CMMRD Cancer Surveillance Protocol

The best way to treat paediatric cancer is through early detection and prevention.

Considering cancer risks and increased death rates in patients with CMMRD syndrome, we’ve developed a cancer surveillance protocol for children and adults with this condition.

Surveillance Protocol

Examination Start Age Frequency Tumours
Brain MRI At diagnosis Every 6 months Brain tumours
Whole Body MRI 6 years Once a year All tumours
Complete Blood Count (CBC) 1 year Every 6 months Leukemia
Abdominal Ultrasound 1 year Every 6 months Lymphoma
Upper GI Endoscopy, VCE, Ileocolonoscopy 4 to 6 years Once a year GI tumours
Gynecological Exam, Transvaginal Ultrasound 20 years Once a year Genitourinary cancers

Current recommended surveillance guidelines for patients with CMMRD

Benefits of the Surveillance Protocol

Since we created this protocol, we’ve been monitoring the surveillance of CMMRD patients from around the world. Our growing collection of clinical information is helping us better define this population and guide overall management.

Following the surveillance protocol has been linked to several positive outcomes in CMMRD patients, including:

Long-term follow-up has allowed early detection of low-grade tumors and cancers at stages amenable to resection.

  • Genetic screening and subsequent surveillance led to earlier recognition of asymptomatic tumors at stages more amenable to resection and probable cure.
  • Minor changes on MRIs have led to the early recognition of brain tumors at stages amenable to resection and cure.
  • Patients undergoing surveillance have significantly higher survival than patients who are not undergoing surveillance.
  • Even partial surveillance is effective in patients with CMMRD

A bar graph comparing survival (y) over time (x) for CMMRD patients. The graph compares full surveillance (blue), partial surveillance (green) and no surveillance (yellow). Survival decreases over time for all groups, but overall survival is much higher for full surveillance than no surveillance patients.

It’s crucial that patients and their families understand that continued surveillance is recommended throughout adulthood. As more prospective surveillance data is collected and studied, the surveillance recommendations will likely be refined.

To stay up to date on the consortium cancer surveillance protocol, bookmark this page for the latest updates.

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