Comprehensive Molecular Diagnostics and Minimal Residual Disease Monitoring for Liver Tumors in Pediatric and Young Adult Patients
Principle Investigator: Somak Roy, PhD, Division of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
Liver tumors in children and young adults are a varied group of neoplasms, a subset of which are aggressive and associated with poor prognosis, including aggressive biologic behavior, rapid progression, and adverse clinical outcomes. The current modalities to diagnose and risk stratify pediatric liver tumors are insufficient in identifying aggressive subtypes. In addition, the lack of molecular minimal residual disease (MRD) for monitoring treatment response makes it impossible to identify an occult tumor that is responsible for disease recurrence and metastasis.
We are working on a comprehensive, end-to-end genomic testing approach for diagnosis, risk-stratification, and treatment of pediatric liver tumors, followed by liquid biopsy-based monitoring of treatment response using peripheral blood draws at regular intervals for early detection of tumor recurrence or metastasis. We are optimizing these molecular tests for a fast turnaround time for results, which is a significant limitation in the current clinical practice. We expect this novel approach to improve the overall clinical outcomes of patients with liver tumors.
