This project aims to develop, validate and implement an expanded pharmacogenetic test panel to predict the risk of seven severe chemotherapy-induced adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in pediatric cancer patients. By integrating precision health strategies into pediatric oncology, the project seeks to improve treatment safety and effectiveness for children undergoing chemotherapy.

Building on previous research, which successfully introduced pharmacogenetic testing for three ADRs at nine pediatric oncology academic health centres across Canada, this initiative will expand the test panel to include additional, highly predictive genetic markers. The project will also assess the impact of this expanded testing with clinicians, patients and families in British Columbia and Alberta.

The project has two primary objectives. The first is to enhance the existing test panel by incorporating newly identified genetic markers that improve the ability to predict chemotherapy-induced ADRs. The second is to develop a long-term sustainability plan to transition these pharmacogenetic tests from research-based tools to standard clinical practice. This transition will enable routine use by health-care providers, ensuring widespread accessibility for pediatric cancer patients in B.C. and Alberta.

Providing patient-specific ADR risk information is essential for two reasons: it helps families understand their child’s individual risk of severe side effects compared to other children receiving the same treatment, and it facilitates informed discussions between parents and clinicians about strategies to prevent or manage these risks.