Faculty

Gloria M. Petersen, Ph.D.

Clinical Studies

Cohort Study of Pancreatic Cancer Risk Rochester, Minn.
The primary purpose of this study is to develop a cohort (biobank of biospecimens and data) of individuals aged 50 and older without pancreatic cancer who are members of kindreds containing three blood relatives with pancreatic cancer, OR who carry a mutation in a known predisposition gene for pancreatic cancer.
Two Cancers, One Gene (TCOG) Rochester, Minn.
The overall purpose of this study is to understand the factors that increase susceptibility and expression of pancreatic cancer and melanoma in high risk families. Individuals who are affected with pancreas cancer and melanoma, as well as those without either cancer who have been identified as 1st or 2nd degree relatives of family members with pancreas cancer and melanoma, will be asked to participate. The participant will be asked to complete a survey about their health and family history of cancer and to give a blood sample for specific gene testing and storage for future research studies.

Disclosing Genomic Incidental Findings in a Cancer Biobank: An ELSI Experiment (UNIFY) Rochester, Minn.
Currently, there is no clear legal or ethical guidance about how researchers and IRBs ought to proceed when the research participant in a biobank is deceased and there is clinically relevant information that could be disclosed to family members. This study is designed to test a procedure offering genetic information to family members of research participants who participated in a pancreatic cancer biobank in a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) -compliant design.
Examination of the Pancreas in New-onset Diabetes (EXPAND Study) (EXPAND) Rochester, Minn.
The purpose of this study is to create a prospective cohort of subjects with increased probability of being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and then screen this cohort for pancreatic cancer
Identifying Gene Modifiers of Melanoma and Pancreatic Cancer Susceptibility Rochester, Minn.
The purpose of this study is to understand the interplay of factors increasing susceptibility and expression of pancreatic cancer and melanoma to develop new diagnostic and chemopreventive regimens.
Learning About Research Gene Outcomes (LARGO) (LARGO) Rochester, Minn.
The purpose of this study is to understand the immediate and delayed feelings, plans, and behaviors of individuals after receiving the results of genetic research testing.