Collaborative Projects
Learn about our ongoing collaborative projects
PE-CGS collaborative projects are a vital aspect of cross-collaboration of the Network. These projects intend to maximize the impact of research efforts and foster partnerships in the PE-CGS Network. The mechanism for collaborative projects is established to investigate unmet, yet significant research questions that are common among participating Research Centers. By pooling expertise and resources from participating Research Centers, these projects combine diverse focuses and processes, and promote generalizable applications or findings. Through these collaborative efforts, the PE-CGS Network aims to enhance our understanding of cancer.
Microbiome Characterization in Underrepresented PE-CGS Cancer Patients
Collaborators: COPECC, UNM/TGen, WU-PE-CGS
Overview: This project aims to investigate the role of the gut microbiome in colorectal cancer among historically underrepresented populations, including American Indians, Hispanic/Latinos, and African Americans, who often face earlier cancer onset and poorer clinical outcomes. The integration of microbiome data with existing clinical and genomic data will provide a comprehensive understanding of cancer initiation and progression in these populations, potentially leading to new diagnostic methods and treatment plans tailored to their unique microbiome profiles.
Understanding and Engaging Decliners to Genetic Sequencing Research in the PE-CGS Network
Collaborators: Count Me In, COPECC, UNM/TGen, WU-PE-CGS
Overview: This project aims to address the underrepresentation of American Indian, Hispanic/Latino, and African American cancer patients and individuals with rare cancers in cancer genomic sequencing research by investigating the reasons why they decline to participate. Understanding these reasons will help in developing tailored ethical responses and strategies to increase participation and ensure more inclusive cancer research that benefits all patients.
Cascade Testing in the PE-CGS Network
Collaborators: Count Me In, COPECC, OPTIMUM, WU-PE-CGS
Overview: This project aims to explore cascade testing among historically underrepresented populations, including Hispanic/Latinos and African Americans as well as those with rare tumor types, who have been understudied in terms of family communication of genetic test results. Understanding how genetic test results are communicated within families will help promote cascade testing, enabling early detection and prevention measures for family members.
cfDNA Methylation Analysis in CRC for Minimal Residual Disease Detection in Hispanic/Latinos and African Americans
Collaborators: COPECC, WU-PE-CGS
Overview: This project aims to improve the detection of Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) among underrepresented populations with colorectal cancer, including Hispanic/Latinos and African Americans, through the development of cfDNA methylation liquid biopsies. Detecting MRD will identify high-risk patients for recurrence and help in improving disease-specific survival by informing more personalized treatment decisions, potentially enhancing outcomes.
Spatial proteomics and spatial transcriptomics analysis following radiation
Collaborators: Count Me In, OPTIMUM
Overview: This project is to understand why two rare cancers—lower grade glioma (LGG) and leiomyosarcoma (LMS)—are very likely to return after radiation treatment. The research team will develop new spatial molecular analysis methods to advance our understanding of how radiation changes cell interactions in LGG and LMS. This research is directed toward overcoming radiation therapy resistance for these rare cancers.
