Leigha Senter-Jamieson, GC

As a member of the Cancer Control Program at the OSUCCC - James, my research is primarily focused on developing communication strategies that will better enable family members to share genetic information with each other. The goal is to identify individuals who are more at-risk for getting cancer and to help them engage in cancer risk-reduction behaviors.

One of my current projects centers on improving familial communication around positive genetic test results, using video intervention. Another project involves participants with germline BRCA gene mutations. In this project, participants are randomized to receive access to an animated message that they can share with family members to inform them of their result (video only) vs. receiving the video in addition to an advocacy developed discussion guide (video + guide).

As part of this work, I am also interested in creating scalable methods to increase patient access to genetic/genomic testing and services. This is important because, for families affected by hereditary cancer syndromes, genetic testing could help improve patient outcomes. In one of my current projects, I am investigating the practical application of tumor genomic testing for patients with cancer. I also am involved in projects related to personalized risk scores for cancer and the clinical utility of such data.

My role includes educating the next generation of genetic specialists. I am the associate director of both the Division of Human Genetics and the Genetic Counseling Graduate Program at The Ohio State University, as well as an associate clinical professor.

I have co-authored more than 100 research articles published in such respected journals as Gynecologic Oncology, Clinical Genetics and Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. I also have presented my research at dozens of medical conferences across the United States. In addition, I serve as an ad-hoc reviewer for multiple journals, including PLOS One, Genetics in Medicine, the Journal of Genetic Counseling and others. I have received several awards for my work in genetics, including a National Society of Genetic Counselors Strategic Leader Award and the prestigious Janus Lectureship award.

Research interests

• Genetic Counseling
• Genetic Predisposition to Disease
• Genetics
• Genomics
• Health Services Research
• Patient Reported Outcome Measures
• Womens Health
• Cancer genetics
• Ovarian cancer
• Endometrial cancer
• Breast cancer

I provide cancer risk assessment and counseling to individuals who have cancer and also those with a family history of cancer. Cancer genetic consultation requires documentation of cancers in the family, risk assessment, screening recommendations and incorporation of genetic testing as necessary.

My research interests are in cancer genetics and have a particular interest in hereditary gynecologic cancers and cascade genetic testing in families with hereditary cancer syndromes. I'm also working on projects related to provider/patient communication in the context of tumor genomic testing for therapeutic decision-making. I have co-authored several publications in the area of genetic counseling for hereditary cancer with a focus on BRCA-related predispositions for breast and ovarian cancers.

Editorial activities

• Journal of Human Genetics. 7/2012-present
• Community Oncology. 5/2009-present
• Journal of Genetic Counseling. 2/2007-present
• Genetics in Medicine. 6/2006-present
• Journal of Medical Genetics. 2004-present
• Gynecologic Oncology. 2015-present
• British Medical Journal. 2015-present
• American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2016-present