Second sight

Gene test spots rare eye cancer in baby 4 weeks after birth

- BY MARTIN BAGOT Health Editor

A NEWBORN baby diagnosed with a rare eye cancer could have his sight saved thanks to a pioneering gene testing project.

Freddie Underhay is among 100,000 babies who are being enrolled in the Generation Study to undergo whole genome testing, which can identify more than 200 rare diseases.

Four weeks after Freddie was born in April, it was found he had hereditary retinoblastoma, which is caused by a change in his RB1 gene and can lead to blindness if not treated.

Around 44 children are diagnosed with the disease every year in the UK. Catching the cancer early is crucial.