MAGIC-I Study Launched to Transform Childhood Cancer Care in Ireland
A major new clinical study aimed at revolutionizing childhood cancer care in Ireland has officially launched. MAGIC-I (Molecular and Genomic Interrogation of Childhood Cancer - Ireland) is a five-year research project designed to significantly advance the diagnosis, treatment, and understanding of childhood cancers through cutting-edge genomic analysis.
The study is a collaboration between Systems Biology Ireland (SBI) at University College Dublin (UCD) and Children’s Health Ireland (CHI), in partnership with Precision Oncology Ireland and a number of industry partners. By leveraging the power of genetics, genomics, and advanced data analysis, researchers aim to better understand the origins of childhood cancers and the reasons behind different patient outcomes and side effects.
MAGIC-I represents a landmark development, as it is Ireland’s first clinical study applying genomic approaches to cancer care. It will establish the infrastructure necessary to conduct deep genomic profiling for all children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer in Ireland, including those facing relapsed disease.
The launch event brought together leaders from Ireland’s health services, children’s hospitals, and the national and international cancer research communities to mark the beginning of the ambitious project.
Professor Walter Kolch, Director of Systems Biology Ireland and Principal Investigator for MAGIC-I, described the initiative as a major leap forward.
“I cannot emphasise enough how big of a signal this is for the Irish healthcare system, and likely also beyond it," he said. "Importantly, it steps up to a global ambition in its seamless amalgamation of clinical research with advanced computational modelling. It is a trailblazer in incorporating new concepts for personalised medicine, such as digital twins, and in fostering close cooperation between clinical research and cutting-edge computational science — something that remains quite rare internationally.”
Dr Colm Henry, Chief Clinical Officer of the Health Service Executive (HSE), also welcomed the launch, highlighting its potential to improve patient care significantly.
“This launch is a significant milestone in Irish cancer care,” he said. “It is a great example of the translation of new knowledge and advances in technology into improved patient outcomes.”
Among those attending the launch was Noreen Doyle, a parent and advocate who has faced the childhood cancer journey firsthand, with two of her children diagnosed with cancer.
“‘Your two-year-old son has leukaemia’ are words that will forever ring in my ears,” she shared. “The thought of what was ahead of my little boy just terrified me. This is why it is so important to advance precision and personalised approaches to cancer diagnosis and treatment, so families have the comfort of knowing their child will get not only the most effective care, but also treatment that minimises side effects and risks.”
Through MAGIC-I, researchers hope to pave the way for earlier diagnoses, more personalised treatment plans, and ultimately, better outcomes for young cancer patients and their families across Ireland.
UCD Health Affairs, email: (opens in a new window)healthaffairs@ucd.ie