Interpreting Genomic Variation: Inherited Cancer Susceptibility
Explore how robust variant interpretation is needed to support patients with increased risk of cancer.
Duration
2 weeksWeekly study
3 hoursLanguages
English, Italiano, Español, Français, PortuguêsEnglish, Italiano, Español
Interpreting Genomic Variation: Inherited Cancer Susceptibility
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Explore germline variation in cancer susceptibility genes
Germline genomic variation can increase the risk of developing cancer. It’s essential to use the best evidence available to decide if a genomic variant is likely to increase the chance of a person developing cancer. This allows us to offer at-risk individuals access to appropriate screening, prevention, and personalised treatments.
Learn how to interpret genes for susceptibility to cancer
On this course, you will consider how variant interpretation in cancer susceptibility genes has different considerations when compared with variant interpretation in rare paediatric disease.
You’ll explore the guidelines produced by the UK Cancer Variant Interpretation Group (CanVIG-UK) for variant interpretation and how these can be applied to the American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) framework in the classification of germline variants in cancer susceptibility genes.
Study the CanVIG-UK guidelines in theory and practice
This course will provide you with patient examples to explore the complexities of variant interpretation in cancer genomics. You’ll also hear from experts in the field about how the CanVIG-UK guidance was created.
You’ll be encouraged to apply your learning through case-based exercises that illustrate both the strengths and weaknesses of the tools and guidelines available for cancer variant interpretation.
Study with world-leading genomic experts at St George’s
Learn from Professor Kate Tatton-Brown and Dr Katie Snape – renowned consultant Clinical Geneticists leading on variant interpretation for rare disease and cancer.
This course is part of a series with Interpreting Genomic Variation: Fundamental Principles.
What topics will you cover?
- Inherited genetic variation in familial cancer syndromes.
- Tools for variant interpretation and how these are applied to the interpretation of cancer susceptibility gene variation.
- The application of the ACMG framework to inherited cancer.
- The implementation of a clinical framework to embed cancer susceptibility gene interpretation into clinical practice.
Learning on this course
On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.
What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...
- Describe the importance of large scale collaborative infrastructure to standardise evidence based variant interpretation in cancer susceptibility genes
- Apply the CanVIG-UK guidelines for variant interpretation to classify variants in cancer susceptibility genes involved in hereditary breast and ovarian cancer and Lynch Syndrome
- Assess the strengths and weaknesses of the American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) guidelines for variant interpretation in complex disease, such as cancer, compared to rare paediatric disease
- Explore the different ways in which cancer susceptibility gene variant interpretation can impact on patient care
- Assess the complexities of applying cancer susceptibility gene variant interpretation in clinical practice including the implications of reduced penetrance variants and potential changes in classifications over time
Who is the course for?
This course would be suitable for:
• Clinical Genetics doctors (consultant and specialist registrars) • Clinical Scientists • Genetic Counsellors • Clinical Oncology doctors (consultants and specialist registrars) • Pathologists undertaking cancer MDTs • Specialist oncology nurses undertaking genetic testing
This course is part of a partnership between City St George’s, University of London and FutureLearn that is coming to an end. As a result, this course will retire on 24 August 2026.
Please note that the course content, data and materials are no longer being actively updated and may not reflect the most recent developments in this subject area.
We encourage you to enrol on course before the retirement date if you wish to take part.
Who will you learn with?
I'm a consultant cancer geneticist at St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. My research involved using next generation sequencing technology to identify genes associated with cancer.
I'm a Genetic Counsellor and Honorary Clinical Lecturer in Cancer Genomics.
Who developed the course?
City St George's, University of London (formerly St George's)
City St George’s, University of London (formerly St George’s) School of Health and Medical Sciences is a leading provider of education in the fields of healthcare, medicine and psychology.
CanGene CanVar
CanGene CanVar is a five-year Cancer Research UK-funded research program which develops data resources, clinical and educational tools to leverage cancer susceptibility genetic for early detection and prevention of cancer.
Learning on FutureLearn
Your learning, your rules
- Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
- Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
- Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores
Join a global classroom
- Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
- Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
- Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others
Map your progress
- As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
- Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
- Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate
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