NorthShore launching the first clinical trial to examine GRS test for the risk assessment of cancer -
Researchers at NorthShore University HealthSystem (NorthShore) launched the first test clinic to investigate a genetic risk score (GRS) test to predict the risk of breast, prostate and colorectal cancer within primary care. The test was developed by NorthShore researcher Jianfeng Xu, DrPH, to provide primary care physicians with a tool to better understand how to prevent and treat cancer, and learn how patients react after learning of the increased risk of Cancer. The results of the clinical trial will inform the integration of the test the genetic risk score in practice by about 150 doctors of primary health care system.
While evaluating the responses of patients to discover their genetic score breast cancer risk, colorectal and prostate cancer, the trial also examined whether patients with results that indicate an increased risk of cancer adhere to modified cancer screening guidelines Northshore. For those who have a high risk of cancer, screening plan more intensive cancer will be discussed.
"The goal of the study is to evaluate several practical aspects of the implementation of genomic information for personalized treatments. With our genetic risk assessment, patients will better understand their own individual risk of developing certain cancers, "said Dr. Xu, who is vice president of translational research at NorthShore and program director for Personalized Cancer.." they will be screened if necessary, appropriate or reduce to expand their scope of medical care this is an important part of what makes personalized care at NorthShore unique: that is, offering targeted treatments based on genomics prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment of early disease and at an advanced stage. "
Dr. Xu used his 20 years of experience in genomics research to conduct test development which provides a numerical risk score for patients, regardless of family history.
"genetic information can be a powerful tool in understanding the risks and recommend earlier projections in especially when used in the main access points for patients to health care - primary care physicians, "said Peter Hulick, MD, medical director for the NorthShore Center for personalized medicine. "While the history of the family often informs cancer screening guidelines, many patients are either unaware of the history of the family or of developing diseases despite the lack of history. It is integral to the success of NorthShore and our patients that their doctors use genetic information accurately, appropriately and at the beginning of the process. "
clinical trial will enroll 500 consenting patients who submitted blood samples through genomic NorthShore health Initiative, a research program to gather a large number of blood samples to better compare genomic data through a variety of health conditions to improve the prevention and treatment of enlarged diseases. Participants in the trial were between 40 and 70 years without previous diagnosis of colorectal cancer, breast or prostate cancer. Results are expected in about a year.
NorthShore takes this proactive, preventive approach to health care with the intent to make a genetic risk score test available to all interested Northshore patients in the future. The test will eventually include a broader range of cancers and other diseases, as well.
Furthermore, NorthShore contemplates using genetic risk score to improve the efficiency of how patients are treated. "In the next phase of the test, some patients with early cancer, especially those with prostate cancer will not need aggressive treatment interventions based on their genetic risk score results," said Dr.Hulick . the results will guide the more specific treatments for each patient, he added.
NorthShore partnership with Counsyl, a healthcare technology company offering DNA testing for colorectal, breast and risk prostate cancer, which is currently processing the test results. patients will be able to check their results on NorthShoreConnect, a patient's secure portal. Meeting with a primary care doctor or a genetic counselor to discuss results is optional.
"the test of the genetic risk score is another example of how we advance our approach to personalized medicine," said Dr. Hulick. "To have the opportunity to be one of the first health systems in the country that offer genetic testing for the evaluation of customized risk screening processes and effective interventions at the primary care physician is very exciting and promising. It speaks to our vision of an integrated, personalized approach to care. "
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