Kansas City, Kan- Dr. Steve Stites discusses the importance of genetic testing in precision medicine, focusing on Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS), caused by mutations in the TP53 gene. LFS significantly increases the risk of certain cancers, particularly in young individuals with cancers like adrenocortical carcinomas and breast cancer being common. Angela Valent shares her experience of being diagnosed with breast cancer at 39 and undergoing treatment. The discussion also covers the role of genetic testing in cancer diagnosis and treatment, and the potential for future targeted therapies.

Dr. Steve Stites, Chief Medical Officer, The University of Kansas Health System

· Dr. Steve Stites introduces the topic of genetic clues and precision medicine, emphasizing the importance of genetic variants in tailoring treatments and early cancer detection.

· He explains the syndrome, Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS), and its historical context, including its discovery and genetic linkage.

Dr Jeffrey Weitzel, Director of Precision Prevention, University of Kansas Cancer Center

· Dr. Weitzel highlights the rarity of LFS compared to other hereditary cancer syndromes like BRCA and Lynch syndrome, noting the challenges in studying it. He discusses how mutations in the TP53 gene increase the risk of cancer, particularly in young individuals.

· Dr. Weitzel discusses how mutations in the TP53 gene increase the risk of cancer, particularly in young individuals.

Angela Valent, patient

· Angela Valent shares her experience of being diagnosed with breast cancer at 39 and her subsequent treatment journey, including chemotherapy, mastectomy, and immunotherapy.

· She discusses the emotional impact of learning about the LFS mutation and the potential risk to her siblings and daughter

Aaron Moser, brother of Angela Valent

· Aaron Moser talks about his daughter's full-body MRI and regular abdominal ultrasounds as part of her surveillance for potential cancers.

Caitlin R. Schwager, Genetic Counselor Coordinator SPoT Clinic, Children’s Mercey Hospital

· Caitlin Schwager, a certified genetic counselor, explains her role in translating complex genetic information into accessible and useful information for families.

· She encourages individuals with a personal or family history of cancer to seek genetic counseling for risk assessment and appropriate testing.

Dr. Dana Hawkinson, Medical Director of Infection Prevention and Control, The University of Kansas Health System

· Dr. Dana Hawkinson highlights the ongoing measles outbreaks in Texas and Kansas, stressing the importance of vaccination to prevent the spread of the disease