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Explore our cutting edge research, world-class patient care, career opportunities and more.
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Home
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COMET: COmprehensive METhylation database of pediatric solid tumors
A searchable database of epigenetics and histology for characterizing pediatric solid tumors
Goal
To provide a comprehensive repository of pediatric solid tumor DNA methylation and copy number variant (CNV) profiles generated using the Illumina Infinium 850K array, including corresponding histology data.
Impact
COMET is the largest and most comprehensive extracranial pediatric solid tumor epigenetic reference dataset in the world. It offers researchers ways to:
- Stratify patients taking part in clinical trials
- Improve diagnosis of challenging cases
- Study the origins of pediatric solid tumors
Overview
It can be difficult to diagnose, subtype and stage pediatric solid tumors because of the diversity of cell types found within and between tumors. Some can overcome these challenges by using advanced techniques, such as molecular testing, to improve the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of their patients. However, much of the world lacks access to such technologies and pathologists with specialized expertise.
The COmprehensive METhylation (COMET) database is a new tool from St. Jude that allows users to refine diagnoses, predict outcomes, assess the presence of genomic lesions and characterize tumor cell heterogeneity. Most importantly, COMET uses readily available sample preparation and analysis techniques.
These include:
- Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained tissue sections from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) blocks
- DNA methylation profiling using DNA isolated from FFPE and/or frozen blocks
Housed on the St. Jude Cloud, COMET is an important tool for those working to improve the care of children with solid tumors around the world and is a resource that provides:
- DNA methylation profiles of 20 different types of pediatric solid tumors and matched whole slide images (WSI)
- A comparative collection of orthotopic patient-derived xenografts, cell lines, adult sarcomas and normal tissues
- The ability for users to query the COMET database using DNA methylation and/or WSI data of their own