Next Generation Sequencing of Normal Tissues Prospectively in Pediatric Oncology Patients

December 18, 2023 updated by: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Genomes for Kids (G4K)

The development of next generation sequencing (NGS) techniques, including whole genome (WGS), exome (WES) and RNA sequencing has revolutionized the ability of investigators to query the molecular mechanisms underlying tumor formation. Through the Pediatric Cancer Genome Project (PCGP), investigators at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (SJCRH) have successfully used NGS approaches to evaluate more than 1,000 pediatric cancers ranging from hematologic malignancies to central nervous system (CNS) and non-CNS solid tumors. From these and related studies, it has become clear that genomic approaches can accurately classify tumors into distinct pathologic and prognostic subtypes and detect alterations in cellular pathways that may serve as novel therapeutic targets. Collectively, these studies suggest that by characterizing the genomic make-up of individual tumors, investigators will be able to develop personalized and potentially more effective cancer treatments and/or preventive measures.

This protocol was initially enacted to usher NGS approaches into routine clinical care. During the initial phase of the G4K protocol, 310 participants were recruited and enrolled onto the study. Tumor and/or germline sequencing was completed on all 310 patients, with 253 somatic reports generated (representing 96% of the 263 participants for whom tumor tissue was available and analyzed) and 301 germline reports generated (100% of the 301 participants who agreed to the receipt of germline results). Analyses of the study data are ongoing with plans to prepare initial manuscripts within the next several months. Due to the successful initial execution of the G4K protocol, clinical genomic sequencing of tumor and germline samples is now offered as part of standard clinical care for pediatric oncology patients at St. Jude.

The G4K protocol has now been revised. With the revision, the study team will record, store and analyze germline and tumor genomic information. Through the collection of these data, we will examine how germline mutations in 150 cancer predisposition genes influence clinical presentation, tumor histology, tumor genomic findings, response to therapy and long-term outcomes. The overall goals of this research are to further define the prevalence, spectrum and heritability of germline variants in these genes and to decipher how germline mutations influence the phenotypes of an expanding array of cancer predisposition syndromes. These studies allow us to provide more accurate genetic counseling and management strategies to future children harboring mutations in these genes.

This remains a non-therapeutic study. Investigators anticipate a sample size of approximately 5000 patients who will be recruited over the next 7 years.

Study Overview

Status

Active, not recruiting

Conditions

Intervention / Treatment

Detailed Description

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES:

  • To use clinical genomic sequencing to define the prevalence and spectrum of germline mutations in cancer predisposition genes in children with cancer.
  • For those identified with germline mutations, to correlate germline genomic information with clinical presentation, tumor genomic findings, treatment response, and outcome.

OTHER PRESPECIFIED OBJECTIVES:

  • To generate and analyze data describing patient/parent perceptions of genomic investigations and research at various time points throughout the study.
  • To generate and analyze data surrounding the return of genomic sequencing results, examine patient/parent understanding of these results and assess the impact of results on patients and families.
  • To determine the feasibility and reliability of performing WES and RNA sequencing on derivatives from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor samples alongside the analysis of matched frozen tumor and germline samples.

For participants who give consent, a normal tissue sample will be obtained and used for WGS, WES and RNA sequence analysis. A defined list of 150 genes will be analyzed for reporting using the normal tissue. Once the results of these analyses are available, they will be disclosed to physicians, patients and parents. Mixed measures approaches will be used to assess understanding, acceptance and impact of genomic results on patients and parents. During the course of the study, the investigators anticipate the list of genes to be reported using normal tissue to change due to advances in the literature or other evidence linking additional genes to tumor formation and cancer risk, and new lists may be defined.

To assess provider, patient and family understanding and describe the impacts of genomic testing and return of results, this study will also incorporate administration of surveys and semi-structured interviews. Surveys and interviews are optional, but will be offered to all primary SJCRH providers, as well as all eligible participants and parents, regardless of whether or not they consent to pursue the genomic testing.

A sample of blood or a skin biopsy will be obtained as a source of germline DNA. This sample is necessary as it is the comparator against which tumor samples are evaluated. Skin biopsies may be done on patients who have a diagnosis where peripheral blood is likely to be contaminated by tumor cells.

Study Type

Observational

Enrollment (Estimated)

5000

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Locations

  • United States
    • Tennessee
      • Memphis, Tennessee, United States, 38105
        • St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Child
  • Adult
  • Older Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Sampling Method

Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Participants will be patients at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (SJCRH) with diagnoses of hematological, solid or central nervous system tumors who agree to participate in this study and their parents or legally authorized representatives who consent to participate.

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • St. Jude patients prospectively identified at the time of study activation with a diagnosed solid or liquid tumor (benign or malignant).
  • Adequate tissue must be available (e.g. sufficient germline and/or tumor tissue, from which >1 µg DNA and >0.1 µg RNA must be isolated). Patients who have no tumor tissue available may enroll using only germline sample.

