Exact Sciences has launched a new genetic test that uses a blood or saliva sample to predict the risk of developing various cancers.
The Madison-based diagnostics company yesterday rolled out the Riskguard hereditary cancer test, which will be available for order starting March 12. It can provide insights on familial risk and specific genetic changes for 10 common cancers: colorectal, breast, prostate, skin, ovarian, endometrial, pancreatic, gastric, kidney and endocrine.
Brandie Leach, senior director of medical affairs for Exact Sciences, says the test can help patients understand their risk of developing these cancers “to inform screening, treatment and risks” to other family members.
And it can identify changes in certain cancer-associated genes for patients with a family history of cancer, according to yesterday’s release. These findings can be used by health care providers to offer more personalized care based on risk level and other factors. Exact Sciences also has genetic counselors on staff to help health care providers interpret test results.
“We believe that helping people to identify their risks — and take informed actions to reduce those risks — is a crucial step to help eradicate cancer and the suffering it causes,” Leach said in a statement on the test. “This will become an increasingly important tool in the primary care setting as well.”
Brian Baranick, the company’s general manager of precision oncology, says Exact Sciences is seeing more physicians express interest in combining tests like Riskguard with others focused on therapy selection “to develop a more complete understanding of a patient’s tumor at the molecular level.”
Once it’s available, oncologists will be able to order the Riskguard test through the same portal as other offerings such as the company’s Oncotype cancer tests. Tests will be processed at the PreventionGenetics laboratory in Marshfield.
See more in the release.
–By Alex Moe
