Would you take a test to find out your cancer risk? At-home genetic testing makes it easy, but experts warn that these tests may create more harm than good.
A New Approach to Genetic Testing
Genetic testing has traditionally been performed under the supervision of healthcare providers, with genetic counseling to help patients navigate their results. This approach ensures that individuals receive proper guidance, reducing the emotional and practical challenges of interpreting complex genetic information.
In September 2023, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new test called the Invitae Common Hereditary Cancers Panel. This test checks for changes in 48 genes linked to hereditary cancers, including breast, ovarian, and Lynch syndrome-related cancers. What makes it different is that it can be ordered online and taken at home with no doctor required.
While the convenience of these tests is appealing, health experts have raised serious concerns. An editorial titled “Pitfalls and Perils from FDA-Approved Germ-line Cancer Predisposition Tests,” authored by Dr. Wafik S. El-Deiry, Editor-in-Chief of Oncotarget, and Dr. Eli Y. Adashi, both from Brown University, highlights the potential risks of using these tests without professional guidance.
Full blog - https://www.oncotarget.org/2025/01/03/the-hidden-risks-of-at-home-genetic-cancer-tests/
Paper DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28677
Correspondence to - Wafik S. El-Deiry - wafik@brown.edu
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Keywords - cancer, cancer predisposition, germline, marketing authorization, hereditary cancer, direct to consumer
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Oncotarget (a primarily oncology-focused, peer-reviewed, open access journal) aims to maximize research impact through insightful peer-review; eliminate borders between specialties by linking different fields of oncology, cancer research and biomedical sciences; and foster application of basic and clinical science.
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