Expanding Cancer Screening in the UK: Leveraging Polygenic Risk Scores to Improve Early Detection
Cancer can emanate from a variety of genetic and environmental factors. While the aetiology of most cancer types has been extensively analysed, for the majority of people, the development of cancer remains an unpredictable and unfortunate event. However, in recent years, researchers have identified numerous genetic variants that contribute to an individual’s susceptibility to cancer.
Polygenic risk scores
Polygenic risk scores, also known as PRS, summarise the aggregate influence of common genetic variants on complex traits or diseases. For example, PRS can be used to estimate an individual’s susceptibility to developing a specific form of cancer before the onset of detectable tumours. These scores provide a new tool to stratify individuals according to their genetic vulnerability, allowing for earlier intervention and more tailored screening programs.
PRC for cancer
Recent studies have shown that PRS can predict breast and prostate cancer risk and are attracting more attention from researchers as a promising tool to deal with early detection of cancer. By expanding cancer screening in the UK and incorporating PRS in genetic counseling sessions to determine the risk of cancer, clinicians can personalize an individual’s cancer screening and prevention measures.
Benefits of PRC in cancer detection
Polygenic cancer risk scores could help identify the general population that is most likely to benefit from regular screening. Detecting cancer earlier could result in an increased efficacy of cancer treatment, which has been a persistent challenge. Using PRS could promote earlier treatment for cancer, enhancing survival rates.
Challenges associated with the implementation of PRS
Despite the advantages of PRS, practical challenges associated with implementing this approach need to be considered. For instance, researchers must consider the potential implications of genetic testing on people’s wellbeing and mental health. They could also face the challenge of balancing the accuracy of risk predictions with the feasibility of population scale screening, given the cost and human resources needed.
The cost of PRS testing and data interpretation may be prohibitively expensive for many patients. Additionally, privacy concerns regarding genetic testing could deter some from seeking such services, while others may find it difficult to understand and interpret their results.
Conclusions
The utilisation of polygenic risk scores in screening programs could revolutionise cancer discovery, providing unprecedented opportunities for early cancer detection. However, successful implementation depends on overcoming technical, ethical and societal barriers. Despite the challenges, leveraging PRS is an innovative approach to help reduce the burden of cancer.
#PolygenicRiskScores #CancerScreening #EarlyDetection #GeneticVariants #CancerPrevention
Summary: The incorporation of polygenic risk scores (PRS) in cancer screening programs could revolutionize cancer discovery, providing unprecedented opportunities for early cancer detection. For example, for the majority of people, the development of cancer remains an unpredictable and unfortunate event. Recent studies have shown that PRS can predict breast and prostate cancer risks. If incorporated into genetic counseling sessions, PRS could help stratify individuals according to their genetic vulnerability, allowing for earlier intervention and more tailored screening programs. However, several challenges need addressing before the implementation of PRS in screening programs, such as privacy concerns, cost-effectiveness, and feasibility.[4] #HEALTH