Latest news with #SeattleChildren's
Business Wire
25-06-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
GeneDx Announces Publication of SeqFirst Study Demonstrating Need for First Tier Rapid Genomic Testing for Non-Critical Care Pediatric Inpatients in The Journal of Pediatrics
GAITHERSBURG, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- GeneDx (Nasdaq: WGS), a leader in delivering improved health outcomes through genomic insights, today announced new data from the SeqFirst study team conducted in partnership with the clinical genetics team at Seattle Children's supporting the application of rapid exome sequencing (rES) and rapid genome sequencing (rGS) as a first-tier test for non-critical pediatric inpatients. The study assessed the impact of using rES/rGS as a first-tier test for children receiving genetic consults in non-critical care settings. The researchers examined diagnostic rates before and after a new policy allowing rES/rGS as a first-tier test was implemented. An analysis published in The Journal of Pediatrics showed that rapid genome testing dropped the average time to a precise genetic diagnosis from almost ten months to less than two weeks. 'Pediatric inpatients often remain undiagnosed and stuck in limbo without answers or treatment as their conditions worsen and costs rise for way too long,' said Mike Bamshad, MD, FACMG, Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Washington School of Medicine and Division Chief of Genetic Medicine at Seattle Children's. 'The study demonstrated how a policy change allowing for rapid genomic testing as a first-tier test significantly reduced the time to diagnosis in non-critical care pediatric wards, enabling patients to receive timely treatments and potential better outcomes.' Implementation of the SeqFirst approach in the clinical setting led to significant reductions in the time to a genetic diagnosis, with the average time dropping from 289 to 13 days following the policy change that enabled rES/rGS to be ordered as a first-tier test in non-critical care pediatric wards. Despite an increase in utilization of rES/rGS, the diagnostic yield remained high, exceeding 40 percent, comparable to rates in critical care settings. The acceleration of diagnoses enables earlier interventions, better care planning, and improved outcomes for children with rare and undiagnosed conditions. 'Access to rapid genomic testing shouldn't be limited by where a child is admitted in the hospital,' said Tara Wenger, MD, PhD, FACMG, Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Washington School of Medicine and Associate Medical Director, Inpatient Service at Seattle Children's. 'This study shows that when we remove outdated barriers and bring cutting-edge diagnostics to the broader inpatient setting, we can deliver faster answers, reduce uncertainty for families, and ensure more children benefit from the highest standard of genomic care, regardless of their level of acuity.' Additional findings from the study: Providers caring for patients in pediatric inpatient settings are good at recognizing which patients are appropriate candidates for genetic testing, with 91 percent of consults resulting in the geneticist recommending testing. When rES/rGS is not used, cases may be lost to follow-up, which delays access to testing and therefore a diagnosis. The rate at which a precise genetic diagnosis was made from the initial encounter was over 3 times higher when rES/rGS was implemented as a first line test. 'This study underscores a major opportunity to expand timely, precise genetic diagnoses in non-critical care inpatients, a setting where genomic testing remains underutilized,' said Britt Johnson, PhD, FACMG, SVP of Medical Affairs at GeneDx. 'As health systems aim to deliver care more efficiently, expanding rES/rGS access across pediatric inpatients should reduce costs, shorten hospital stays, minimize unnecessary procedures, and improve outcomes for patients and families.' SeqFirst also published findings earlier this year in the American Journal of Human Genetics on the use of rapid genomic testing in the NICU. About GeneDx At GeneDx (Nasdaq: WGS), we believe that everyone deserves personalized, targeted medical care—and that it all begins with a genetic diagnosis. Fueled by one of the world's largest, rare disease data sets, our industry-leading exome and genome tests translate complex genomic data into clinical answers that unlock personalized health plans, accelerate drug discovery, and improve health system efficiencies. For more information, please visit and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.
Indianapolis Star
16-06-2025
- Health
- Indianapolis Star
My 5-year-old survived cancer twice. Medical innovation shouldn't be political.
