An Integrated Clinical and Genomic Informatics Platform to Predict Cardiotoxicity from Pediatric Cancer Treatment
Although treatments for pediatric cancer have dramatically improved survival, many survivors face a hidden long-term risk: heart damage caused by chemotherapy and radiation, known as late-onset cardiotoxicity. This condition can emerge years after treatment and is a leading cause of non-cancer-related illness and early death among childhood cancer survivors.
Our project aims to improve how pediatric cancer programs identify and manage patients at highest risk for cardiotoxicity. We will use data from over 2,500 pediatric cancer survivors - including genetic information from approximately 1,500 of them - to test and refine models that predict which patients are most likely to develop cardiotoxicity later in life. We will also examine whether adding genetic biomarkers improves the accuracy of these predictions.
To support this work, we will develop the Integrated Platform for Risk Evaluation, Diagnosis, and Intervention in Childhood Cancer Treatment (IPREDICT). IPREDICT will combine clinical and genetic data to deliver real-time toxicity risk assessments directly to care teams. By embedding the predictions into clinical workflows, IPREDICT will help providers intervene earlier and tailor prevention strategies to each patient.
Our project will not only advance the scientific understanding of cardiotoxicity risk but also lay the foundation for broader precision medicine efforts by providing an open-source platform that can be adapted to prevent a range of treatment-related complications in childhood cancer survivors.