Genetic Counseling Frequently Asked Questions

What are the goals of the GC Shared Resource?

These are the two main goals of the GC Shared Resource:

• To provide cancer genetics expertise and genetic counseling services and interventions
• To support the scientific research and objectives of the Cancer Center

What services does the GC Shared Resource provide?

• Identify and recruit participants for genetic research
• Provide expertise regarding study design and ethical, legal, and social issues (ELSI) critical to genetic research
• Implement genetic counseling interventions
• Oversee and lead the return of clinically actionable findings

Planning and appropriate consenting can minimize possible negative consequences of genetic testing. We encourage investigators to consult the GC Shared Resource in the planning stages of a project to ensure optimal design of studies and adherence to ethical principles.

Who staffs the GC Shared Resource?

The GC Shared Resource is staffed by licensed, board-certified genetic counselors.

What is the cost for using the GC Shared Resource?

The GC Shared Resource provides consultation services to investigators at no charge. There is no chargeback system. For studies requiring a genetic counseling intervention, we estimate genetic counseling effort at a set rate of patients/year per FTE.

What are some examples of the GC Shared Resource contributions to science?

Here is a summary of some recent major scientific discoveries facilitated by the GC Shared Resource and the Shared Resource services used:

• Delivering counseling by telephone is an effective strategy for extending the reach of genetic counselors to underserved areas.
  • Identified participants meeting testing guidelines
  • Delivered study-specific, telephone-based genetic counseling interventions
  • Interpreted data and prepared manuscript
    Citations: J Clin Oncol 2016; J Oncol Practice 2016; Cancer Epidemiol Behavior Prev 2016; J Natl Cancer Inst 2014

• Risk assessment paired with genetic testing is more impactful than family history-based risk assessment for melanoma alone.
  • Identified cohorts with CDKN2A mutations and familial melanoma families with similar risk but no identifiable genetic etiology
  • Developed standardized protocol for delivering family history- and genetic-based risk assessment
  • Modified protocol for children and adolescents
  • Interpreted data and prepared manuscript
    Citations: Transl Beha Med 2018; J Genet Couns 2018; J Community Genet 2016; J Beh Med 2015; J Beh Med 2015

• Sulindac and erlotinib reduce development of polyps in the rectum/pouch and duodenum of individuals with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).
  • Identified and recruited patients with FAP
  • Coordinated molecular confirmation of diagnoses
  • Expanded families to identify other relatives with FAP and offer participation
    Citations: JAMA Oncol 2018; JAMA 2016