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- PEGEN-BC – Peruvian Genetics and Genomics of Breast Cancer Study
- Working together with Dr. Tatiana Vidaurre from the Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplásicas (INEN) in Lima, Peru, we have recruited ~2,000 women with a diagnosis of breast cancer into the PEGEN-BC study. Our overall goal is to contribute knowledge on genetic risk factors for breast cancer development and prognosis in women of Latin American origin who have relatively high proportion of Indigenous American genetic ancestry. We also aim to learn about the molecular characteristics of tumors in this population and test the association between germline variation and tumor characteristics. Ultimately, we hope to contribute knowledge that can be used for breast cancer prevention and treatment in women of Latin American origin.
- LAGENO-BC
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The Latin American Genomics of Breast Cancer Consortium (LAGENO-BC) aims to build a large research resource of Latin American breast cancer cases and cancer-free controls including individuals from different countries and genetic ancestry proportions in order to study the Latinx-specific genetic architecture of breast cancer risk and survival. An additional goal of the consortium is to facilitate tumor genomics research collaborations between investigators that have access to patient tumor tissue. Initial specific aims of the consortium include: 1) to discover susceptibility loci and advance knowledge of etiology of breast cancer overall and by subtypes, with particular emphasis on Latino-specific variation.2) to develop polygenic risk scores and integrate them with known risk factors for personalized risk assessment for breast cancer overall and by subtypes, with particular emphasis on the generalizability of polygenic risk scores to Latinos of different ancestry proportion and country of origin.3) to discover loci for breast cancer prognosis, long-term survival and response to treatment, with particular emphasis on ancestry-specific associations.
- “Tu Historia Cuenta”
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Dr. Fejerman and Ysabel Duron (Founder, Latino Cancer Institute) developed a program to educate Spanish-speaking Latinas about hereditary breast cancer and to identify women that could benefit from genetic counseling and screening. The program includes 1) a booklet and an in-person promotoras training; 2) an educational video and scripted presentation (promotora-led) and brochure for the community; and 3) a short survey to identify women with strong family history of breast/ovarian cancer. The program is being implemented in partnership with two organizations of promotores: Vision y Compromiso (Bay Area, Sacramento) and Promoters for Better Health (Los Angeles). Goals: 1) Change in understanding of hereditary breast cancer and perceptions about who needs genetic counseling (pre/post tests); and 2) identify women who qualify for genetic counseling and screening and/or women who are due for a mammogram and help them access the appropriate services.
- LUCHA
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Dr. Fejerman co-directs (in partnership with Dr. Carvajal-Carmona) the Latinos United for Cancer Health Advancement Initiative (LUCHA) which aims to support/develop research into cancer etiology and outcomes in Latino populations, to increase their participation in clinical trials, to carry out cancer awareness, culturally-appropriate community outreach, and education activities in the UCDCCC catchment area (and beyond).
