Participant Engagement and Cancer Genomic Sequencing Center (PE-CGS)

Overview of the WU-PE-CGS

The Washington University Participant Engagement and Cancer Genomic Sequencing Center (WU-PE-CGS) fills critical gaps in knowledge, methodology, and characterization of understudied cancer populations, leading to optimal approaches to participant engagement, outreach, and communication in genomic characterization studies.

The WU-PE-CGS builds on a long and outstanding record of leadership in both cancer disparities and genomic research across the cancer continuum. We are particularly innovative and allow for a significant return on the scientific investment in several ways.

• First, our Center has distinctive features that include a combined focus on cancer disparities, the application of strategies to increase participant engagement in research, success in biospecimen acquisition, and exceptional genomic sequencing expertise.
• Second, we have assembled a diverse, world class team with strong linkages to multiple rare and understudied cancers.
• Third, we engage investigators from different disciplines and invest in the development of early career scholars.
• Fourth, we strategically and creatively disseminate products in ways that benefit researchers, practitioners, and community members.
• Fifth, we partner with exceptional patient-centered and wide-reaching advocacy groups to engage patients, optimize recruitment, and seamlessly return results. Input from these groups, patients, and their families is a key strength that leverages our track record of stakeholder engaged research.
• And finally, we have developed a focused strategy for collective integration of our units.

These synergies allow our Center to become a national resource for optimal approaches to participant engagement, outreach, and communication in genomic characterization studies as technologies advance that accelerate progress for the scientific community, patients and their communities.