Genetic testing at diagnosis

That’s why we carry out detailed tests on the DNA of the cancer cells. We also look at the DNA in healthy cells, as this can be important for making the right diagnosis and choosing the best treatment.

Sometimes we find a DNA change in a child’s healthy cells that indicates a hereditary predisposition to cancer. This can influence both the diagnosis and the treatment:

• If the diagnosis is uncertain, a hereditary predisposition to a specific type of cancer can help confirm it.

• If we know that the hereditary predisposition increases the risk of side effects, we can adjust the treatment accordingly.

If your child does have a hereditary predisposition, you will always be referred to a geneticist (clinical geneticist).