Dear friends and followers,
We would like to share information with you from the Gabriella Miller “Kids First” Pediatric Research Program, inspired of course by the late great, very young yet highly mighty Gabriella Miller, DIPG warrior, and childhood cancer activist. There is also the opportunity here to subscribe to the Program for updates by email. Have a great day!
Jack’s Angels Staff
Dear Colleague,
The Common Fund’s Gabriella Miller Kids First Pediatric Research Program (Kids First) is excited to announce the selection of a second set of childhood cancer and structural birth defects patient cohorts for whole genome sequencing. These patient cohorts, which also include detailed clinical information, will add to the cohorts selected in 2015 to increase the number and diversity of conditions represented by the program.
Collectively, these pediatric patient cohorts will contribute to the forthcoming Kids First Data Resource, where researchers can access large-scale datasets of whole genome sequence and clinical data. The data resource will allow scientists to identify genetic pathways that underlie these conditions and to explore whether shared genetic pathways exist between childhood cancer and structural birth defects. The research enabled by the Kids First program is anticipated to accelerate the development of new diagnostics and therapies that will improve the lives of the children and families impacted by these conditions.
The solicited applications were reviewed by a panel of external scientific experts and the selected cohorts address the following conditions:
- Cancers of the nerves that help control involuntary function (Neuroblastoma)
- Cancers of the bone marrow that makes blood cells (Acute lymphoblastic leukemia and Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma)
- Diverse collection of Central Nervous System (CNS) and non-CNS solid tumors
- Congenital Heart Defects
- Developmental disorders of the chest muscle used for breathing (Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia)
- Cleft lip and cleft palate (Orofacial Cleft Birth Defects)
- Congenital hearing loss
- Abnormal curvature of the spine (adolescent idiopathic scoliosis)
Learn more about the 2015 and 2016 cohorts. The Kids First program plans to call for applications to support whole genome sequencing of additional childhood cancer and structural birth defect cohorts in fiscal years 2017-2020, pending availability of funds.
Reminder: On November 18th from 2:00 – 3:00PM EDT the Common Fund will hold a community webinar to discuss the current progress of the Kids First program and its plans for the future. Please register in advance.
Receive program updates via our listserv: http://commonfund.nih.gov/kidsfirst/register.
-The NIH Gabriella Miller Kids First Pediatric Research Program Team
