Developing a Paired Whole Genome Sequencing Service for Children With Cancer

The uniqueness of paired (tumor and germline) whole genome sequencing (PWGS) in cancer diagnosis and management lies in not just its ability to uncover oncogenic drivers and potential treatment targets but also on the identification of underlying cancer predisposition syndromes, which has significant implications for the patient and their family.

This is a descriptive article highlighting the processes taken by our team to incorporate PWGS into routine National Health Service (NHS) clinical care for children with cancer. The main aim of this article is to share our experience with other centers that may wish to set up similar services and set the stage for future quantitative/qualitative research.

This article is further supported by an audit focusing on children in whom an underlying cancer predisposition was confirmed.

The audit highlights the success of the program to date, with 100% of families identified as being at risk of a cancer predisposition syndrome being offered referral to clinical genetics and 100% of at-risk first-degree relatives being offered predictive counseling and testing. Areas requiring improvement included discussion of reproductive options as only six out of nine families (67%) had a documented discussion.

Incorporation of the audit recommendations will improve our service, and sharing of our experience will hopefully encourage more pediatric oncology services to introduce PWGS into routine clinical care and reduce inequity of access. Further work is required to assess the long-term cancer risk reduction and establish the psychosocial impact of PWGS for the child and family.