Ellen L. Goode, Ph.D.

The research program of Ellen L. Goode, Ph.D., focuses on the genetic and molecular epidemiology of cancer, particularly ovarian and colorectal cancers. Both cancers have known genetic origins and evidence for the existence of additional inherited factors.

To better understand the origins of ovarian cancer, Dr. Goode studies women with and without ovarian cancer who are seen at Mayo Clinic. Study participants respond to a research questionnaire and provide a blood sample, which allows for analysis of inherited and lifestyle factors. To identify novel factors associated with outcome, tumors from affected women are also studied.

In colorectal cancer, Dr. Goode has studied multiply-affected families and identified genomic regions shared among affected individuals that are worthy of additional investigation.

Focus areas

• To identify novel inherited factors in ovarian cancer, Dr. Goode examines variants throughout the genome via large collaborations. The international Ovarian Cancer Association Consortium combines data from more than 40 epidemiologic studies.
• To better understand the functional impact of inherited variation, Dr. Goode examines tumor expression and methylation in relation to genetics in Mayo Clinic study participants.
• To tease out the role of immune factors in ovarian cancer risk and outcome, Dr. Goode focuses on the nuclear factor kappa-B family of transcription factors and regulatory T cells in large multidisciplinary efforts.
• To follow-up on genomic regions that may contain novel colorectal cancer genes, the Colon Cancer Family Registry performs targeted sequencing of affected individuals and families.

Significance to patient care

The identification of inherited factors in ovarian and colorectal cancer should lead to improved risk prediction among individuals with a family history of cancer.

Single factors alone are not likely to play a major role. However, in combination, individuals at particularly increased risk may be identified and targeted for prevention efforts.

Genetics related to outcome may also have significance to patient care. For example, if inherited or tumor factors exhibit their prognostic role in the context of a particular chemotherapy, the use or avoidance of specific treatments may be beneficial.

Finally, research that increases the understanding of these cancers will advance biological knowledge and facilitate the development of novel therapeutics.

Professional highlights

• Program Committee (2006-2008), Ethical, Legal and Social Issues Committee (2003-2006), and Chair (2006) — International Genetic Epidemiology Society
• Steering Committee (2008-present), Data Access Coordinating Committee (2011-present) and Chair (2012-present) — Ovarian Cancer Association Consortium
• Analytic and Risk Modeling Working Group, Epidemiology and Clinical Working Group, and Functional Assays Working Group — GAME-ON Post-GWAS Initiative, National Cancer Institute, 2011-present
• Exome Working Group, Colon Cancer Family Registry, National Cancer Institute, 2009-present
• Visiting Scholar, Epidemiology and Genomics Research Program, National Cancer Institute, 2012