Current age-based genetic testing in patients with cancer may miss the majority of inherited gene variants
A study from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center suggests that current age-based criteria for genetic cancer screening may miss a significant number of inherited gene variants. Researchers advocate for universal germline testing regardless of age to better identify cancer risks.
Why it matters
This research could lead to a shift in clinical standards, potentially improving early detection and treatment strategies for hereditary cancers across all age groups.
by American Association for Cancer Research
edited by Sadie Harley , reviewed by Alexander Pol
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Add to Preferred Sources Credit: Gustavo Fring from Pexels Germline genetic screening can identify whether a patient with cancer has inherited genetic alterations in a gene or genes that are implicated in cancer. These inherited genetic alterations, known as germline pathogenic variants, can cause predispositions to cancer in people who carry them. Germline pathogenic variants can be used to flag cancer risk in patients' family members, and the presence of certain germline pathogenic variants can also potentially guide patients' treatments.
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