K12 Pediatric Oncology Research Training Program Genomics and Precision Medicine Research Track
Scholars in the Genomics and Precision Medicine Pathway will conduct their laboratory and clinical research under the mentorship of a multidisciplinary group of investigators with the ultimate goal being the design of preclinical and clinical studies of new anticancer therapeutic strategies, specifically the development and evaluation of molecularly targeted therapies.
Scholars will gain expertise in topics ranging from methods of genomic analysis and the molecular basis of pediatric cancers to the design and conduct of “precision oncology” trials that incorporate genomic testing, as well as biomarker and pharmacokinetic studies. Scholars will combine this pathway training with acquisition of disease-specific biological and clinical expertise to become proficient in the application of genomics and precision medicine strategies to their subspecialty of interest.
This pathway will also leverage Texas Children's Cancer Center's strengths in disease-focused programs (e.g., Brain Tumor, Leukemia, Lymphoma, Histiocytosis, Solid Tumors) and Developmental Therapeutics to provide the multidisciplinary training and mentorship necessary for optimal training in Genomics and Precision Medicine.
Objectives
The overall objectives of the Genomics and Precision Medicine Clinical Research Pathway are to:
- Develop expertise in clinical research methodology including design, implementation, monitoring, and analysis of early phase genomic and precision medicine clinical studies for the treatment of pediatric cancer.
- Understand the clinical trial strategies, including the rationale for pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic endpoints, in clinical trials of new precision medicine anticancer agents for the treatment of pediatric cancers.
- Understand key genomic events underlying pediatric cancers, the underlying oncogenic pathways, and how these can serve as targets for molecularly guided therapy.
- Develop proficiency in laboratory and data analysis skills as they pertain to genomic data and inclusion of genomic biomarkers in clinical trials.
- Understand the development of multi-institutional genomic and precision medicine clinical trials in pediatric cancers.
- Become familiar with the specific regulatory issues with respect to genomic marker-guided clinical trials and obtaining and sharing germline and tumor genomic data (e.g., the NIH policies regarding sharing of genomic data and depositing of these data into NIH resources).
- Understand the ethical and regulatory issues involved in genomic and precision medicine studies, including special protections afforded to children, appropriate recruitment of minorities into clinical trials, and the role of the IRB and other regulatory agencies.
