Molecular and Genomic Interrogation of Childhood Cancer - Ireland
MAGIC-I is a five-year nationwide study that aims to embed genomic sequencing into the care pathway for every child and adolescent diagnosed with cancer in Ireland. With a strong research framework at its core, MAGIC-I leverages whole genome sequencing (WGS), RNA sequencing (RNAseq), and cutting-edge data analytics to build a deep molecular profile of each patient’s cancer. This approach not only supports more accurate diagnosis and prognosis but also enables highly individualised treatment planning.
Co-led by Systems Biology Ireland (SBI) at University College Dublin (UCD) and (opens in a new window)Children’s Health Ireland (CHI), in collaboration with (opens in a new window)Precision Oncology Ireland, and global industry partners such as Illumina, the study introduces a robust digital infrastructure for high-throughput genomic analysis. One of its most innovative elements is the development and use of Digital Twins - virtual models of patients created using genomic, clinical, and molecular data. These simulations allow researchers and clinicians to trial different therapies computationally before administering them in real life, offering a powerful tool to predict treatment outcomes and side effects with unprecedented precision.
Industry partners (opens in a new window)Illumina and (opens in a new window)GenSeq play critical roles in enabling the framework behind MAGIC-I. Illumina is providing the MAGIC-I team sequencing reagents and access to their proprietary DRAGEN™ software platform for next-generation sequencing data analysis. DRAGEN enables rapid, highly accurate genomic data analysis, making it possible to convert raw DNA reads into actionable insights within clinical timeframes. GenSeq is tasked with performing the sequencing itself offering these services at a discounted rate, significantly enhancing the study’s cost-effectiveness while helping to build Ireland’s domestic genomic infrastructure. Importantly, there will be no commercial use of the patient data generated. All genomic data will be used solely for research and clinical purposes, with provisions for consent-based sharing through secure European Union data archives such as the Genome Phenome Archive. The MAGIC-I team will work closely with GDI Ireland and the 1+ Million Genomes initiative in terms of exchanging knowledge and best practices in terms of managing data.
MAGIC-I is aligned with Ireland’s broader vision for genetic medicine, as laid out in the (opens in a new window)HSE’s National Strategy for Accelerating Genetic and Genomic Medicine.