MAGIC-I study to revolutionise childhood cancer care in Ireland

MAGIC-I (Molecular and Genomic Interrogation of Childhood Cancer - Ireland), a five-year clinical study aiming to radically improve childhood cancer care, has been launched.

The project is a collaboration between leading UCD research centre Systems Biology Ireland (SBI) and Children’s Health Ireland, in partnership with Precision Oncology Ireland and various industry collaborators.

It harnesses the power of genetics, genomics and data to better understand how and why cancer develops, and why outcomes and side effects can vary between individuals.

The researchers hope that the study will support earlier diagnosis and personalised treatments for patients.

MAGIC-I is Ireland’s first clinical study of genomics (the study of an individual’s complete genetic make-up) approaches in cancer care.

It will put in place the processes to carry out deep genomic analysis for all children and adolescents with cancer in Ireland, including those who have experienced a relapse of their disease. 

Leaders from Ireland’s health service, children’s hospitals, and the Irish and global cancer research community gathered to launch MAGIC-I.

“I cannot emphasise enough how big of a signal this is for the Irish healthcare system, and likely also beyond it,” said (opens in a new window)Professor Walter Kolch, Director of SBI and Principal Investigator on MAGIC-I.

“Importantly, it steps up to a global ambition in its seamless amalgamation of clinical research with advanced computational modelling. 

“It is a trailblazer in incorporating new concepts for personalised medicine, such as digital twins [virtual replicas of patients], and for hand-in-glove cooperation between clinical research and cutting-edge computational modelling, which is still very unique.” 

“This launch is a significant milestone in Irish cancer care,” said Dr Colm Henry, Chief Clinical Officer of the Health Service Executive.

“It is a great example of the translation of new knowledge and advances in technology into improved patient outcomes.” 
 
Noreen Doyle, a mother who has been through cancer diagnoses with two of her children and has since been a spokesperson for childhood cancer care, also attended the launch.

“‘Your two-year-old son has leukaemia’ are words that will forever ring in my ears,” said Noreen.

“The thought of what was ahead of my little boy just terrified me. This is why it is so important to advance precision and personalised approaches to cancer diagnosis and treatment, so families have the comfort of knowing their child will get not only the most effective care, but also treatment that minimises the side effects and risks.”

By: Rebecca Hastings, Digital Journalist, UCD University Relations

To contact the UCD News & Content Team, email: newsdesk@ucd.ie