Importance of Paired Germline and Tumor Testing in Cancer Patients from Understudied Populations
21 Mar 2025
Cancer Genetics and Therapeutics
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Accredited:
- Accredited
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Primary Categories:
- Cancer
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Secondary Categories:
- Cancer
The National Cancer Institute launched the Participant Engagement and Cancer Genome Sequencing (PE-CGS) Network as part of the Cancer Moonshot to advance discoveries in the genomics of rare or lethal cancers, cancers with high disparities, and cancers in understudied populations. A key priority of the Network is to personalize the return of genomic findings – both germline and somatic tumor – to the participants of its research studies in a meaningful and respectful way. However, this goal poses several challenges such as the inherent complexity of genetic biology and sequencing assays, the variation in reporting standards among laboratories and cancer centers, and the added complexity of separating germline and somatic tumor testing and reporting. This symposia will feature speakers from the PE-CGS Network who will discuss the current challenges and opportunities for personalizing the return of genomic findings in cancer research. They will share the lessons they have learned from which other genetics laboratories, clinicians, researchers, and patients may benefit. These opportunities will highlight the importance of paired germline and somatic testing, optimizing the timing of somatic testing, and creating systematic processes that clarify reporting practices. The session will feature case studies from the PE-CGS Network to illustrate practical applications of these approaches and will demonstrate the importance of participant engagement.
Learning Objectives
- Identify challenges associated with germline and somatic testing in cancer research
- Identify challenges associated with the return of germline and somatic testing results to patients or study participants
- Summarize how somatic tumor test results can clarify the pathogenicity of germline variant of uncertain significance
- Plan for how clinician, researchers, & labs can work together to better incorporate paired germline and tumor sequencing
Agenda
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Welcome and Introduction3:30 PM – 3:35 PM -
Issues on Somatic Testing from the Laboratory Perspective3:35 PM – 3:50 PM -
Challenges and Opportunities of Integrating Clinical Tumor and Germline Genetic Testing3:50 PM – 4:05 PM -
Case Examples of How Paired Tumor and Germline Testing can Help to Resolve VUSs4:05 PM – 4:20 PM -
Challenges and Opportunities Somatic Testing from the Clinician Perspective4:20 PM – 4:35 PM -
Panel DiscussionPanel Discussion and Q&A4:35 PM – 5:00 PM
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