This February 15, 2024 is the 22nd edition of International Childhood Cancer Day. 2,500 children are diagnosed with cancer every year in France. Does this cancer have a hereditary genetic origin? Insights with Pediatric Oncologists.
About 35,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year in Europe, including 2,500 in France. Gustave Rousey Institute researcher and pediatric oncologist Dr. “We are used to saying that one child per yard of school is affected,” summarizes Claudia Pasqualini.
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Among the hundreds of different known cancers, the most common are brain tumors, leukemia, neuroblastoma (a cancer of the peripheral nervous system that often develops in the abdomen at the level of the adrenal glands), and kidney tumors. But where do these cancers come from, do they spread?
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“Today, in 12% to 15% of childhood cancers, we find a precursor syndrome, that is, a genetic change. Most of the time, this genetic change is not transmitted by parents, the sick child is the first, it presents changes in its cells, We talk about a “de novo” mutation. It can happen that this mutation is transmitted from one or both parents (as for other diseases, for example cystic fibrosis), but that is rare.
Knowing the genetic basis for better care
A pediatric cancer researcher and expert suggests that this knowledge of possible genetic predisposition to cancer is important. “If it is detected, it will lead to a search for its presence in the patient’s brothers and sisters. It will also have consequences for the way we can treat the cancer and then follow the patient. Certain predisposing syndromes are involved in the effect. With the potential development of many cancers in life; this completely changes the follow-up: over time, we will also examine the organs that may be affected.
“One of the aims of doctors and researchers is to systematically provide oncogenetic counselling. But they need a multidisciplinary approach, including psychological support for patients and families,” concludes Dr Claudia Pasqualini.
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