Few issues in American politics have consistently united both parties like the fight against cancer. While funding levels and strategies may differ, Democrats and Republicans alike recognize that cancer doesn't discriminate – and neither should our commitment to defeat it. Under the Biden administration, the Cancer Moonshot was relaunched to accelerate progress toward a cure. More recently, President Donald Trump announced his 'Stargate' initiative, which aims to harness artificial intelligence in detecting and treating cancer, including through personalized mRNA vaccines. In the United States, cancer is the leading cause of death by disease for children after infancy. Across the political spectrum, there remains a shared hope: that no one should have to endure the pain of losing a loved one or fight this deadly disease. Yet today, that consensus is showing signs of strain. State legislatures across the country are advancing bills to ban or severely restrict the use of – and further research into – breakthrough technologies like mRNA, a technology that is driving promising advancements in cancer. What should be a story of American scientific innovation is being twisted into a political talking point. And it's putting lives at risk. Letters: Trump's anti-DEI mandate will make it hard to recruit new scientists If the politicians pushing these bans spent even a few minutes inside a pediatric oncology unit, maybe they'd understand. They'd see floors filled with sick children on small bicycles, pulling IV poles behind them. Children in hospital beds, brave beyond measure. And parents clinging to hope. I've seen it firsthand. I'm a mother whose 5-year-old daughter has survived cancer – twice. My daughter Charlie is one of a small percentage of pediatric cancer patients whose tumors don't show up on standard blood tests. Her cancer went undetected for more than a year. By the time doctors found it, it had already spread to her liver. She was just 3 years old and had Stage 4 cancer. Once Charlie's cancer was detected, we rushed into treatment: high-dose chemotherapy, stem cell transplants and multiple surgeries. After months of treatment, we got the news every parent prays for: Charlie was cancer-free. But just a few months later, scans revealed a relapse. Two small nodules were found on her lung. Her baby brother was only two months old when we learned her cancer had returned. Relapse treatment was grueling. Charlie lost weight and muscle mass. She needed a feeding tube to stay nourished, hydrated and medicated. But through it all, she never lost her smile. Her strength became ours. And while we juggled caring for a newborn and two other children, we held onto hope, because science gave us a reason to. Thanks to expert care at Seattle Children's and research-backed protocols, she's once again cancer-free. She started preschool this year. She's coloring, laughing and chasing her siblings again. Every option we had was made possible by decades of public investment in research. Families who came before us joined clinical trials. Lawmakers chose to fund pediatric science and cancer research. That is the same kind of work mRNA research builds on today. Researchers are developing an mRNA-based diagnostic test that could catch cancers like hers earlier, when they're more treatable. The test uses mRNA from her original tumor to detect any circulating cancer cells through a simple blood draw. Catching a relapse early could be lifesaving. We first learned about this test in 2023, and knowing it's almost within reach brings us, and families like ours, so much hope. Beyond mRNA-based diagnostic tests, mRNA has also shown early promise as a therapy for cancer patients, enabling personalized treatment that could more effectively target one's tumor. That kind of innovation is exactly what's under threat right now. The role of mRNA technology in oncology has been studied for decades, and yet some lawmakers want to roll this progress back, arguing it is untested and unsafe. This technology, along with many innovations that come from federally supported medical research, is a critical source of hope for families around the world. Opinion: Nurses are drowning while Braun ignores Indiana's health care crisis When you're watching your child battle cancer, every advancement matters. I know firsthand how critical it is to catch cancer early and have access to every possible treatment option. When politicians politicize science – when they ban or restrict it based on misinformation and politics – they aren't protecting families like mine. They're limiting our options. They're slowing down the breakthroughs that could save lives. We can't afford to let misinformation and polarized politics dictate the future of lifesaving research. Thanks to innovation in medical research, Charlie is thriving today, but far too many kids are still fighting. Let's ensure science continues to move forward for all of our children.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Three cars racing at 24 Hours of Le Mans raising money for Seattle Children's
The Heart of Racing team, competing in the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race in France, is raising money to support cardiology research at Seattle Children's Hospital. The team will be racing under the Aston Martin THOR team on Saturday starting at 8 a.m. PT, according to a spokesperson from Seattle Children's. Advertisement The Heart of Racing has raised over $3.5 million for Seattle Children's over the years and will feature the hospital's logo on all three racecars during the event, according to a spokesperson. 'Using the exposure of our motorsports teams, we generate donations to the Cardiology Research Fund and raise awareness of the demands for quality health care,' Seattle Children's writes. Saturday's running of the Le Mans marks 102 years since the race began, and it's regarded as one of the most iconic motorsport events in the world.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
My 5-year-old survived cancer – twice. Don't put politics before medical research.
