Quantitative Issues in Cancer Research Working Seminar

Jane Liang
Doctoral Student, Department of Biostatistics, Harvard University

“Multi-gene, Multi-cancer Mendelian Risk Assessment”

ABSTRACT: Risk evaluation to determine individuals who are at greater risk of cancer as a result of heritable mutations is a valuable component of individualized clinical management. Mendelian models identify those at high risk for carrying a pathogenic mutation and assess future risk of cancer, based on family history. Existing Mendelian models are widely employed, but are generally limited to specific mutations and syndromes. However, there is growing evidence that syndromes once thought to be distinct are determined by mutations that increase the risk of multiple cancers. We develop a flexible, computationally efficient Mendelian risk prediction model that incorporates an arbitrary number of genes and cancers.