Pediatric MATCH Clinical Trial

Cook Children’s is proud to participate in a new clinical trial – called Pediatric MATCH (Molecular Analysis for Therapy Choice) – with the National Cancer Institute and Children’s Oncology Group. This is a nationwide research study for children and adolescents with refractory/recurrent solid tumors, such as non-Hodgkin lymphomas, brain tumors and histiocytoses.

This study tests the use of precision medicine in pediatric cancers with specific molecular changes. It analyzes genetic changes across more than 140 genes using genomic sequencing.

Who can participate in this trial?

Participants in this trial are children and adolescents ages 1 to 21 with solid tumors that are not responding to standard therapy. These patients receive an experimental treatment based on the genetic changes found in their tumor rather than the cancer type or site.

Objectives for Pediatric MATCH

Pediatric MATCH helps researchers learn how frequently patients have genetic changes that can be treated using targeted drugs. It also lets them see genetic changes in pediatric cancers that get worse or come back after standard treatment, helping develop better treatments for the future.

How does the trial work?

There are two steps for enrolling in this trial. In phase 1, each patient will enroll for a screening study. A sample of the patient’s relapsed tumor will undergo DNA and RNA sequencing to identify genetic abnormalities that could receive one or more of the precision drugs in the study. In order to match patients with therapies aimed at the molecular abnormalities in their tumor, phase 2 investigates more than eight different drugs targeting a defined set of gene mutations.

Biopsy specimens from all patients will be sent to the COG Biopathology Center at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, for DNA and RNA processing.

Tumor types for Pediatric MATCH include:

Ependymoma
Ewing sarcoma/peripheral PNET
Hepatoblastoma
Glioma, high-grade
Glioma, low-grade
Langerhans cell histiocytosis
Malignant germ cell tumor
Medulloblastoma
Neuroblastoma
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Non-RMS soft tissue sarcoma
Osteosarcoma
Rhabdoid malignancy
Rhabdomyosarcoma
Wilms tumor
Other histology (based on COG/NCI-CTEP approval)

Improving cancer outcomes through research

As key collaborators with the nation's leading pediatric research organizations, we offer the best available treatments and actively contribute to the search for a cure. Our ultimate goal is to erase kid cancer.

Meet our principal investigator

Kelly L. Vallance, M.D., MPH, specializes in treating childhood cancer and is very active in research, serving as a Young Investigator with the Children's Oncology Group. Get to know Dr. Vallance and see what research programs she is currently active in.

Questions about Pediatric MATCH?

Email Kelly Vallance, M.D., MPH, at kelly.vallance@cookchildrens.org.

If you are interested in learning more about this or any of our other open clinical research trials, please contact Cook Children’s Hematology and Oncology Center at 682-885-4020.

View the full list of active research studies at Cook Children’s: Active Research Projects.