Cancer Genetics with Dr. Nicole Edison | Evening Rounds: Ambulatory Lecture Series

Dr. Nicole Edison, a clinical associate in the Section of Gynecologic Specialties at the University of Chicago Medicine, presents a continuing education lecture on cancer genetics for OB/GYN nurses and medical assistants. The session covers basic genetics, hereditary cancer syndromes, the genetic testing process, and management of patients with increased risk. Dr. Edison explains the difference between somatic and germline mutations, emphasizing that about 10% of cancers are hereditary, with higher rates for ovarian and triple-negative breast cancer. She discusses when to suspect hereditary cancer, such as early-onset cancers, bilateral cancers, multiple family members affected, and specific ethnic backgrounds like Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry. The testing process involves multi-gene panels, next-generation sequencing, and possible results include positive, negative, and variants of uncertain significance. Benefits of testing include personalized risk assessment, prevention strategies, and reduced anxiety, while downsides include potential discrimination, cost, and emotional impact. Management strategies for high-risk patients include enhanced screening with MRI, chemoprevention with tamoxifen, and risk-reducing surgeries like bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Dr. Edison also mentions risk assessment tools like the Tyrer-Cuzick model and the WISDOM study, and lifestyle recommendations such as weight management and limiting alcohol. The lecture emphasizes the role of nurses and medical assistants in identifying patients who may benefit from genetic evaluation and supporting them through the process.