International Study of Embryonal Tumours

 

Embryonal tumours are a specialised group of cancers that affect very young children. Individually each type of embryonal tumour is quite rare, however, combined they account for around 20% of all childhood cancers. At the moment we are conducting a pilot study into the two most common types of embryonal tumour; neuroblastoma and Wilms’ Tumour. Around 70 children in Australia are diagnosed with these cancers each year. Our study is part of an international study organised by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which is being conducted in 15 countries world wide during 2008. If it is successful a full-scale worldwide study into all types of embryonal tumours will be launched.

As neuroblastoma and Wilms’ tumour are relatively rare, previous studies into these cancers have been quite small and so little is known about the causes of these tumours. This international study will allow us to pool our data with other research groups around the world. The aim of this research project is to identify the causes of embryonal tumours so that they may be prevented.

We have been conducting a population based case-control study. We have been working with nine children’s hospitals across Australia. The families of children diagnosed with either neuroblastoma or Wilms’ tumour during 2008 have been invited to participate in our research. We have also written to families with healthy children and asked them to be our control participants. Participating parents have been interviewed over the phone about a range of topics including their alcohol and tobacco use, any medication they take, their employment history and the family health history of their extended family.

If you would like some more information on this study please contact the Project Coordinator at: ISET_ICHR@ichr.uwa.edu.au , or on 08 9489 7949.