WU-PE-CGS

  • Multiple myeloma, cholangiocarcinoma, colorectal cancer
  • Adults with cholangiocarcinoma, Black Americans under age 50 with colorectal cacner, Black Americans with multiple myeloma
  • Washington University in St. Louis
  • Grant Number: U2C CA252981

Washington University Participant Engagement and Cancer Genomic Sequencing Center.

Washington University in St. Louis

Participant engagement and sequencing research from the Washington University Participant Engagement and Cancer Genomic Sequencing Center (WU-PE-CGS) will fill critical gaps in knowledge, methodology, and characterization of understudied cancer populations, leading to optimal approaches to participant engagement, outreach, and communication in genomic characterization studies. By engaging underrepresented participants with under-characterized tumors, we will advance the elimination of cancer disparities. The WU-PE-CGS will directly engage with participants in partnership with patient advocacy groups and patient partners to learn more about the genetics of these cancers. These partnerships will help researchers reach and recruit patients, gain input and feedback from people in the community affected by this research, and report back to the community on the results of this research.

Our center will focus on multiple myeloma in Black Americans, cholangiocarcinoma, and colorectal cancer in Black Americans under age 50 which show significant disparities with respect to racial/ethnic background and rural geography. Multiple myeloma occurs in Black Americans at twice the rate of the general population, but little is known about genetic variability among Black Americans. Cholangiocarcinoma includes a diverse group of rare, aggressive malignancies in the biliary system which presents challenges in conducting research. For colorectal cancer, Black Americans under 50 have decreased survival compared to white patients, even when diagnosed at an early stage. The WU-PE-CGS will analyze 100 retrospective and 200 prospective samples for each of these cancer types to better understand the genomics from these underrepresented populations. These efforts will help researchers, healthcare providers, and the community work together to better understand these diseases and address these disparities with the goal of improving treatment and care.

Project Aims

  • Engage participants with continuous evaluation and research to study disparities in rare cancers including multiple myeloma in Black Americans, cholangiocarcinoma, and colorectal cancer in Black Americans under age 50.
  • Conduct comprehensive genomic testing and follow up participants long term.
  • Address cancer disparities by improving the ability for disadvantaged populations to benefit from genomic sequencing.
  • Share findings with investigators, patients, and advocacy stakeholders to broaden understanding of genomic characterizations of tumors.

Leadership

WU Grahm A Colditz

Graham Colditz

WU Li Ding

Li Ding

WU Bettina Drake

Bettina Drake

WU Ryan Fields

Ryan Fields

Additional Team Members

WU Kia Davis

Kia L Davis

WU Aimee James

Aimee S James

WU Mark Fiala

Mark A Fiala

WU KianHuat Lim

Kian H Lim

WU Mary Politi

Mary C Politi

WU Adetunji Toriola

Adetunji T. Toriola

WU Ravi Vij

Ravi Vij

WU Mark Watson

Mark A Watson

WU Albert M Lai

Albert M Lai

WU Patricia Dickson

Patricia I. Dickson

WU Erin Linnenbringer

Erin Lynn Linnenbringer

WU Jessica Mozersky

Jessica Mozersky

WU Fei Wan

Fei Wan

WU David Spencer

David Spencer

WU Yin Cao

Yin Cao

WU Aadel Chaudhuri

Aadel Chaudhuri

WU Feng Chen

Feng Chen

WU Eric Duncavage

Eric J Duncavage

WU Reyka Jayasinghe

Reyka Jayasinghe

WU Mike Wendl

Michael C Wendl

WU Matt Wyczalkowski

Matt Wyczalkowski