Researchers at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and the Children’s Oncology Group (COG) found that larotrectinib, an oral drug that stops cancer-cell growth, was highly effective in pediatric patients with newly diagnosed infantile fibrosarcoma (IFS) or other solid tumors that have a neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase (NTRK) gene fusion without a known acquired resistance mutation. The study, published today in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, is the first COG trial to test precision medicine in a front-line setting across all different types of solid tumors based on a genetic biomarker rather than histology. It is poised to redefine the approach to treatment for newly diagnosed fibrosarcoma and other solid tumors with the NTRK gene fusion, potentially reducing or eliminating the need for these patients to receive chemotherapy.

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) has received a $6.4 million gift from the family of Connor Boyle, a Central Bucks East High School graduate who died at age 18 from osteosarcoma. This three-year gift, named The Connor Initiative: Precision Therapeutics for Osteosarcoma & Rare Cancers, will support cutting-edge research in osteosarcoma and other rare cancers.

Levy traveled from Brazil and participated in a clinical trial for an oral drug that targets an NTRK gene fusion that drives cancer-cell growth.

Read this case study about integrating precision medicine into the standard of care for children with thyroid cancer.

More than 250 experts gathered in Philadelphia and virtually to discuss the latest scientific advancements and breakthroughs in pediatric precision medicine oncology.

A national leader in pediatric oncology research and treatment, Dr. Laetsch will also lead CHOP’s Developmental Therapeutics Program.