Research for a life without cancer

In a recently published scientific study, researchers have succeeded in accurately diagnosing common types of brain tumors in children and adolescents based on tumor-derived genetic material in cerebrospinal fluid. Until now, these so-called liquid biopsies were not capable enough for such reliable diagnostics. The international research team, involving the Medical Faculty of Heidelberg (MFHD) at Heidelberg University, Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD), the Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (Memphis, USA) has therefore optimized a special sequencing technique and developed an AI-based computational method. In a later step, the new procedure could help reduce the number of tissue samples required in clinical diagnostics. The Hopp Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ) is a joint institution of the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD) and the University of Heidelberg (Uni HD).