Home | Participant Engagement and Cancer Genome Sequencing Study

Overlapping hands of all colors and ages in center of a circle. Text reads: Washington University Participants Engagement and Genome Sequencing Study

Working Together to

Reduce Inequality in Cancer

There’s been great progress in treating cancer over the last decades. But, unfortunately, not all groups have benefited equally.

Our study’s goal is to learn from – and work with – participants so we can help reduce health inequality in groups with rare and understudied cancers.

The Washington University Participant Engagement and Cancer Genome Sequencing (WU-PE-CGS) study uses a many-layered approach – including genetic testing – to fill important gaps in what we know about: Cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer); Colorectal cancer in Black Americans age 65 and under; and Multiple myeloma in Black Americans.

Cancers in Our Study

Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer)

Male and female couple playing with young child playing with soap bubbles in nature.

You can take part in the WU-PE-CGS study if:

Diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer)
Diagnosed at age 18 or older

Colorectal cancer in Black americans age 65 and under

African American family of four with two young children, smiling at camera with greenery in background.

You can take part in the WU-PE-CGS study if:

Diagnosis of colorectal cancer
Diagnosed between ages 18 – 65
Identify as Black American

Multiple myeloma in Black americans

Mature African American mother hugging her daughter.

You can take part in the WU-PE-CGS study if:

Diagnosis of multiple myeloma
Diagnosed at age 18 or older
Identify as Black American

Learn More About Our Study

Why Join Our Study?

Be a part of important research that can help reduce inequality in cancer.

We are inviting patients and survivors of these three cancers from around the country to be part of this study. This research study involves surveys and interviews, a review of previous medical records, and a genetic test of previous biopsy tissue. No extra patient visits or procedures are needed. In addition to helping advance research to narrow disparities in cancer, participants receive the option to get genetic testing results and genetic counseling.

What are you asked to do if you take part in the WU-PE-CGS study?

Complete a small number of surveys and interviews over the length of the study (up to 4 years).
Allow study researchers to review your medical history, health records, and results of cancer-related testing.
Allow collection and genetic testing of a small sample of your cancer tissue, biopsy blood collection, or bone marrow from the health system where you had your cancer care.
Provide small blood samples (up to six ) or saliva samples for genetic testing.

What do you get if you take part in the WU-PE-CGS study?

Be a part of important research that can help reduce inequality in cancer.
Option to get results of genetic testing.
Option to receive genetic counseling.
No cost to participate.

Silhouette of multigenerational group of 8 holding hands outside, backlit by sun. Facing away from camera.

How Do I Join the WU-PE-CGS Study?
Email: pecgs@wustl.edu
Phone: 314-273-2434

Learn More About Joining Our Study

Meet Our Team

We hope to learn from the participants about what’s important to them in their cancer decision-making.
Bettina Drake, PhD, Co-Director, Co-Principal Investigator

The WU-PE-CGS study team has a long and outstanding record of working to narrow health inequalities and improve the care of understudied and rare cancers.

Four middle-aged adults outside smiling at the camera. Two men. Two women, people of color. — Principle investigators (from left): Graham A. Colditz, MD, DrPH; Li Ding, PhD; Bettina Drake, PhD; Ryan Fields, MD

Two people in an indoor walkway with large windows, smiling at the camera. On left a white woman in black top. On right a black man in dark sport coat. — Clinical Coordinators (from left): Danielle Grasso, RN and Hasani Bland, BS.

Principal Investigators:

Graham A. Colditz, MD, DrPH, Co-Director and Contact Principal Investigator | Division of Public Health Sciences
Li Ding, PhD, Co-Director, Co-Principal Investigator
Bettina Drake, PhD, Co-Director, Co-Principal Investigator
Ryan Fields, MD, Co-Director, Co-Principal Investigator

Clinical Coordinators:

Hasani Bland, BS
Danielle Grasso, RN

Participant Engagement Advisory Board:

Study participants play a key role in helping to develop and improve components of the study. This helps the WU-PE-CGS study meet the needs of its participants, as well as their families, loved ones, and healthcare teams. Please contact us if you’re interested in being part of the WU-PE-CGS Participant Engagement Advisory Board (PEAB).

Patient Advocacy Partners:

Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation

Fight Colorectal Cancer (Fight CRC)

Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF)

Meet the Full Team

Questions About Our Study?

Here are some answers

How does this study help address inequalities in cancer?

Our study’s goal is to learn from – and work with – participants so we can help narrow health inequalities in groups with rare and understudied cancers.The study hopes to grow the genetic knowledge in groups that have not typically been equally represented in cancer genetic testing.

Who is funding this research study?

The WU-PE-CGS study is funded through the Cancer Moonshot initiative, a White House initiative to accelerate the rate of progress in cancer research and treatment. It is also supported by the Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital.

Why do people participate in this study?

There are many reasons people may participate. They may be interested in helping advance understanding of cancer. They may be interested in receiving genetic testing results and genetic counseling. Finally, they may want to have a greater involvement in the way cancer research is done.