Development of the Children's Oncology Group long-term follow-up guideline for cancer genetics evaluation in childhood cancer survivors.

Standardised referral criterion for cancer genetics evaluation (genetic counselling and germline testing) of survivors at high risk of predisposition

Up to 12% of childhood cancer survivors have an underlying cancer predisposition syndrome, which puts them at increased risk of developing and dying from subsequent malignant neoplasms. Yet it is often unclear which survivors warrant referral for genetic counselling and germline testing. Using an evidence-based approach, the Children's Oncology Group (COG) developed a standardised guideline for referral of survivors at high risk of predisposition for cancer genetics evaluation, incorporated into its Long-Term Follow-Up Guidelines for Survivors of Childhood, Adolescent, and Young Adult Cancers. This Policy Review details the importance, development and anticipated impact of this new guideline.

Synthesis written by Geno'X. For the full original abstract, please refer to the source publication.

The question addressed is practical: the abstract itself stresses that it is often unclear which survivors to refer to genetics. However, it details neither the criteria adopted nor their expected yield, so the full text must be read before applying them. For adult teams taking over follow-up, this criterion could become a simple screening tool.

Analysis by Dr Thibaut Benquey