UNC scientists funded to study genome sequencing in clinical settings

James P. Evans, MD, PhD, is the principal investigator of a four-year $6.4 million grant to establish an effort named the North Carolina Clinical Genomic Evaluation by NextGen Exome Sequencing (NCGENES).

 

”We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to investigate how best to use the new technologies of rapid DNA sequencing in patient care. In this effort we will sequence all of the genes in each of about 750 patients to determine how well this technology performs as a diagnostic tool to figure out why these patients are ill," said Dr. Evans. "We will also carefully investigate how patients and their doctors use this information in both a medical and a non-medical context."

 

Other UNC scientists leading specific components of the grant are: Jonathan Berg, MD, PhD; Gail Henderson, PhD; Karen Weck-Taylor, MD, PhD; and Kirk Wilhelmsen, MD, PhD. Read more.

 

L-R: Drs. James Evans and Jonathan Berg

 

“We now have powerful technology that can provide us with much genetic data about an individual. How do we move this technology into the clinical practice arena and successfully address the technical, logistical, psychosocial and ethical issues that arise from its use?” asks Dr. Evans.

 

Catherine Fine, MS, CGC, is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Genetics and a Certified Genetic Counselor in the Cancer and Adult Genetics Program at UNC. She, along with Drs. James Evans, Robert Sandler, and Timothy Sadiq, meet with patients and families as part of the High Risk Gastrointestinal Cancer Clinic.

 

 

High Risk Gastrointestinal
Cancer Clinic Offers Genetic Services

Do you have patients who have a personal and/or family history of colorectal and other cancers and feel they may be at risk?


The UNC High-Risk Gastrointestinal Cancer Clinic provides risk assessment, genetic counseling services, genetic testing, individualized screening and treatment protocols incorporating the latest evidence-based practices.

 

"The goal of the clinic is to provide collaborative care for families at high risk of developing gastrointestinal cancer," says Catherine Fine. "We provide families and referring doctors with the information that they need to make informed choices, assess risks and plan for the future."

 

For more information or to refer a patient call 919-843-0758 or fax 919-966-9185.


View clinic flyer.

 

The power to help, hurt and confuse: direct-to-consumer whole genome testing

In a recent commentary published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, co-authors James P. Evans, MD, PhD, and Jonathan S. Berg, MD, PhD, argue that whole genome and whole exome sequencing technology “will routinely uncover both trivial and important medical results, both welcome and unwelcome…and presents the medical community with new challenges." Read more.

UNC Lineberger    N.C. Cancer Hospital    Clinical Trials     Clinical Programs    Comprehensive Cancer Support

 

For questions about all clinical trials at UNC (including those at UNC that are also offered at other sites), contact the UNC Lineberger protocol office at 919-966-4432 or (toll-free) 1-877-668-0683.

 

To make an appointment at the N.C. Cancer Hospital for one of your patients, visit our web page for referring physicians. You may also contact the Carolina Consultation Center at 1-800-862-6264.