Clinical Practice

Welcome to the ONS Genetics Clinical Resource Area. This site is designed to assist you, the practicing oncology nurse, to find up-to-date and credible information about genetics, cancer genetics, and the implications of genetics on oncology nursing. From prevention and identification of risk status to the development and use of targeted therapies, genetics is changing the face of oncology care. For general information about genetics, visit these sites.

American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG)
ASHG is a professional membership organization for human geneticists. Membership is comprised of researchers, academicians, clinicians, laboratory practice professionals, genetic counselors, nurses, and others involved in or with a special interest in human genetics. Information on genetics, meetings, and the online Journal of Human Genetics is provided here.

The Atlas of Genetics and Cytogenetics in Oncology and Haematology
The Atlas of Genetics and Cytogenetics in Oncology and Haematology is a "peer reviewed, online journal and database devoted to genes, cytogenetics, and clinical entities in cancer and cancer-prone diseases." This site has extensive information on cancer genomics and research.

Cancer Genetics Network: Epidemiology and Cancer Research
The Epidemiology and Genetics Research Program (EGRP) manages a comprehensive program of grant-supported, population-based research that brings to bear the expertise of scientists to increase our understanding of cancer etiology and prevention.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The Office of Genomics and Disease Prevention (OGDP) at CDC provides information about human genomic discoveries and how they can be used to improve health and prevent disease.

Gene Tests
Gene Tests, funded by the National Institutes of Health, provides medical genetics information and resources developed specifically for healthcare providers. Authoritative information on genetic testing and its use in diagnosis, management, and genetic counseling is included.

Genetic Alliance
The Genetic Alliance is an international coalition comprised of more than 600 advocacy, research, and healthcare organizations that represent millions of individuals with genetic conditions and their interests. This organization focuses on and provides resources for advocacy and education.

Glossary of Genetic Terms
The National Human Genome Research Institute provides a handy "Talking Glossary of Genetics Terms" to help with understanding terms and concepts used in genetics research.

Human Genome Project Information
The website of the Human Genome Project (HGP) provides everything from history to ongoing work conducted around this 13-year project to develop a DNA map. Completed in 2003, the HGP, supported by the US Department of Energy and the National Institutes of Health, was designed to identify and determine sequences the genes in human DNA and address ethical, legal and social issues that arose from the project. Information on educational, research, and ethics information on genomics, plus much more, can be found here.

International Society of Nurses in Genetics (ISONG)
ISONG is a nursing specialty organization dedicated to fostering the scientific and professional growth of nurses in human genetics. This website provides information geared toward nurses on education, research (including funding opportunities), and ethical issues related to genetics.

Cancer Genetics Overview PDQ^®
Provides a comprehensive look at cancer genetics for healthcare professionals with an emphasis on the evidence.

Cancer Genetics
Provides links to helpful information on the genetics of specific cancers, inherited cancers, and ethical, legal, and social implications. A Cancer Genetics Services Directory also is provided on this site.

Elements of Cancer Genetics Risk Assessment and Counseling
Describes current approaches to assessing and counseling people about their chances of having an inherited susceptibility to cancer.

Understanding Gene Testing
A slide presentation focusing on understanding gene testing.

Oncogenes and Tumor Suppressor Genes
The American Cancer Society provides a look at oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, and the role of genes in cancer prevention and treatment.

Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man
This database is a catalog of human genes and genetic disorders developed by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). The database contains many links to MEDLINE and sequence records in the Entrez system, as well as links to additional related resources at NCBI.