EducateNext: Beyond DNA: Current RNA Insights in Cancer and Rare Disease with Magan Trottier MSc, MSc, CGC and Grace VanNoy MS, CGC

Traditional DNA testing often leaves clinicians with inconclusive results or variants of uncertain significance (VUS). Integrating RNA sequencing has emerged as a powerful approach, increasing diagnostic yields and variant classification accuracy across both oncology and rare disease cohorts.

This talk will review splicing fundamentals alongside the capabilities and limitations of modern RNA analysis technologies. The speakers will discuss the distinct advantages of concurrent RNA and DNA testing, explore real-world clinical applications through case-based lessons learned in oncology and rare disease, and outline future directions for multi-omic genetic testing.

Only the live session qualifies for CEUs but when possible, we host the recordings on our website and NSGC recommends participants to use their personal email instead of work email addresses to ensure they receive their CEU certificates.

Ambry Genetics is approved as a provider for continuing education program by NSGC and ASCLS P.A.C.E ® Program.

Grace VanNoy, MS, CGC | Presenter

Supervisor, Clinical Research

Grace received her MS in Genetic Counseling from Boston University and worked in clinical rare disease research in Boston, MA for 8 years prior joining Ambry. In her current role as a Supervisor on the Clinical Research team, she conducts and supports rare disease research within Ambry and with collaborators. Her research interests include novel gene discovery, genomic sequencing, and improving access to genetic testing.

Magan Trottier | Presenter

Clinical Research Scientist II

Magan Trottier works in clinical research at Ambry Genetics, specializing in hereditary cancer. She holds Masters degrees in molecular genetics and genetic counseling from the University of Toronto. She has over a decade of experience as a hybrid research and clinical genetic counselor, and prior to joining Ambry Genetics worked in the Bahamas and extensively in New York City. Magan is passionate about advancing research that directly impacts clinical care, particularly in expanding genetic testing in ways that improve access.