Earlier this week, we were delighted to host the first ever Children’s Cancer Unit Charity Cancer Research Workshop at Riddel Hall, Belfast.
The event brought together key stakeholders in paediatric oncology and haematology from across the island of Ireland to discuss children’s cancer research and the potential to work together to improve outcomes for children and young people living with cancer or a complex blood disorder.
Following an overview of the current landscape of paediatric cancer research from Dr. Robert Johnston, Consultant Paediatric Oncologist in the Children’s Cancer Unit, the morning’s keynote presentation focused on an exciting research study called Magic-I (Molecular and Genomic Interrogation of Childhood Cancer- Ireland) and its potential to transform care for paediatric cancer patients in Northern Ireland. Delegates heard from the team involved in Magic-I in Dublin, including Professors Walter Kolch and Jonathan Bond, UCD, and Dr. Amélie Trinquand and Markus Hessling, Clinical Haematologist and Chief Medical Information Officer at Children’s Health Ireland.
Magic-I
Magic-I is Ireland’s first national clinical study focusing on genomics in paediatric cancer care. The five-year study was launched in University College Dublin back in April and it aims to perform comprehensive genetic analysis, known as Whole Genome Sequencing, on all children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer in Ireland, including those who experience a relapse. Through harnessing the power of genetics, geonomics and big data, the study seeks to understand why cancers develop, why treatments may fail and how therapies can be more effectively tailored to individual needs. Magic-I aims to use the results of the study to inform future care and provide more precise and personalised treatments which will be specifically suited to each child’s cancer profile. With these improved treatments, it is hoped that there will be fewer side effects for patients due to better understanding the genetic factors that influence cancer behaviour. Furthermore, Magic-I will incorporate advanced technologies such as ‘digital twins’ computer models that will simulate a patient’s disease progression and response to treatment, in order to predict outcomes and optimise care.
With such an array of key stakeholders attending yesterday’s workshop, it was the perfect platform to bring the team behind Magic-I to Northern Ireland to showcase the project and to discuss the potential for how Northern Ireland patients could benefit from it and how the group could help make this happen.
The afternoon switched gears to focus on childhood cancer research, including updates from ACORN (the All-Ireland Children’s Oncology Research Network) which was set up in 2022 to increase all-Island and cross-border collaboration in scientific research, as well as a number of other research projects currently being funded by The Children’s Cancer Unit Charity. Discussions were led by Chair, Professor Simon McDade, QUB, with guests hearing updates from Dr. Colm Ryan, Associate Professor, School of Medicine UCD, Dr Kyle Matchett, Ulster University School of Medicine and Dr Graeme Greenfield, Consultant Haematologist and Clinical Lecturer, Queen’s University Belfast who shared updates on projects including:
- Drug Development in Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (UCD)
- Integrative Functional Genomics to Accelerate Precision Oncology (QUB/UCD)
- Molecular Glues in Paediatric Leukaemia (QUB)
A discussion on data infrastructure with Prof. Michael Quinn, QUB, followed, exploring the ways in which data could be used to support cancer research in Northern Ireland, and was followed by a vibrant discussion of the processes and infrastructure required to deliver Magic-I in NI.
We were delighted to welcome the Health Minister for Northern Ireland, Mike Nesbitt, to the workshop and during his speech, he demonstrated his commitment to ensuring that research into paediatric oncology and haematology remains a key priority for the Department of Health.
Speaking at the event, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said:
“This workshop marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to improve outcomes for children with cancer. It lays the groundwork for meaningful cross-border collaboration and equitable research and care in paediatric oncology. I am proud to support this pioneering initiative and I’m grateful to the Children’s Cancer Unit Charity for their dedication to care services and research, today and in the future.
“I am open to all discussions, ideas and proposals that enable us to deliver better cancer services and clinical outcomes for people across the North and South of Ireland. With continued collaboration with other jurisdictions, I am confident that we can achieve this, we must continue to take these opportunities.”
Jane Hoare, Chief Executive Officer for The Children’s Cancer Unit Charity commented:
“As we continue to explore research opportunities in the area of childhood cancer and how the charity can support these, our Children’s Cancer Research Workshop was the first time we have brought together such a broad group of researchers from across Ireland working in the field of cancer. It was fascinating to gain insights into their work, and we were delighted to see so many key players contributing to the dynamic and informative discussions. It is clear that the future of paediatric oncology research is very bright here and there is a willingness from all parties to work together to share best practice and findings and improve outcomes.
“Having the Minister attend the workshop and underscore his knowledge and commitment to developing increased research into children’s cancer was very encouraging and he made clear his shared vision for improving treatment outcomes for children and young people with cancer in Northern Ireland. We thank him for his time.”
