Decoding Pediatric Cancers: Multiomic Insights Powered by Nanopore Sequencing

Decoding Pediatric Cancers: Multiomic Insights Powered by Nanopore Sequencing Oxford Nanopore sequencing is empowering researchers to drive transformative cancer insights with real-time, rapid results. This webinar features two pioneering teams leveraging nanopore technology to revolutionise the characterisation and diagnosis of paediatric cancers. Dr Jeremy Wang (University of North Carolina Chapel Hill) presents a novel single-assay approach using nanopore DNA sequencing with real-time target enrichment for genomic classification in paediatric acute leukaemia. This streamlined method offers a faster, cost-effective alternative to conventional multi-assay workflows, with the potential to greatly accelerate and simplify diagnosis and treatment decisions. Dr Adam Shlien (SickKids, Canada) discusses OTTER, an RNA-sequencing platform powered by a novel AI algorithm to enhance the speed and accuracy of ALL (acute lymphoblastic leukaemia) diagnostics. Coupled with nanopore sequencing, OTTER represents a potential leap-frog technology for oncology in low and middle-income countries, including in Africa where paediatric cancer mortality is projected to double by 2040. Learn how nanopore sequencing and adaptive sampling could revolutionize acute myeloid leukemia pediatric cancer classification. Examine how RNA sequencing using Oxford Nanopore technology can enhance the accuracy and speed of ALL profiling. Recognise the global implications of deploying portable, rapid sequencing technologies in regions where pediatric cancer mortality is rising. Jeremy Wang, PhD. Associate Professor, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Wang is an Associate Professor of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine and Genetics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The Wang lab applies high-performance computational methods and novel high-throughput sequencing approaches to advance precision personalised medicine with a focus on molecular diagnostics in cancer and infectious diseases. Dr. Wang and his team aim to develop, validate, and implement nanopore sequencing-based molecular diagnostic tools enabling comprehensive genomic characterisation of paediatric liquid and solid tumours. We work closely with collaborators at UNC, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and around the world to develop resource-appropriate translational genomics technologies to improve outcomes for paediatric cancer patients. Adam Shlien, PhD. Senior Scientist, Genetics and Genome Biology. SickKids, Canada. Dr Adam Shlien is a Senior Scientist at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada. Dr Shlien’s research at SickKids has an emphasis on the analysis of paediatric cancer genomes using cutting-edge sequencing tools, with the aim of disclosing genomic mutations that drive the cancer development and understand how they alter the somatic transcriptome. His lab is introducing next-generation genomics technologies including genome sequencing into oncological practice. Ellie Juarez, PhD. Oncology Market Segment Manager. Oxford Nanopore Technologies. Eleonora (Ellie) Juarez is currently the market segment manager for Oncology at Oxford Nanopore Technologies. With her extensive cancer genomics experience and a doctorate in molecular and medical genetics, she drives the development of new oncology assays, enabling cancer researchers to answer the most complex biological questions using nanopore sequencing. Juarez has held leadership roles at Twinstrand Biosciences, Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT), and Twist Bioscience, where she significantly contributed to product and application development and corporate strategy. Cancer research Oncology Pediatric cancer Precision cancer diagnostics RNA sequencing