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Past history of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (or other condition that would result in hematopoietic cell DNA failing to match host tissue DNA).
  • Tumor or germline tissue not meeting the criteria listed above.
  • Inability or unwillingness of research participant or legal guardian/representative to give written informed consent.
  • Participants who are unable to read, write or converse fluently in English will be excluded from Prespecified Objectives 3 and 4.

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Observational Models: Cohort
  • Time Perspectives: Prospective

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort
Intervention / Treatment
Participants

St. Jude patients with a diagnosed solid or liquid tumor (benign or malignant) and their biological parents or legally authorized representative.

Interventions: Study Introduction Visit, Informed Consent Visit, Informed Consent Follow-Up Visit, Return of Results Conversation, two Return of Results Follow-Up Visits, Tissue Sample (when available), Blood Sample or Skin Biopsy.
Other: Study Introduction Visit
Within 5±3 weeks following arrival at SJCRH, or at the participant/family's convenience, participants will meet with a genetic counselor and clinician, provide information for a family pedigree, undergo a physical and discuss germline testing options. Study introduction materials will be provided. Families interested in the G4K study will be referred to the study nurse or other G4K member and an Informed consent visit will be scheduled.
Other: Informed Consent Visit
Within 1±3 weeks following the Study Introduction Visit, or at the participant/family's convenience, the research nurse or other study team member will consent the family and collect demographic and medical information. Participants will complete assessment questionnaires.
Other Names:
  • Questionnaires
  • Demographic and Medical forms
Other: Informed Consent Follow-Up Visit
Within 2-4 weeks following the Informed Consent Visit, or at the participant/family's convenience, a subset of participants (30-40) will participate in semi-structured interviews.
Other Names:
  • Interviews
Other: Return of Results Conversation
Participants will complete the assessment questionnaires.
Other Names:
  • Questionnaires
  • Interviews
Other: Return of Results Follow-Up Visits
Return of Results Follow-Up Visits will be conducted twice: the first within 8±4 weeks of the Return of Results Conversation, or at the participant/family's convenience, and the second within 32±8 weeks of the Return of Results Conversation or at the participant/family's convenience. At each visit, participants will complete assessment questionnaires. Semi-structured interviews with parents and adolescents will be conducted.
Other Names:
  • Questionnaires
  • Interviews
Procedure: Blood Sample
For patients who have not previously provided a blood sample, a sample of blood will be obtained as a source of germline DNA.
Other Names:
  • Phlebotomy
Procedure: Skin Biopsy
After consent, for participants with a diagnosis where peripheral blood is likely to be contaminated by tumor cells, skin biopsies may be done as a source of germline DNA.
Other Names:
  • Biopsy

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Overall success rate
Time Frame: Approximately 3 months after study enrollment

Success is defined by the combined successes of (1) quality interpretable genomic data are generated from sequencing tumor and germline tissues, and (2) communicating genomic test results to the primary SJCRH oncologist and the patient and his/her parents.

The Binomial proportion of successful performance will be estimated by the sample proportion and the 99% confidence interval based on the normal approximation. Sample size is 400.
Approximately 3 months after study enrollment
Number and type of somatic genetic variants and germline genetic variants
Time Frame: Approximately 3-4 months after the germline sample is obtained
WGS, WES and RNA sequence data will be used to identify and characterize somatic genetic variants of pathological significance and germline genetic variants associated with increased cancer risk. Descriptive statistics, such as counts and proportions of variants associated with increased cancer risk will be computed within each patient and in each disease type.
Approximately 3-4 months after the germline sample is obtained

Other Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Proportion of parents/participants by perception of genomic testing
Time Frame: At study end (up to 13 months after last participant enrollment)
Parent/participant perceptions of genomic investigations and research will be assessed using audiotaped conversations and surveys. Results will be summarized by descriptive statistics.
At study end (up to 13 months after last participant enrollment)
Number of participants/parents by level of understanding
Time Frame: At study end (up to 13 months after last participant enrollment)
Research participant/parent understanding of genomic results and the impact of results on research participants and their families will be assessed by analysis of audiotaped conversations and survey results. Results will be summarized by descriptive statistics
At study end (up to 13 months after last participant enrollment)
Proportion of successful sequences of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples
Time Frame: Approximately 3 months after enrollment
To assess the practicability, proportions of FFPE samples that can be successfully sequenced will be estimated along with a 95% confidence interval.
Approximately 3 months after enrollment

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Investigators

  • Principal Investigator: Kim E. Nichols, MD, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Publications and helpful links

The person responsible for entering information about the study voluntarily provides these publications. These may be about anything related to the study.

General Publications

Helpful Links

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Actual)

August 28, 2015

Primary Completion (Estimated)

July 1, 2025

Study Completion (Estimated)

July 1, 2035

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

August 19, 2015

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

August 19, 2015

First Posted (Estimated)

August 21, 2015

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Estimated)

December 19, 2023

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

December 18, 2023

Last Verified

December 1, 2023

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

  • G4K

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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