Hereditary Cancer: Page 2

RNA testing clarifies the unknown in Ambry cancer study

Earlier this month, the company announced the launch of its +RNAinsight paired testing for RNA and DNA for genes associated with hereditary cancers. The idea is that testing for both provides more information for determining cancer risk.

October 24, 2019

Ambry launches RNA/DNA cancer risk testing in U.S.

Testing for both provides more information about genetic risks for cancer, beyond what is available with DNA alone, the company explained. The goal is to identify more patients with genetic risk factors and take action to prevent or detect and treat cancers early. In a prospective study of 2,500 patients, there was an increase of 7% in genetic risk factors identified, and paired testing appears to have a greater impact for particular high-risk genes, such as BRCA1, PMS2, and MSH2, the company noted.

October 1, 2019

Invitae provides free testing to pancreatic cancer patients

Patients must meet criteria in specific clinical areas where genetic testing is underutilized to be eligible for testing. Professional guidelines recommend genetic testing for all pancreatic cancer patients to guide treatment choices and evaluate eligibility for clinical trials, the company noted in a statement.

September 8, 2019

CMS opens review of NGS testing for hereditary cancer

CMS announced that it has begun a national coverage analysis (NCA) of next-generation sequencing for Medicare beneficiaries with advanced cancer. The NCA announcement triggers a 30-day comment period that will expire on May 29. The agency expects to issue a proposed decision memo on the topic by October 2019, with completion of the review in January 2020.

April 28, 2019