Catherine Ivy, Founder and Board President of the Ben and Catherine Ivy Foundation, is one of two patient organization representatives currently serving on the External Scientific Committee of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA).

The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) is a project of the National Cancer Institute and the National Human Genome Research Institute to accelerate our understanding of the molecular basis of cancer through the application of genome analysis technologies, including large-scale genome sequencing.

“Many believe that TCGA is one of the most important scientific initiatives we will undertake in modern medicine and, as GBM is one of the three pilot investigations, it is a thrill and privilege to participate in the External Scientific Committee,” said Catherine Ivy. “Not only does our involvement allow us to be a part of a historically significant project, we are also able to get a first-row seat to learn about the most up-to-date data generated as a result of this project.” As part of her participation with TCGA, Catherine serves on the Ethics, Law and Policy Group where she will be able to apply her business experience to examining questions that will need to be considered and addressed during the course of the project.

The External Scientific Committee (ESC) consisting of diverse experts in science, law, ethics and public health was formed to help inform the practices of TCGA and to solicit input from experts across a broad range of public and scientific areas of interest. As part of her role as a patient advocate, Catherine participates in-person meetings and teleconferences with other members of the ESC.

“The data generated by the TCGA on GBM holds the potential to vastly improve our understanding of the genetic and molecular basis of this disease, and in-turn provide further insights into how we can develop better treatments and diagnostics to improve disease management for patients” said Dr. Joanne Salcido , Ivy Foundation Research Director.

For more information about the TCGA and the External Scientific Committee please visit the TCGA web site at http://cancergenome.nih.gov/components/esc.asp.