Sangeeta Bardhan Cook, PhD, MBA Chief Innovation Officer | Fox Chase Cancer Center
Sangeeta Bardhan Cook, PhD, MBA Chief Innovation Officer | Fox Chase Cancer Center
Fox Chase Cancer Center's Erin K. Tagai has been awarded a grant by the Prevent Cancer Foundation to create a ChatBot aimed at assisting patients with genetic testing results. Tagai, an Assistant Professor at Fox Chase, emphasized the importance of this tool in bridging a gap for those receiving genetic counseling.
“Every year, tens of thousands of people in the United States are diagnosed with preventable cancer due to an unknown hereditary risk of cancer due to genetics. I’m very grateful for this generous grant because it will allow us to develop a tool that will fill a key gap for patients receiving genetic counseling,” said Tagai.
Tagai highlighted the lack of awareness about genetic testing and its impact on preventing or early detection of cancer. She noted, “While the public has a favorable view on genetics in medicine, the lack of awareness about genetic testing means some people with an increased cancer risk are missing out on opportunities to prevent cancer or detect it early by making informed, personalized care decisions based on genetic testing.”
To tackle these issues, Tagai is working with colleagues at Fox Chase and Temple University to develop "GenChat," a large language model-based ChatBot. This tool aims to deliver test results effectively and provide understandable information while encouraging follow-up consultations with genetic counselors.
“Many individuals are understandably worried when they receive their genetic test results, which can often be confusing, and are left to wonder what the results mean for themselves and their families,” Tagai explained. “Our goal is to help people better understand their results and improve their communication with genetic counselors during appointments.”
The Prevent Cancer Foundation is also supporting nine other scientists who are exploring various innovative approaches such as artificial intelligence tools and new imaging platforms. Each scientist receives $100,000 over two years focusing on different types of cancers including brain, breast, cervical, among others.
The foundation is committed to reducing cancer deaths by 40% by 2035 through investments in early detection technologies, expanding screening access for underserved communities, and public education efforts about screening and vaccination options.
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