Grant Details
Grant Number: |
3U24CA078148-05S2 Interpret this number |
Primary Investigator: |
Griffin, Constance |
Organization: |
Johns Hopkins University |
Project Title: |
Mid Atlantic Cancer Genetics Network |
Fiscal Year: |
2004 |
Abstract
DESCRIPTION: (Applicant's Description) Our overall goal is to establish a
regional cancer genetics network in the Mid-Atlantic region (encompassing
Maryland, Delaware, and the District of Columbia) and additional
participating institutions that, along with our existing and strong
cancer-related resources and facilities, can contribute to the goals of the
overall Cancer Genetics Network (CGN) in order to promote cancer genetics
research, education, and clinical services, both locally and nationally.
Johns Hopkins is uniquely positioned by its multidisciplinary leadership in
cancer genetics research, clinical programs, and genetics and public
policy/ethics studies to readily develop an integrated network. Our
specific aims include: 1) To construct a Mid-Atlantic Cancer Genetics
Network (MACGN), which through consortial arrangements, will function as an
actively participating center of the national CGN. 1a) We will establish an
organizational structure composed of a central Steering Committee, the
participating regional institutions, and support personnel for the research,
educational, and local informatics activities, all linked by secure Internet
access. lb) We will develop and coordinate referrals of high risk patients
and families (by regional institutions and existing research
studies/registries) to established clinical programs in predictive cancer
genetic testing to further expand cancer genetic services in the region and
support the activities of the national CGN. 2) To facilitate cancer
genetics research within the CGN. 2a) We will establish an appropriate
local program structure to assist investigators interested in cancer
genetics research. This program will be directed by the MACGN Steering
Committee and will organize and track ongoing research activities both
locally and within the CGN, exploit local collateral research strengths in
cancer research, provide expertise to formulate new hypotheses, and
coordinate mechanisms for the funding of promising studies. 2b) We will
develop and maintain a local registry resource of selected high risk
patients and families eligible for research protocols of the CGN. This
MACGN resource will recruit patients into the national CGN registry, compile
core clinical, family, and epidemiologic data, and collect and store
biological specimens as needed for specific CGN studies. 3) To coordinate
and promote cancer genetics educational opportunities in the Mid-Atlantic
region. 3a) We will establish a local program to coordinate new and
existing community and patient cancer genetics educational resources,
including the development of Internet-based information. 3b) Through
collaboration with other CGN participating centers, we will adapt nationally
developed cancer genetics curricula and devise educational materials
appropriate for health professionals in the Mid-Atlantic region and broader
geographic areas covered by CGN centers. 3c) We will disseminate the
locally- and CGN-developed cancer genetics curriculum and informational
updates to the Mid-Atlantic region through academic courses (both
traditional and distance learning modes), CME courses, a speakers bureau,
and electronic newsletters. Thus, the Johns Hopkins team will provide the
leadership to integrate its multifaceted strengths in basic research,
clinical research, informatics expertise, genetic policy studies, and
health, education to form a center that will both serve and draw from its
regional clinic population, and function in the national Cancer Genetics
Network.
Publications
None. See parent grant details.