# Cost Effectiveness of Germline Genetic Testing in Pancreatic Cancer

> **NIH NIH K08** · BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS MEDICAL CENTER · 2021 · $252,664

## Abstract

Project Summary
Recent evidence suggests that up to 10% of patients with Pancreatic Ductal AdenoCarcinoma (PDAC) harbor
a germline genetic mutation in a cancer risk gene. For this reason, the National Comprehensive Cancer
Network (NCCN) and American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) recommend germline genetic testing for
all patients with PDAC. However, the best ways to perform this testing and use the resulting information
remain unclear. As genetic testing becomes more common, critical questions need to be addressed: the
number of genes to test; whether testing causes patient distress; and the benefit of PDAC screening in healthy
mutation carriers. Answering these questions will maximize the benefit of genetic testing while minimizing the
risks of over-testing, over-screening, and inefficient use of resources.
My goal is to reduce the burden of pancreatic cancer by identifying optimal ways to execute germline genetic
testing in patients with PDAC and act on the information gained. To accomplish this goal, I will develop a
mathematical model that simulates patient genetic testing and resulting treatment selection, as well as family
member notification, genetic testing, and PDAC screening (Aim 1). I will conduct patient surveys to expand our
understanding of patient distress associated with genetic testing and communication of results to family
members (Aim 2.1). I will use the model and insights gained to determine the timing and breadth of genetic
testing that will optimize life expectancy for patients and family members (Aim 2.2). Finally, I will conduct a
cost-effectiveness analysis of germline genetic testing in PDAC that takes into account diagnosis, treatment,
and family genetic testing in an innovative structure (Aim 3). This will allow me to identify effective and high-
value genetic testing strategies for patients with PDAC, including benefits to patients and their family members.
Completion of this project will be a critical step towards my goal of becoming an independent clinician-scientist
focused in disease modeling, genetic testing, and cancer outcomes research. In addition to my ongoing role
as a clinician and teacher, I will undertake an educational program that has been specifically designed to
support this project and my career goals. I have assembled a mentorship team with unique strengths in cancer
modeling, cancer genetics, and pancreatic cancer research, all of whom are strong, independent investigators
who can guide my career development. This award will provide critical support to allow me to broaden my
knowledge base, leverage the expertise of a senior mentorship team, secure independent R01 funding, and
support my transition to independence in the years to come.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10115005
- **Project number:** 5K08CA248473-02
- **Recipient organization:** BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS MEDICAL CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** Mary Linton B Peters
- **Activity code:** K08 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $252,664
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2020-03-01 → 2025-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10115005

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10115005, Cost Effectiveness of Germline Genetic Testing in Pancreatic Cancer (5K08CA248473-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10115005. Licensed CC0.

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