Challenges in Launching a Precision Pediatric Oncology Program in Argentina

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Genomics
• Precision Medicine

Background:

• Pediatric cancer care increasingly relies on tumor sequencing for diagnosis and treatment.
• Genomic diagnostics access is limited in Latin America.
• The COPPA Project aimed to provide free, clinically valuable genomic sequencing for childhood cancers in Argentina.

Purpose of the Study:

• Assess the feasibility of delivering clinically useful genomic sequencing for pediatric cancers at no cost.
• Maximize the clinical value of genomic data through multidisciplinary molecular tumor boards (MTBs).
• Identify barriers and facilitators for implementing precision medicine in a middle-income setting.

Main Methods:

• Established a sequencing facility and optimized an NGS panel.
• Trained technical staff and recruited oncologists.
• Conducted in-house sequencing, reported results, and held virtual MTB meetings.
• Administered a survey to MTB participants to assess barriers and facilitators.

Main Results:

• Sequenced 38 pediatric tumors, with 67% yielding clinically useful genomic findings.
• Identified barriers including low study demand and oncologists' limited time for MTBs.
• MTB participation increased participants' knowledge of precision medicine and motivation for genomic testing.

Conclusions:

• Key barriers and facilitators for implementing precision medicine in pediatric cancer were identified in a middle-income country.
• Findings can inform future precision medicine initiatives in the region.
• The COPPA Project demonstrated the potential for accessible genomic sequencing and MTB integration in Latin America.