criteria:

At the time of enrollment:

• 21 year-old or less
• Poor prognosis biopsy-proven cancer of any type :
• Cancer (at initial diagnosis) known to be refractory to treatment
• Or cancer refractory to treatment
• Or relapsed cancer
• Written informed consent by patient, parents, or the legal guardians

Exclusion Criteria:

• Estimated life expectancy of less than 3 months.