Unrecognised actionability for breast cancer risk variants identified in a national-level review of Australian familial cancer centres

Fortuno, C; Cops, EJ; Davidson, AL; Hadler, J; Innella, G; McKenzie, ME; Parsons, M; Campbell, AM; Dubowsky, A; Fargas, V; Field, MJ; Mar Fan, HG; Nichols, CB; Poplawski, NK; Warwick, L; Williams, R; Beshay, V; Edwards, C; Johns, A; McPhillips, M; Kumar, VS; Scott, R; Williams, M; Scott, H; James, PA; Spurdle, AB

Author(s): Fortuno, C; Cops, EJ; Davidson, AL; Hadler, J; Innella, G; McKenzie, ME; Parsons, M; Campbell, AM; Dubowsky, A; Fargas, V; Field, MJ; Mar Fan, HG; Nichols, CB; Poplawski, NK; Warwick, L; Williams, R; Beshay, V; Edwards, C; Johns, A; McPhillips, M; Kumar, VS; Scott, R; Williams, M; Scott, H; James, PA; Spurdle, AB;
Details: Publication Year 2024-12,Volume 32,Issue #12,Page 1632-1639
Journal Title: European Journal of Human Genetics
Publication Type: Research article
Abstract: Breast cancer remains a significant global health challenge. In Australia, the adoption of publicly-funded multigene panel testing for eligible cancer patients has increased accessibility to personalised care, yet has also highlighted the increasing prevalence of variants of uncertain significance (VUS), complicating clinical decision-making. This project aimed to explore the spectrum and actionability of breast cancer VUS in Australian familial cancer centers (FCCs). Leveraging data from 11 FCCs participating in the Inherited Cancer Connect database, we retrieved VUS results from 1472 patients. Through ClinVar crosschecks and application of gene-specific ACMG/AMP guidelines, we showed the potential for reclassification of 4% of unique VUS as pathogenic or likely pathogenic, and 80% as benign or likely benign. Surveys conducted with FCCs and diagnostic laboratories described current practices and challenges in variant reclassifications, highlighting resource constraints preventing periodic VUS review and notifications from the laboratories to the FCCs. Our study suggests there are benefits to routine VUS review and reclassification, particularly in publicly-funded healthcare systems. Future research should focus on assessing the clinical impact and cost-effectiveness of implementing routine variant review practices, alongside efforts to enhance communication between FCCs and laboratories.
Publisher: Springer Nature
Keywords: Humans; *Breast Neoplasms/genetics/diagnosis; Australia/epidemiology; Female; *Genetic Testing/standards/methods; Genetic Predisposition to Disease
Department(s): Familial Cancer Centre
Publisher's Version: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41431-024-01705-9
Open Access at Publisher's Site: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41431-024-01705-9
Terms of Use/Rights Notice: Refer to copyright notice on published article.

Creation Date: 2024-12-12 03:29:01

Last Modified: 2024-12-12 03:29:12