'Fingerprints' of childhood cancer treatment provide clues that may help mitigate second cancers

MedicalXpress | Apr 20, 2026

Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital today report how lifesaving childhood cancer treatments leave "fingerprints" on DNA, which can lead to second neoplasms (cancers or cancer-like diseases) decades later. The discovery may provide a path toward reducing long-term risks of pediatric cancer therapy by improving surveillance and early detection of secondary disease for survivors. The findings were published today in Cancer Discovery.