Pediatric cancer

John Logan Black, M.D., explains how Mayo Clinic Laboratories' UGT1A1 tests (Mayo IDs: U1A1Q and UGTFZ) identify genetic variants that increase the risk of potentially life-threatening reactions to irinotecan, a chemotherapy agent.

Fergus Couch, Ph.D., chair of Mayo Clinic’s Division of Experimental Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, led a team that recently published new National Institutes of Health and U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved guidelines for the interpretation of variants in the ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) cancer gene. Inherited mutations in ATM have been shown to increase the risk of breast, pancreatic, and prostate cancers. Now published by the American Journal of Human Genetics and available for widespread use, Dr. Couch says the guidelines can help clinicians around the world apply the same consistent method of classification to ATM variants.

Megan Hoenig, M.S., M.P.H., CGC, explains how Mayo Clinic Laboratories' unique hypermethylation analysis (Mayo ID: MLHPB) provides critical adjunct information for managing Lynch syndrome. That genetic condition increases the risk for many kinds of cancer.

PACE / State of FL- Presentation Recording Coming Soon This webinar will delve into the latest ASCO guidelines for selection of germline genetic testing panels for cancer patients. Key topics include the importance of taking and recording a detailed family and personal history, selecting the appropriate genes for testing, and determining when and to whom germline testing should be offered. The session will also address the practical implications of the ASCO guidelines, such as balancing the potential benefits of broader gene panel testing with the risks associated with uncertain results. Additionally, participants will gain insights into the specific technical challenges associated with germline genetic testing in cancer care and risk management.

Molecular biomarkers are a critical component in the treatment of adult and pediatric brain tumors. Robert Jenkins, M.D., Ph.D., explains how Mayo Clinic Laboratories' chromosomal microarray provides more comprehensive and accurate tumor analysis compared with other test methods.

Cristiane (Cris) Ida, M.D., explains how Mayo Clinic Laboratories' updated neuro-oncology gene panel provides more clinically relevant information for managing adult and pediatric brain tumors.

Wei Shen, Ph.D., explains Mayo Clinic Laboratories' new expert-backed, hereditary oncology panels, which use next-generation sequencing to identify genetic mutations linked to increased cancer risk. By only including clinically significant genes, the panels provide clarity on diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment approaches.

In this episode of Lab Medicine Rounds, Sounak Gupta, M.B.B.S., Ph.D., assistant professor of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at Mayo Clinic, discusses hereditary oncology and the importance of performing molecular testing of solid tumors.