Step one
Once a child is enrolled on ZERO, a cancer tissue sample is taken and sent to Children’s Cancer Institute. The sample is processed in the Tumour Bank, and sent to our partners at the Australian Genomic Research Facility (AGRF). Within two weeks, the genomic data comes back to Children's Cancer Institute.
Step two
Each child’s sample is subjected to comprehensive analysis (at Children’s Cancer Institute, as well as partner laboratories in Australia and overseas) to look for molecular clues that point to possible causes and drivers of the cancer. Whole genome sequencing and RNA sequencing are carried out to provide a complete picture of the genetics of that child’s cancer. DNA methylation profiling is done for children diagnosed with a brain tumour or sarcoma, to look for important non-genetic alterations involved in the child’s cancer.
Step three
Once it’s known which molecular alterations are driving the child’s cancer, the team looks for drug treatments capable of targeting those alterations. Advanced robotic technology in our Drug Discovery Centre is used to screen more than 120 different drugs and drug combinations, to try to find an effective treatment. Where possible, the child’s cancer cells are then given the treatment to see how they respond. This is done using a living model of disease called a ‘mouse avatar’ − a mouse that’s been specially bred to grow actual cancer cells taken from that child.
Step four
The results of all these detailed tests and analyses are entered into customised information management systems, which safely store the laboratory results and link them with relevant clinical information about the child. A comprehensive report is generated and provided to an expert team made up of specialist doctors and researchers from around the country − the Multidisciplinary Tumour Board (MTB). The team reviews all the results and provides recommendations to the child’s treating clinician.
Get in touch
Do you have a question about our work? For any enquiries please don’t hesitate to contact us.