Few issues in American politics have consistently united both parties like the fight against cancer. While funding levels and strategies may differ, Democrats and Republicans alike recognize that cancer doesn't discriminate – and neither should our commitment to defeat it. Under the Biden administration, the Cancer Moonshot was relaunched to accelerate progress toward a cure. More recently, President Donald Trump announced his 'Stargate' initiative, which aims to harness artificial intelligence in detecting and treating cancer, including through personalized mRNA vaccines. In the United States, cancer is the leading cause of death by disease for children after infancy. Across the political spectrum, there remains a shared hope: that no one should have to endure the pain of losing a loved one or fight this deadly disease. Yet today, that consensus is showing signs of strain. State legislatures across the country are advancing bills to ban or severely restrict the use of – and further research into – breakthrough technologies like mRNA, a technology that is driving promising advancements in cancer. What should be a story of American scientific innovation is being twisted into a political talking point. And it's putting lives at risk. Opinion: Biden's diagnosis shows two things. Cancer hits everyone and some forgot that. If the politicians pushing these bans spent even a few minutes inside a pediatric oncology unit, maybe they'd understand. They'd see floors filled with sick children on small bicycles, pulling IV poles behind them. Children in hospital beds, brave beyond measure. And parents clinging to hope. I've seen it firsthand. I'm a mother whose 5-year-old daughter has survived cancer – twice. My daughter Charlie is one of a small percentage of pediatric cancer patients whose tumors don't show up on standard blood tests. Her cancer went undetected for more than a year. By the time doctors found it, it had already spread to her liver. She was just 3 years old and had Stage 4 cancer. Once Charlie's cancer was detected, we rushed into treatment: high-dose chemotherapy, stem cell transplants and multiple surgeries. After months of treatment, we got the news every parent prays for: Charlie was cancer-free. But just a few months later, scans revealed a relapse. Two small nodules were found on her lung. Her baby brother was only two months old when we learned her cancer had returned. Relapse treatment was grueling. Charlie lost weight and muscle mass. She needed a feeding tube to stay nourished, hydrated and medicated. But through it all, she never lost her smile. Her strength became ours. And while we juggled caring for a newborn and two other children, we held onto hope, because science gave us a reason to. Thanks to expert care at Seattle Children's and research-backed protocols, she's once again cancer-free. She started preschool this year. She's coloring, laughing and chasing her siblings again. Every option we had was made possible by decades of public investment in research. Families who came before us joined clinical trials. Lawmakers chose to fund pediatric science and cancer research. That is the same kind of work mRNA research builds on today. Opinion alerts: Get columns from your favorite columnists + expert analysis on top issues, delivered straight to your device through the USA TODAY app. Don't have the app? Download it for free from your app store. Researchers are developing an mRNA-based diagnostic test that could catch cancers like hers earlier, when they're more treatable. The test uses mRNA from her original tumor to detect any circulating cancer cells through a simple blood draw. Catching a relapse early could be lifesaving. We first learned about this test in 2023, and knowing it's almost within reach brings us, and families like ours, so much hope. Beyond mRNA-based diagnostic tests, mRNA has also shown early promise as a therapy for cancer patients, enabling personalized treatment that could more effectively target one's tumor. That kind of innovation is exactly what's under threat right now. The role of mRNA technology in oncology has been studied for decades, and yet some lawmakers want to roll this progress back, arguing it is untested and unsafe. This technology, along with many innovations that come from federally supported medical research, is a critical source of hope for families around the world. I'm a doctor. So is my mother. When she got cancer, I realized how little that mattered. | Opinion When you're watching your child battle cancer, every advancement matters. I know firsthand how critical it is to catch cancer early and have access to every possible treatment option. When politicians politicize science – when they ban or restrict it based on misinformation and politics – they aren't protecting families like mine. They're limiting our options. They're slowing down the breakthroughs that could save lives. We can't afford to let misinformation and polarized politics dictate the future of lifesaving research. Thanks to innovation in medical research, Charlie is thriving today, but far too many kids are still fighting. Let's ensure science continues to move forward for all of our children. Emily Stenson is a childhood cancer advocate and the mother of 5-year-old two-time cancer survivor Charlie Stenson. She lives in Seattle. You can read diverse opinions from our USA TODAY columnists and other writers on the Opinion front page, on X, formerly Twitter, @usatodayopinion and in our Opinion newsletter. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cancer research saved my child's life. Fund mRNA innovation | Opinion
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Heath care for mothers, kids expanding in South Sound with enhanced partnership
