Identification of Pre-Malignant Lesions In Pediatric Patients With NF1

Author: Cedars-Sinai

Published On: 12/23/2023

Children with a cancer predisposition syndrome called neurofibromatosis are benefiting from artificial intelligence in a collaboration between Cedars-Sinai Cancer and the Biomedical Imaging Research Institute at Cedars-Sinai. 

A pilot study is using MRI scans of pediatric patients to screen for markers that predict cancerous tumors as well as benign tumors capable of malignant transformation. When combined with machine-learning algorithms informed by both retrospective and prospective scans, investigators believe the technique could revolutionize proactive management and preventive interventions for cancer predisposition syndromes.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the use of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique called whole-body MRI, combined with a computer program, in children and adolescents (5-18 years old) with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1). The whole-body MRI with computer program is a technique that looks head-to-knee for suspicious tumors and can be completed more quickly than the standard MRI, even with patient movement. Individuals with NF-1 are recommended to have one whole-body MRI between 16-20 years old. Researchers aim to determine whether it is feasible to complete whole-body MRIs, using this novel technique paired with the computer program, to predict cancerous and non-cancerous tumors in young patients affected by NF-1.

"Not all cancer predisposition syndromes can easily obtain insurance authorization for whole-body MRI scans. This study provides a screening MRI for patients, interpreted by a radiologist, that can be followed up with standard clinical imaging if any masses are found," says Nicole Baca, MD, the pediatric hematologist/oncologist who led the project.

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