CANCER GENETICS PROGRAM The Cancer Genetics (CG) Program of the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center (LCCC) was established in 2001 to facilitate an integrated, multi-disciplinary approach to genetics research and its application to clinical care. The program is comprised of laboratory-based investigators, statistical geneticists, researchers and clinicians, all focused on improving our understanding of cancer etiology and the treatment of cancer. By integrating the multiple strengths of UNC, ranging from basic science to clinical genomic analysis, the LCCC Cancer Genetics Program has become a world leader in (i) mechanisms of cancer-associated genes; (ii) precision oncology and bioinformatics; and (iii) epigenetics/epigenomics. Cancer treatments are increasingly tailored to an individual?s genomic constitution and the genomic characteristics of the tumor, mitigating toxicity and enhancing efficacy by precisely targeting mutations that drive tumor propagation. We have developed a comprehensive program that includes: (i) integrating diverse experimental organisms from yeast, fly and mouse, to cell-based systems, and ultimately human populations to identify mechanisms that result in genomic and transcriptomic alterations and the specific lesions responsible for cancer phenotypes; (ii) use of Whole Genome, Whole Exome and Whole Transcriptome Sequencing (WGS/WES/WTS) as effective diagnostic tools; (iii) facilitating the meaningful use of genomic information by patients and providers through structured categorization of genomic variation based on clinical validity and utility; (iv) a state-of-the-art informatics approach that incorporates generation, analysis, and management of genomic data, coupling genomic and clinical information to drive both clinical testing and translational research; (v) development of ethical and practical policies for the use of WGS data by clinicians for patient care; and (vi) exploration of epigenomic mechanisms and strategies for therapeutic intervention. Our vision has been realized through value added LCCC resources for the strategic recruitment of faculty in emerging fields, investment in cutting-edge technology including data handling, enhanced organization for integrative analyses and the securing of significant federal funding to enable the application of genomics to diverse aspects of cancer care and prevention. CG consists of 31 members who are associated with 10 basic science and 3 clinical departments at UNC-Chapel Hill and affiliated institutions. During the last funding period, program members have published 544 cancer-related articles, 39% were inter-programmatic and 16% were intra-programmatic (45% collaborative). In 2019, our program members held grants totaling $15.2M (direct cost) in cancer-relevant extramural funding, including $5.7M (direct costs) from the NCI and $8.6M in other peer-reviewed funding.
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