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Next Generation Sequencing for the Detection of Actionable Mutations in Solid and Liquid Tumors
11:15

Next Generation Sequencing for the Detection of Actionable Mutations in Solid and Liquid Tumors

Published on: September 20, 2016

Genetics of paediatric solid tumours

J K Cowell1

  • 1ICRF Oncology Group, Institute of Child Health, London, UK.

British Medical Bulletin
|July 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Childhood cancers, unlike adult ones, arise from genetic events during embryonic development, preventing normal cell differentiation. These undifferentiated cells develop into tumors later due to secondary genetic changes, with environmental factors not commonly implicated.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric oncology
  • Developmental biology
  • Cancer genetics

Background:

  • Childhood cancers are distinct from adult malignancies, with a 1:600 incidence by age 16 in the UK.
  • Pediatric tumors histologically resemble undifferentiated fetal cells, suggesting early embryonic origins.
  • Unlike adult cancers, common environmental causes for childhood cancers are not identified.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the developmental origins of childhood malignancies.
  • To understand the genetic basis of pediatric tumor formation and differentiation.
  • To differentiate the etiology of childhood cancers from adult cancers.

Main Methods:

  • Histological comparison of pediatric tumors with fetal and adult tissues.
  • Analysis of genetic events occurring during embryonic development.
  • Epidemiological review of environmental factors in childhood cancer.

Main Results:

  • Pediatric tumors exhibit histological features of undifferentiated, embryonic cells.
  • Genetic events initiating childhood cancers occur during embryonic life, halting differentiation.
  • Secondary genetic alterations drive tumor progression at variable rates, influencing presentation time.
  • No common environmental factors identified as causative agents for childhood cancers.

Conclusions:

  • Childhood cancers originate from genetic events in embryonic life that disrupt normal cell differentiation.
  • The malignant phenotype arises from secondary genetic changes in these arrested embryonic cells.
  • The distinct origins and mechanisms of childhood cancers necessitate different research and treatment approaches compared to adult cancers.

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