A real-world study published in JCO Precision Oncology suggests that Myriad Genetics’ RiskScore tool, integrated into its MyRisk Hereditary Cancer Test, effectively guides clinicians in recommending personalized breast cancer screening. RiskScore combines a polygenic risk score (PRS) with the Tyrer-Cuzick model to predict five-year and lifetime breast cancer risk, improving the accuracy of risk assessment for nearly 20% of patients compared to the Tyrer-Cuzick model alone. The study found that patients identified as high-risk by RiskScore were significantly more likely to receive guideline-aligned screening, including mammograms, MRIs, and genetic counseling.
This research holds substantial implications for the future of breast cancer prevention and treatment. By providing a more precise risk assessment across all ancestries, RiskScore facilitates earlier and more appropriate interventions for high-risk individuals. This personalized approach could lead to earlier detection of breast cancer, ultimately improving patient outcomes and potentially reducing healthcare costs associated with late-stage diagnoses and treatments. The study validates the clinical utility of integrating polygenic risk scores into existing risk assessment models, demonstrating a tangible impact on patient management decisions.
The study analyzed de-identified patient RiskScore results linked with insurance claims data to assess the uptake of breast cancer screening in the year following genetic testing. Patients with a lifetime risk of 20% or greater, as determined by either RiskScore or Tyrer-Cuzick, underwent enhanced screening more frequently. This suggests that clinicians are incorporating RiskScore data into their decision-making process, leading to a more proactive and personalized approach to breast cancer screening. The MyRisk test analyzes 48 genes associated with hereditary cancer risk for 11 different cancers. RiskScore enhances this test by providing individualized five-year and lifetime breast cancer risk assessments when combined with family history and clinical factors.
This study reinforces the growing importance of personalized medicine in oncology. The integration of polygenic risk scores like RiskScore into standard clinical practice holds the potential to revolutionize cancer screening and prevention. Further research and wider adoption of these advanced risk assessment tools could lead to a more proactive and effective approach to managing cancer risk, ultimately improving patient outcomes and potentially reducing the overall burden of cancer.
Jon Napitupulu is Director of Media Relations at The Clinical Trial Vanguard. Jon, a computer data scientist, focuses on the latest clinical trial industry news and trends.
