The ARS presented the methodology and schedule for the sampling that will take place this fall at the homes of sick children and at Notre-Dame de Lourdes School. Santé publique France provided an update on its ongoing studies. In addition, the Parents’ Collective presented their initiative to analyze hair samples from children in the Ste Pazanne area. The National Cancer Institute was also present to detail the work of the “Task Force” created in December 2018 as part of the additional allocation of 5 million euros dedicated to basic research in pediatric oncology.

The Regional Health Agency is continuing its investigations to “clear up doubts”

The first environmental measurement campaigns in the homes of children with cancer will begin as early as this coming November. Their organization will be coordinated with the families. They will focus on electromagnetic fields, air, water (drinking water and rainwater), and radioactivity. The selection of these measurements is based on assessments conducted over the summer by the ARS at the homes of children with cancer (17 homes assessed). In addition to this baseline, certain homes will undergo specific analyses related to the unique characteristics of those dwellings and the surrounding environment (proximity to potentially polluting activities).

The objective of these measurements is to identify any anomalies in the homes (structural, equipment) that could contribute to environmental degradation (air quality or drinking water quality in particular) and to identify any specific sources of exposure related to the home and its immediate environment (e.g., private wells). The results will enable the ARS to recommend protective measures, if necessary.

All results will be communicated individually to each family.

Furthermore, as planned, a new round of environmental measurements will be conducted at the Notre-Dame de Lourdes School from October through January 2020 to supplement or confirm the investigations carried out this summer. It will cover the following areas: indoor air quality, drinking water, groundwater, and electromagnetic fields.

As a reminder, these “reassurance” measures ensure that environmental parameters (water, air, soil, etc.) do not exceed reference values. This approach differs from the epidemiological investigation, which aims to identify a potential common cause for these cancers.

The Parents’ Collective presented toxicological analyses of children’s hair

Like other committee participants, the “Stop Cancers in Our Children” collective presented some of its work. At the request of some families in Ste Pazanne and the surrounding area, a laboratory analyzed the presence of 1,800 substances in the hair of 21 children. This initial discussion will be expanded upon to address the methodology and interpretation of the results at an upcoming meeting of the monitoring committee.

Santé publique France will present the initial results of the ongoing studies in November

As part of the epidemiological study conducted in response to the referral from the Pays de Loire Regional Health Agency (ARS), Santé publique France met with the 13 families included in the study from July through the end of September 2019. These meetings were conducted using a questionnaire, which served to describe the environment and lifestyle habits of children with cancer, on the one hand, and to investigate, on the other hand, potential overexposure to one or more risk factors mentioned in the scientific literature that might be common among these children. The results are currently being compiled and will be presented to the families concerned in early November to address their questions.

At the same time, the agency conducted a contextual study over the summer on local expectations and knowledge, the methodology of which was validated by the monitoring committee. Numerous data points were thus collected regarding the experience of the event, local questions and expectations regarding health authorities, the actions taken by the stakeholders interviewed, and points of divergence and convergence. These results will first be presented to the 30 survey participants.

The results of these two studies will be presented at the next monitoring committee meeting.

The National Cancer Institute presented the work of the “Task Force” on basic research in pediatric oncology

The National Cancer Institute presented the work undertaken as part of the Task Force established by the Institute, at the request of the Minister in charge of research, to accelerate basic research on pediatric cancers.

Pediatric cancers encompass a wide range of rare diseases, and nearly 20% of affected children do not recover. Understanding the causes of these cancers, their characteristics, and preventing long-term effects requires pooling and sharing expertise and promoting interdisciplinary projects. To make progress on these major issues in childhood cancers, a coordination unit—a “Task Force” dedicated to basic research in pediatric oncology—brings together groups of parent associations and researchers. The goal is to define research questions and develop a proposal for research to be undertaken in line with families’ expectations.

The working group “Human Development—(Epi)genetic Anomalies and Environment” will propose a research strategy to advance knowledge of pediatric cancers, particularly those affecting very young children, whose origins may be linked to genetic or epigenetic abnormalities that arise during human development. The collaborative work of researchers from various disciplines—genetics, epigenetics, development, environment, and pediatric oncology—in partnership with patient organizations is essential to identifying research questions, defining key areas of focus, and overcoming the obstacles to addressing them, thereby expanding our knowledge to better treat and cure children whom we are currently unable to cure.