Beat Childhood Cancer · IN:Formation Project
No two tumors are the same.
The IN:Formation Project uses advanced genomic sequencing to reveal the mechanics, drivers, and targets in your child's unique tumor — so treatment can be matched to its nature, not just its name.
Open to all solid-tumor pediatric patients Newly diagnosed, relapsed & refractory Enroll at sites nationwide
Instead of treating cancer by its name, treat it by its nature.
Your child's tumor is unique.
No two tumors are the same. In fact, they vary greatly even among patients with the same diagnosis.
Many times, a child's solid tumor shares characteristics with entirely different types of cancer — cancers that may have different targets, and different treatments.
The IN:Formation Project reads the biology of the tumor itself. When you participate, that information doesn't just sit in a research database — it can be actively used to find an alternative treatment option for your child, should they need one.
Three things the project does for your child
Comprehensive genomic insight, expert interpretation, and a contribution to better treatments for every child who comes next.
The most complete tumor information
Whole Exome / Whole Transcriptome sequencing gives you and your child's physicians comprehensive genomic insight — DNA and RNA across more than 20,000 genes.
A molecular tumor board
A panel of physicians, scientists, and a licensed pharmacist synthesizes the results into powerful, personalized insight to help guide your child's treatment.
Progress for every child
Your child's data contributes to advancements in less-toxic, more precise, and more effective treatments for solid-tumor cancers — moving the whole field forward.
From a single sample to a personalized plan
The IN:Formation Project turns biopsy tissue you may already have into a tailored set of treatment options.
Average turnaround for Whole Exome / Whole Transcriptome results, after the tumor sample and pathology report are received.
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Sample & records
A specific biopsy sample — often from a previous or most recent biopsy — plus official pathology reports and signed consent. No new procedure may be needed.
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Whole Exome / Whole Transcriptome sequencing
Paired tumor & normal testing reads DNA and RNA across 20,000+ genes, at diagnosis and at relapse — a far deeper look than a standard panel.
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Bioinformatic analysis
The genomic data is interpreted alongside the latest literature and laboratory research to identify the tumor's true drivers and targets.
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Molecular tumor board
Experts meet to recommend FDA-approved, targeted options. A licensed pharmacist reviews interactions and safety monitoring for every recommendation.
Does my child need to travel?
The program is open to all solid-tumor pediatric patients — newly diagnosed, relapsed, and refractory. Each care plan is individualized, regardless of location.
Visit a BCC site
Enroll directly at a Beat Childhood Cancer site that offers the trial. Find participating hospitals near you.
Biopsy
This can be a previously collected biopsy, a new biopsy at your home site, or a new biopsy at a BCC site.
Ongoing visits or virtual follow-ups
Ongoing travel to a BCC site, or virtual follow-ups for the recommended therapy, depends on your hospital's ability to deliver treatment.
What's needed to take part
Biopsy tissue is precious — choosing a partner that can benefit your child directly matters.
- A specific type of biopsy sample (often already available)
- Official pathology reports
- Signed consent
- A future requirement may include blood sample(s)
How sequencing can change a plan
Two real examples of how the molecular tumor board has turned genomic findings into targeted options.
A 10-year-old has a biopsy at initial diagnosis. Sequencing shows a high expression of HDAC2 compared to normal tissue. The molecular tumor board recommends adding an oral HDAC2-inhibitor — already approved for other cancers — as upfront and/or maintenance therapy, knowing the patient is at high risk for relapse.
A 13-year-old with multiply-relapsed disease is sequenced through the project. Though no ALK mutation appears on DNA sequencing, the RNA reveals an overexpression of ALK. The patient is started on an ALK inhibitor alongside relapse protocols and other targeted agents — a customized plan.
Questions families ask
Most tumor sequencing only looks at DNA from a smaller subset of genes pulled from adult cancers. The Whole Exome / Whole Transcriptome testing through the IN:Formation Project looks at DNA and RNA across 20,000+ genes, and the medical team provides a deeper dive into options than a typical commercial report.
The testing is a paired tumor-and-normal test, so the following is needed:
- Tumor — available from a previous or most recent biopsy
- The associated pathology reports and separate consents
- A future requirement may include blood sample(s)
Enrollment follows three steps:
- Step 1: Visit a BCC site offering the trial — see participating hospitals.
- Step 2: Biopsy — this can be a previously collected biopsy, a new biopsy at your home site, or a new biopsy at a BCC site.
- Step 3: Ongoing travel or virtual follow-ups — continuing visits to a BCC site, or virtual follow-ups for the recommended therapy, depend on your hospital's ability to deliver treatment. Each care plan is individualized regardless of location.
The average time is 14–21 days after the tumor sample and pathology report are received.
A patient can submit a sample for genomic sequencing at any point during treatment — for example at diagnosis, during a surgery in real time, or from a past surgery where tissue is still available.
All of the drugs recommended by the molecular tumor board are FDA-approved medications. A licensed pharmacist participates in the board to provide insight on drug interactions and the monitoring assessments needed for patient safety.
Everything in one place
Official information, trial sites, and contacts from the Beat Childhood Cancer Research Consortium.
Start the conversation
The first step is simple — and you don't have to navigate it alone.
Ask about participation in the Beat Childhood Cancer IN:Formation Project. Your care team can help you decide whether it's a fit.