Your tumor is unique.
Treat it that way.

No two tumors are the same.

In fact, they vary greatly among patients with the same diagnosis. Many times, your child's solid tumor may share characteristics with other types of cancer — cancers that may have different targets and different treatments.

The IN:Formation Project uses highly advanced genomic sequencing to reveal the mechanisms, drivers, and targets in your child's unique tumor. When you participate, this information doesn't just sit in a research database, it can be actively used to find an alternative treatment option for your child, should they need it.

Instead of treating cancer by its name, treat it by its nature.

WHY PRECISION MEDICINE?

  • Close-up of a DNA double helix structure with water droplets on it, illuminated against a black background.

    Provide you and your child's physicians with the most complete tumor information with comprehensive genomic insights.

  • Doctors in discussion in a modern medical office with X-ray images of lungs on a computer monitor in the foreground.

    Gain access to a molecular tumor board that can synthesize powerful insights to help personalize your child's treatment.

  • Less Toxic Cancer Cures

    Contribute to advancements in less-toxic, more precise, and more effective treatments for solid tumor cancers.

GET STARTED

Get In:Formation

The In:Formation Project was created by Beat Childhood Cancer, and is led by Dr. Giselle Sholler of Penn State Health Children’s Hospital. Patients can participate remotely or via one of the participating hospitals. For the most up-to-date list of participating hospitals visit Beat Childhood Cancer.

If you are interested in participating, fill out the form on BCC’s site and a care coordinator will be in touch.

Get In:Formation

FAQs

  • Example 1: A 10-year-old diagnosed with high-risk Ewing Sarcoma has a biopsy at initial diagnosis. Participation in the IN:Formation Project shows a high expression of HDAC2 compared to normal tissue. The molecular tumor board recommends adding an oral HDAC2 inhibitor already approved to treat other cancers as a form of upfront and/or maintenance therapy knowing the patient is at high risk for relapse.

    Example 2: A 13-year-old with multiple-relapsed neuroblastoma was sequenced as part of the IN:Formation Project. Though the patient did not have an ALK mutation visible on DNA sequencing, RNA sequencing did reveal an overexpression of ALK. The patient was started on an ALK inhibitor in combination with relapse protocols and other molecular-targeted agents to provide a customized treatment plan.

  • Most tumor sequencing only looks at DNA from a smaller subset of genes pulled from adult cancers. The Whole Exome/Whole Transcriptome testing through the IN:Formation Project looks at DNA and RNA in 20,000+ genes and the medical team will provide a deeper dive into options than a typical commercial report.

  • The testing is a paired tumor and normal test, so the following is needed:

    1. TumorSample = available from a previous or most recent biopsy

    2. The associated Pathology Reports and Separate Consent Forms

    3. Future requirements may include blood sample(s)

  • Not necessarily. Options for Enrollment and Intake:

    1. Visit a BeatCC site offering the trial: BeatCC.org/information

    2. Remote Second Opinion: In consultation with your home care team, as much care as possible can be coordinated at your home hospital, but a remote second opinion with the Beat Childhood Cancer Consortium team must be completed. This process has a $500 hospital fee and eliminates the need for travel. A 2nd consultation may be warranted based on patient, results, and physician review.

Biopsy tissue can be collected by your home team and will be directed according to the IN:Formation Project study guidelines. The amount of ongoing travel will depend on your home care hospital's ability to deliver treatment. Each patient’s care plan is individualized regardless of location.

Additional Resources: