Biological Characterisation of High Risk CHildhood Cancer in Children, Adolescents and Young Adults (MICCHADO)
This study, called MICCHADO, is focused on understanding high-risk cancers in children, teenagers, and young adults, including types like neuroblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, and certain leukaemias. Scientists will look closely at the genetic (DNA) makeup and immune system features of these cancers. The goal is to identify unique characteristics that might help in developing better ways to diagnose and treat them. This is not a study that tests new medicines or treatments; instead, it's about collecting information to deepen our understanding of these specific cancers over time, from when they are first found, through treatment, and afterwards. Participants will provide samples like blood, bone marrow, or spinal fluid, which are collected during their routine medical care.
At a glance
What is this study about?
The MICCHADO study is a research project designed to help doctors and scientists understand certain aggressive cancers that affect children, teenagers, and young adults. These include specific types of neuroblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, osteosarcoma, leukaemia, and brain/spinal cord tumours. These are considered 'high-risk' because they can be challenging to treat. The study isn't about testing new medicines; instead, it's a careful investigation to learn more about these cancers themselves.
The main aim is to find out if these cancers have specific changes in their genes (their DNA code) or unique ways they interact with the body's immune system. By identifying these particular patterns, researchers hope to gain crucial insights into why these cancers develop, why some are harder to treat, and how they behave over time. This deeper understanding could pave the way for developing more effective and personalised treatments in the future.
To do this, participants will be asked to provide certain samples, such as blood, bone marrow, or fluid from around the brain and spinal cord, which are typically collected during their usual medical checks and procedures. These samples will then be carefully studied by scientists. By studying these factors at diagnosis, during treatment, and even afterwards, the research team hopes to build a complete picture of these cancers, ultimately benefiting young patients affected by them.
Key takeaways
- This study aims to understand specific high-risk childhood cancers better.
- It focuses on genetics and the immune system, not new treatments.
- Samples used are those already collected during your standard care.
- No extra tests or clinic visits are required for this study.
- Insights gained could help improve future diagnosis and treatment for others.
- You can stop participating at any time with no impact on your care.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for children, teenagers, and young adults aged 25 or younger who have recently been diagnosed with certain high-risk cancers. You would need to join the study within three months of your diagnosis. The types of cancers include specific forms of neuroblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, osteosarcoma, leukaemia, and certain brain or spinal cord tumours.
To take part, doctors would need to have stored tissue samples from your cancer or specific blood/bone marrow samples. These samples are usually collected during your standard diagnostic procedures. You, or your parents/guardians if you're under 16, would need to give your written permission (consent) for you to be part of the study, and if you're a child or teenager, you'd also need to agree yourself.
If you are already part of another study that has similar goals or analysis methods, you might still be able to join MICCHADO, and the information or samples could be shared between the studies to avoid extra tests for you.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 25 years old or younger?
- Have you been diagnosed with a high-risk neuroblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, osteosarcoma, leukaemia, or certain brain/spinal cord tumour?
- Was your diagnosis recent (within the last 3 months)?
- Are there stored tissue or blood/bone marrow samples from your diagnosis?
- Are you able to give written permission (consent) to join the study?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in the MICCHADO study, you won't be given any new medications or treatments, as this study is purely for observation and understanding. Your involvement will mainly be about allowing researchers to use samples that are already collected as part of your standard medical care.
This means that any blood, bone marrow, or spinal fluid samples needed for the study will be taken during procedures you'd be having anyway for your diagnosis or treatment. You won't have to undergo extra procedures solely for this study. Researchers will also look at samples of your tumour tissue that were collected when you were diagnosed.
There are no extra visits or assessments specifically for this study. The study aims to follow the changes in your samples over time – at diagnosis, during your treatment, and during your follow-up appointments. The total duration of your participation would therefore align with your overall treatment and follow-up period, allowing scientists to track changes in the cancer.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (30)
- Chu D'Amiens PicardieVerified postcodeAmiens, France
- CHU AngersVerified postcodeAngers, France
- CHRU de Besançon - Hôpital Jean-MinjozVerified postcodeBesançon, France
- CHU de Bordeaux - Hôpital des enfants - Groupe Hospitalier PellegrinVerified postcodeBordeaux, France
- CHRU de BrestVerified postcodeBrest, France
- CHU CAENVerified postcodeCaen, France
- Centre Régional de Cancérologie et Thrapie Cellulaire Pdiatrique (CRCTCP)Verified postcodeClermont-Ferrand, France
- CHU Hôpital d'EnfantsVerified postcodeDijon, France
- CHU GRENOBLE Alpes - Hôpital Couple-EnfantVerified postcodeGrenoble, France
- Centre Oscar LambretVerified postcodeLille, France
- CHU de Limoges - Hôpital Mère-EnfantVerified postcodeLimoges, France
- Centre Léon BérardVerified postcodeLyon, France
Common questions
What is the main goal of the MICCHADO study?
The main goal is to understand the genetic (DNA) and immune system features of high-risk cancers in children and young adults to find better ways to diagnose and treat them in the future.
Will I receive any new treatments in this study?
No, this study does not involve new treatments or medicines. It is an observational study focused on collecting and analysing information from samples.
What kind of samples will be collected for the study?
The study uses samples you would have already provided during your regular medical care, such as blood, bone marrow, spinal fluid, and tumour tissue.
Are there any extra tests or visits if I join?
No, there are no extra tests or visits specifically for this study. All samples are taken during your routine medical procedures.
Can I leave the study at any time?
Yes, you or your parents/guardians can decide to withdraw from the study at any time without it affecting your medical care.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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