
Cancer Genetics and Genetic Testing - It's Not All in the Family - SPOC
Genetic sequencing technologies are increasingly applied in the oncology setting for a variety of purposes. Genetic testing of tumor specimens can help clarify a diagnosis and inform targeted therapies. Circulating tumor DNA can be detected in blood samples and can also guide therapy as well as monitoring for response to treatment or recurrence. Five to ten percent of cancers are the result of an underlying hereditary syndrome. Dedicated germline (i.e. hereditary) genetic tests are required to identify these syndromes, but other genetic tests may provide clues about the chance of a hereditary syndrome. Inappropriate use of other types of genetic testing to assess germline risk can result in harm to patients. We propose to provide education about various oncology genetic tests and their uses, with an emphasis on what those tests may (or may not) tell us about underlying hereditary risk. We will illustrate this with case examples, including a recent case referred to us who underwent prophylactic surgeries after being told she had BRCA1/2 associated hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome following incorrect ordering of a test that did not address germline risk and misinterpretation of the results.
Target Audience
These courses are intended for medical, radiation, and surgical oncologists, hematologists, advanced practice nurses, registered nurses, physician assistants, radiologic technologists, researchers, pharmacists, trainees, allied health personnel, and others who are interested in care for patients and survivors in North Carolina.
Learning Objectives
- Differentiate between germline, tumor and cell free DNA test products and their application in cancer care.
- Identify features of somatic test results that suggest need for hereditary cancer testing.
- Recognize risks to patients when errors in genetic test ordering or interpretation occur.
Handouts
Taking the Course
To continue, click the button Take Course.
If you do not see the button, please ensure that you are logged in. If you are logged in and still don't see the button, please contact us at unclcn@unc.edu or (919) 445–1000.
![]() | Kate Foreman, MS, CGC Clinical Assistant Professor & Genetic Counselor |
Presenter Disclosure Information
Kate Foreman, MS, CGC, has no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests as defined by the ACCME.
Available Credit
- 1.00 ACPE Pharmacist
Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education
The University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. To receive CE credit, participants must complete the CE attendance form and the online evaluation of the program (instructions to be emailed). Statements of credit can be viewed and printed in CPE Monitor in approximately 2 to 3 weeks.
**No partial credit will be available**
- 1.00 ACPE Pharmacy Tech
Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education
The University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. To receive CE credit, participants must complete the CE attendance form and the online evaluation of the program (instructions to be emailed). Statements of credit can be viewed and printed in CPE Monitor in approximately 2 to 3 weeks.
**No partial credit will be available**
- 1.00 ASRT
Approved by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT).
Tim Poe, Director of Telehealth
- 1.00 CTRApproved as a Category A by the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA).
- 1.00 NCPD/CNE
Greensboro Area Health Education Center is approved as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the North Carolina Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation
Event Coordinator: Lisa Guy, RN, BSN, CCRN
- 1.00 Participation
UNC Lineberger Cancer Network certificate of participation.
Tim Poe, Director of Telehealth