WHAT
DNA-based tests can help doctors detect genetic disorders and identify if someone is prone or likely to develop certain conditions or diseases, including autosomal dominant disorders such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and Huntington’s disease. Testing for these types of disorders raises important ethical considerations and questions, including those around testing in children.
To bring expert insight into the discussion around genetic testing, the College of American Pathologists (CAP) will host an educational session at its annual meeting. The session is part of the CAP Foundation Keitges Program on Medical Ethics and will include leading experts in the fields of pathology and genetic ethics who will review the historical background of genetic testing for certain disorders, the current state of testing and ethical considerations and concerns.
WHY
Late onset autosomal dominant disorders and other genetic disorders can affect people of all ages, impact their quality of life and in some cases, claim their lives. Nearly 5.3 million people struggle with Alzheimer’s disease, and one out of every 10,000 Americans has Huntington’s disease. This year alone, more than 560,000 Americans are expected to die of cancer. Genetic testing can confirm that a patient is suffering from a late onset autosomal dominant disorder, or it can tell if a patient may be at risk for one.
WHO
The College of American Pathologists is a medical society serving more than 17,000 physician members and the laboratory community throughout the world. As diagnostic physicians, pathologists play a key role in disease screening, including genetic testing for late onset autosomal dominant disorders.
The “Genetic Testing in Late Onset Autosomal Dominant Disorders” session includes the following experts:
Gail H. Vance, MD, FCAP (Indianapolis, Ind.)
- Director, Indiana University Genetic Testing Laboratories
Kimberly A. Quaid, PhD (Indianapolis, Ind.)
- Professor of medical and molecular genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine
Interviews are available upon request.
WHEN
Sunday, September 26
9:30 – 11:30 AM (Central Time)
WHERE
Hyatt Regency Chicago
151 E. Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60601
Press room: Grand Suite 4, East Tower, Gold Level
CONTACT
Julie Monzo, College of American Pathologists
847-832-7538(office), 847-380-0793(cell), [email protected]
Marie Manning, Ogilvy PR
202-729-4106 (office), 703-965-27887 (cell), [email protected]
For more information about The Pathologists Meeting™, please visit www.cap.org/CAP10.
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