WU-PE-CGS

Multiple myeloma, cholangiocarcinoma, colorectal cancer
Adults with cholangiocarcinoma, Black Americans age 65 and under with colorectal cancer, Black Americans with multiple myeloma
Washington University in St. Louis
Grant Number: U2C CA252981

Contact
- pecgs@wustl.edu
- WU-PE-CGS website

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 age 65 and under 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 age 65 and under 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 age 65 and under.
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.