The aim of this project is to improve the outcomes of children with soft tissue sarcomas, such as rhabdomyosarcoma and non-rhabdomyosarcoma (NRSTS). By utilizing liquid biopsy techniques, we aim to identify patients with poor prognosis and therapy resistance early on. This minimally invasive approach involves analyzing circulating tumor DNA and RNA in blood samples to gain valuable insights into the tumor's genetic makeup and behavior.
Specifically, we are focusing on methylation profiling and targeted patient-specific liquid biopsy assays as powerful tools to characterize tumor biology and predict patient outcomes. By studying methylation patterns and identifying tumor-specific genetic alterations in liquid biopsies, we hope to identify novel biomarkers that can guide treatment decisions and improve patient survival.