Genomic testing can reveal specific genetic alterations that may be driving a patient’s AML -- and may be targetable with drugs (or biologics) not previously considered. It is more sensitive than today’s standard cytogenetic testing. Genomic reports can help your oncologist provide a more accurate diagnosis, risk assignment, and prognosis. It can also uncover potential new treatment options and corresponding clinical trials. Lastly, genomic testing enables more precise, molecular-level disease monitoring. These “PCR tests” can validate deep remission status or detect relapse earlier than today’s standard MRD detection methods – FISH and flow cytometry.
The Target Pediatric AML initiative seeks to fund cutting-edge, genomic testing to EVERY AML patient treated at Children’s Oncology Group institutions, NOW, as it’s not normally covered by insurance or other payors. While the TpAML/COG teams are mobilizing a funded trial, your family can seek genomic testing, independently, TODAY. The COG Myeloid Disease Committee supports genomic testing for every child with AML – but, speak with your oncologist to determine if it’s right for your child’s situation, and decide together. It should be noted that genomic testing may not reveal targetable mutations or alterations, and, your family may have to fund the test out-of-pocket (though a patient assistance program is available).
FoundationOne Heme (F1H) is the preferred genomics provider of many high-profile organizations, including the Children’s Oncology Group. COG has validated the accuracy of the F1H test for pediatric AML, specifically. COG also works in close partnership with F1H, continuously, to drive testing refinements. By selecting a primary genomics provider, COG can also pool patient genomic data in a central location, which is critical for research purposes. Siloed genomics data, collected and stored at individual institutions, does little to advance discoveries in pediatric AML – this is why a centralized genomics provider is key to speeding progress.
If your family and oncologist wish to seek genomic testing, right now, for your child, please reference the following links
FoundationOne Heme website: https://www.foundationmedicine.com/genomic-testing/foundation-one-heme
For Patients: Patient Brochure (brochure is solid tumor-focused, but applies to leukemia)
FoundationAccess Patient Financial Assistance Application: Patient Access / Support Services
For Your Oncologist/Provider: Order Now
Information on the Pediatric Data Portal, where all patient genomic data is pooled in a central location, available for publicly for research:
Disclosure: Children’s Oncology Group is not compensated by FoundationOne Medicine.
Disclaimer:
THE TARGET PEDIATRIC AML WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE.
The contents of the “Target Pediatric AML” (TpAML) page/website, such as text, graphics, images, information, and other material ("Content") are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of YOUR physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the TpAML page/website. If you think you or the patient under your care may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. TpAML does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the page/website. Reliance on any information provided by TpAML, others appearing on the page/website at the invitation of TpAML volunteers, or other visitors to the page/website is solely at your own risk.
TpAML strongly advocates for open communication between a patient family and trusted medical care teams. Anything communicated from within TpAML pages/website should always be part of an ongoing conversation between you and your child's oncologist. TpAML is NOT a substitute for medical advice, treatment or diagnosis.