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

Abstract

Summary 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.