Current gaps in knowledge and future research directions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children with cancer.

Abstract

Paediatric cancer is the leading cause of disease-related death in Australian children. Limited research focuses on cancer in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Although there appears to be a lower incidence of cancer overall in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children compared with non-Indigenous children, a high proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia. Five-year overall survival is lower for many cancer types in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. There is a need for Indigenous-specific research focused on molecular and genetic profiles, pharmacogenomics and survivorship, both within Australia and globally. Future research in this space should be co-designed and led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities; alongside clinicians, researchers and services to ensure that the priorities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are met.