A local health care system and Seattle hospital have announced plans to bring their two entities closer together and reduce the need to drive to Seattle for South Sound families in need of care. Tacoma-based Virginia Mason Franciscan Health and Seattle Children's on Tuesday announced a strategic affiliation 'to advance clinical excellence and expand pediatric and mother-baby care for patients in the Puget Sound region,' according to a joint news release. The two have worked together for years in specialized neonatal care within VMFH Family Birth Centers, with neonatologists available on site and by phone 'so the most vulnerable newborns can receive advanced, expert care without leaving VMFH facilities,' it noted. The joint news release offered an example of collaboration. At the St. Joseph Medical Center Level III neonatal intensive care unit, Seattle Children's pediatric cardiologists and its infection-prevention team already aare vailable to assess 'complex diseases for mother and baby.' 'The agreement, built on nearly 15 years of collaboration and a shared commitment to exceptional patient care, will strengthen access to expert physicians and care teams and ensure seamless coordination of care for young patients and their families by extending the current longstanding affiliation and expanding it to new areas,' it continued. With this new strategic affiliation, VMFH and Seattle Children's 'will leverage resources and an expansive footprint across both organizations to serve more patients closer to home,' the release added. VMFH, with 10 hospitals and hundreds of care sites in the state, is part of CommonSpirit, one of the nation's largest health systems. Seattle Children's serves as the pediatric and adolescent academic medical center for Washington, Alaska, Montana and Idaho, and includes its hospital, research institute and foundation. Along with improving access to specialists, the move is set to expand perinatal, neonatal and related specialty services across VMFH Birth Centers in King, Pierce and Kitsap counties, according to the release. An oversight committee, with representatives from both organizations, will guide the implementation of the strategic affiliation. Tom Kruse is VMFH chief strategy officer and Mark Salierno is Seattle Children's chief strategy and business development officer. The two spoke to The News Tribune Tuesday about the enhanced affiliation. Both emphasized how the move will bring more specialized services south of Seattle. 'Seattle Children's has the region's leading quality specialty program and platform, and VMFH has over 300 sites of care,' said Salierno. 'So our goal is to deploy specialists together in different geographies that allow us to keep moms and babies together and allow kids to stay in their local community wherever possible.' 'It really is going to bring new services to the community — much needed services,' said Kruse, acknowledging the move is going head to head with Tacoma-based MultiCare's Mary Bridge Children's Hospital to bring more competition to MultiCare's home turf. Mary Bridge Children's is in the midst of construction of a new medical campus and hospital in Tacoma, which will bring a new inpatient hospital tower, ambulatory building with specialty clinics and urgent-care services. It is set to open early next year. 'Franciscan, years and years ago, decided not to create a duplicative service to Mary Bridge,' Kruse said. 'It's not that there's anything wrong with Mary Bridge. It's just not sufficient for what we find ourselves needing with the high acuity births that we deliver and unfortunately, the very sick kids that we see.' To that end, Kruse said, it's 'likely' to see expansions at sites such as St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma and St. Michael Medical Center in Silverdale. 'There's very specific specialties that we're trying to deploy together on the pediatric side,' said Salierno. 'So, if there's a prenatal anomaly diagnosed at week 20, it would allow a fellowship trained specialist who's part of a top 10 US News-ranked hospital to come down or use telemedicine, like we're doing now, to meet with the obstetrician and help build a care plan within 24 to 48 hours of that prenatal diagnosis. 'And as Tom alluded to, we are exploring over the next several months, ways to expand at St. Joe's and St Michael's and other sites of care models such as that,' Salierno added. Kim Deynaka is director of NICU and NICU operations at St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma. In an interview Tuesday, she told The News Tribune that St. Joseph had benefited from years of working with Seattle Children's neonatal team. 'They're mission driven like us, and they're family centered and collaborative,' she said. 'We have an annual reunion that the families come back to see the doctors and the nurses that help care for their babies and help them graduate from the NICU, and it's grown so big that now we're over 300 invites per year.' She offered another example of the benefit of virtual care collaboration. 'If a newborn baby has a rash that the pediatrician can't identify or understand, just getting that consultation virtually, and being able to see the baby and the family and talk to them and examine the baby with the local pediatric has been just amazing,' she said. 'In the past, without that virtual support, that baby would have either had to been transported to a higher level of care, or the families would have had to drive them to a specialty appointment and things like that. But now it can be done here at the hospital right in their own community.' she said. 'What really is impressive is that they come to us. We're not having to leave our communities and our families to go to them,' she added. So, now would be the time for patients to add their two cents, Kruse noted. 'What we have to look at, is where our families are at, what do they need, and where do they need it, and then figure out where we can put that service that makes the most sense,' Kruse said. 'Our commitment to the long term to the South Sound, which Seattle Children's has made over the years, is now doubled down,' Salierno added. 'We're committed for the long term to reduce that drive time by using technology to do that, and to deploy brick and mortar capabilities to do that.' Virginia Mason Franciscan Health and Seattle Children's are soliciting input from the South Sound on what services residents would like to see. Send comments via email to vmfh-sch@
