Introducing MyOme's Innovative Test for Prostate Cancer Risk
New whole-genome test uncovers hidden genetic risk beyond traditional screening, empowering earlier and more precise care for millions of men.
MyOme, a leader in clinical whole-genome testing, has brought forth an advanced solution: the Prostate Cancer Integrated Polygenic Risk Score™ (iPRS) test. This groundbreaking innovation aims to identify men who possess heightened genetic risks for prostate cancer, thus facilitating earlier detection and tailored prevention strategies. The importance of understanding genetic risk factors cannot be overstated; the National Cancer Institute reports that approximately 60% of prostate cancer risk can be attributed to hereditary elements.
Although a minority of men carry specific genetic variants, such as those in the BRCA2 or HOXB13 genes, many prostate cancer cases emerge in men without these known variants. Instead, a vast proportion—up to 95%—of these cases are rooted in polygenic risk that MyOme's cutting-edge iPRS™ test can detect.
The iPRS test integrates comprehensive data from around 7 million genetic markers alongside established clinical risk factors. This allows for tailored assessments regarding a man's 10-year and lifetime risk for prostate cancer, going beyond conventional methods to provide a fuller understanding of one’s risk.
Dr. Akash Kumar, co-founder of MyOme, emphasizes the significance of the iPRS test, stating, "The Prostate Cancer iPRS test elevates risk assessment in men's health. By integrating genome sequencing with clinical risk factors, we can more precisely identify men at substantially increased risk and enable earlier screening and prevention strategies to ultimately improve outcomes."
Transforming Prostate Cancer Detection with Polygenic Risk Scores
Traditionally, physicians have faced challenges in accurately assessing prostate cancer risk, primarily relying on the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test. PSA testing, while common, is known for its limitations—up to 75% of elevated PSA results may lead to false positives, resulting in unnecessary imaging and biopsies, along with significant patient anxiety. This landscape underscores a strong need for more reliable, evidence-backed tools to effectively stratify risk.
A growing body of research supports the use of polygenic risk scores as a means to improve detection and risk stratification for prostate cancer. In a meta-analysis that involved over 520,000 participants, men in the highest risk decile exhibited a risk of developing prostate cancer that was 3 to 4 times greater than that of men with average risk.
Further compelling evidence arises from the BARCODE1 trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine, which indicated that men with elevated polygenic scores underwent MRI and biopsy despite normal PSA levels. A remarkable 40% of these individuals were diagnosed with prostate cancer, highlighting the potential of PRS-guided screening to discover cases that would otherwise be overlooked.
In MyOme’s internal assessments, 8.6% of men with no family history of prostate cancer were flagged as high risk via the iPRS test, leading to a threefold increase in prostate cancer incidence when compared to those deemed non-risk. The validation of the Prostate Cancer iPRS test across 140,000 men of varied ancestries reinforces its strength in delivering equitable risk predictions.
Proactive Approaches to Men's Health
The Prostate Cancer iPRS test is designed for men aged 30 to 75 years who do not have a personal history of prostate cancer nor known pathogenic variants linked to the disease. Results of the test are securely provided through MyOme’s digital portal and should be discussed with healthcare professionals, allowing for genetic counseling if needed. This test fits within MyOme’s broader range of proactive health initiatives, which inspire a shift from reactive medical practices to preventive strategies based on personalized insights.
Innovative Health Solutions from MyOme
The Prostate Cancer iPRS test is not the only novel offering from MyOme. Their expanding suite of services includes:
- Single-Gene Risk™: Sifting through genetic information to detect rare variants tied to inherited diseases.
- Medication Response™: Providing insights into how individuals metabolize common medications based on genetics.
- Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) iPRS™: Offering personalized assessments for heart attacks and coronary events.
- Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) iPRS™: Merging genetic data with clinical insights for refined diabetes risk evaluations.
- Breast Cancer iPRS™: Delivering individual lifetime risk estimates for breast cancer, aiding in prevention and screening choices.
Collectively, these tools empower healthcare professionals and patients alike to embrace a proactive health philosophy, addressing disease risks before they manifest through timely insights.
About MyOme
MyOme is dedicated to offering advanced clinical whole genome analyses to help families comprehend their genetic risks linked to inherited diseases. As a recognized leader in polygenic risk modeling, MyOme employs the full potential of the genome to provide meaningful insights for improved health outcomes. Accredited by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) and the College of American Pathologists (CAP), MyOme is headquartered in California.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Prostate Cancer Integrated Polygenic Risk Score?
The Prostate Cancer Integrated Polygenic Risk Score (iPRS) is a test developed by MyOme to identify genetic risks for prostate cancer based on extensive genomic data.
Who can benefit from the iPRS test?
Men aged 30 to 75 who do not have a personal history of prostate cancer and no known pathogenic gene variants may benefit from this test.
How does the iPRS test enhance prostate cancer detection?
The iPRS test uses genetic data from millions of markers to provide more specific risk assessments, improving detection rates compared to standard tests like PSA.
What other services does MyOme offer?
Besides the prostate cancer risk test, MyOme provides various genetic analyses related to medication response, coronary disease, diabetes, and breast cancer.
How are the results of the iPRS test communicated?
Results are provided through MyOme’s secure online portal and should be interpreted by healthcare providers in conjunction with family history and clinical context.
