A project developed by researchers and doctors from Argentine and regional institutions demonstrates that it is possible to implement genomic sequencing with concrete clinical impact, although access barriers persist in the health system.
Buenos Aires, May 2026 – A team of researchers and doctors from Argentina, based in the Institute for Translational Medicine Research (IIMT) of the Universidad Austral-CONICET and in collaboration with Latin American institutions, he managed to implement a precision medicine program in childhood cancer that allowed improve diagnosis, prognosis or treatment in two out of three patients analyzed, which presented diagnostic challenges. The work, published in the journal Pediatric Blood & Cancer, the official journal of the International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP), contributes Local evidence on the feasibility of integrating genomic tools into clinical practice in middle-income countries.
The study, titled “Challenges in Launching a Precision Pediatric Oncology Program in Argentina”, was led by Dr. Guillermo L. Chantada (IIMT Universidad Austral-CONICET, Austral University Hospital) and Andrea S. Llera (Molecular and Cellular Therapy Laboratory, Leloir Institute Foundation-CONICET) together with a multidisciplinary team that includes María Mercedes Paladino (IIMT Universidad Austral-CONICET, Austral University Hospital), Nicolás Pinto (IIMT Universidad Austral-CONICET; Leloir Institute Foundation), David Verón (Austral University Hospital), Fabiana Morosini (Pérez Scremini Foundation, Uruguay), Hernán García Rivello (Italian Hospital of Buenos Aires), and, among other specialists from institutions in Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay.
The project, called COPPA (Collaboration in Pediatric Precision Oncology in Argentina)It was proposed to assess whether it was possible to offer Genomic sequencing of childhood tumors at no cost to patients, and at the same time maximize its clinical utility through the discussion of cases in interdisciplinary teams.
How genomic sequencing works in cancer
Genomic sequencing consists of to analyze the DNA and RNA of a tumor to identify genetic alterations and understand how genes that may influence their development and treatment are being expressed. Instead of applying general treatments, this tool allows us to move towards a precision medicineIn this approach, each patient receives therapies tailored to the specific characteristics of their disease. However, specialists warn that its impact depends not only on the available technology, but also on the access to treatments and the integration of these studies into the health system.
Results
The results show that, out of a total of 38 cases analyzedThe genomic findings had clinical utility in a significant proportion of patients, allowing confirm diagnoses, redefine risks, or even guide specific treatmentsIn particular, among locally sequenced cases, clinical utility reached 67 %.
“Genomic sequencing not only allows for a better understanding of the tumor, but also enables more precise clinical decisions,” the authors point out, noting that this type of approach is already standard in developed countries, but still presents challenges. major limitations in Latin America.
One of the most innovative aspects of the project was the implementation of the Interdisciplinary Molecular SymposiaVirtual spaces where specialists from different disciplines and countries analyze clinical cases together. According to the study, All participating professionals reported an improvement in their knowledge of precision medicine and greater motivation to incorporate these tools into their practice.
The challenges for its implementation
However, the work also identifies relevant obstacles to expansion of this type of initiative. Among them are the low initial demand for studies, logistical difficulties in sending samples, and the lack of time for physicians. Added to this is the challenge of consolidating sustained public policies that prioritize genomic medicine in pediatric oncology and encourage support from organizations of people with lived experience of childhood cancer.
Furthermore, the researchers warn that, although genomic information can improve diagnosisIts therapeutic impact is still conditioned by the availability of specific treatments and clinical trials in the region.
“The challenge is no longer just technological, but organizational and educational,” the authors conclude, arguing that precision medicine should be considered a strategic investment in health systemsespecially in complex diseases such as childhood cancer.
The study thus provides a concrete basis for rethinking access to advanced diagnostics in Latin America and opens the debate on how to integrate medical innovation in contexts with limited resources.
Financing
This research was funded by the program Strategic Projects Sectoral Fund for Biotechnology (FS-BIO) 2017 of the National Ministry of Science, Technology and Productive Innovation, the Precision Oncology Patient Innovation Award 2022 from Bayer, the Nelia and Amadeo Barletta FoundationThe Leo Messi Foundation Natalie Dafne Flexer Foundation for Children with Cancer and the National Cancer Institute of Argentina (scholarship INC Student Scholarship for Cancer Research, issue number 22).
