Myriad Genetics Applauds New Germline Testing Guideline for Patients with Breast Cancer from ASCO-SSO
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Insights
The endorsement of ASCO-SSO guidelines by Myriad Genetics underscores the increasing relevance of genetic testing in the management of breast cancer. This development has implications for the precision medicine industry, as it may lead to a broader adoption of genetic testing practices. By recommending BRCA1/2 testing for all patients diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and considering additional genetic markers, the guidelines could potentially expand the market for Myriad's MyRisk Hereditary Cancer Test. This expansion is significant, as it not only increases the potential customer base but also may improve patient outcomes through more personalized treatment plans.
From a research perspective, the guidelines reflect a growing consensus on the utility of genetic information in clinical decision-making. The emphasis on informed consent and the possibility of alternative approaches to genetic counseling indicate a patient-centric approach to care. For stakeholders, this could mean a shift towards more proactive and preventative healthcare strategies, with genetic testing playing a central role in early detection and treatment customization.
Myriad Genetics' alignment with the new ASCO-SSO guideline represents a strategic move to position itself at the forefront of the precision medicine field. The market for genetic testing is highly competitive and by supporting these guidelines, Myriad may enhance its brand reputation and credibility among healthcare providers and patients. The potential increase in testing could drive revenue growth for the company, impacting its stock performance positively. However, it is essential to monitor how competitors respond to these guidelines and whether they introduce similar or more advanced testing options.
In the long term, the adoption of such guidelines could lead to industry-wide standardization of genetic testing protocols. This standardization might result in pricing pressures as more players enter the market and economies of scale are achieved. Investors should consider the balance between increased volume and possible margin compression when evaluating the implications of this news for Myriad Genetics' financial health.
The inclusion of germline testing in the ASCO-SSO guideline for breast cancer patients represents a paradigm shift in oncology care. Germline mutations like BRCA1/2 have significant prognostic and therapeutic implications, influencing the choice of treatments such as PARP inhibitors. The recommendation to test all patients with invasive breast cancer, regardless of age, when certain criteria are met, signifies a move towards more comprehensive risk assessment and personalized treatment approaches.
For clinicians, these guidelines may streamline the decision-making process by providing clear criteria for genetic testing. This could lead to earlier identification of high-risk patients and facilitate family counseling for hereditary cancer syndromes. The clinical outcomes could be improved by tailoring prevention and treatment strategies based on genetic risk profiles. However, the increased demand for testing could strain existing genetic counseling resources, necessitating the development of alternative models for informed consent and education.
SALT LAKE CITY, Jan. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Myriad Genetics, Inc., (NASDAQ: MYGN), a leader in genetic testing and precision medicine, today announced its support for the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)—Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO) guideline for germline testing in patients with breast cancer.
The new guideline offers multi-pronged, evidence-based clinical practice recommendations. Among the guidance includes:
- All patients with a current or previous diagnosis of invasive breast cancer ≤ 65 years should be offered BRCA1/2 testing.
- All patients with a current or previous diagnosis of invasive breast cancer > 65 years should be offered BRCA1/2 testing if personal or family history suggests the possibility of a pathogenic variant or are candidates for a PARP inhibitor therapy.
- Testing for high and moderate penetrance breast cancer genes beyond BRCA1/2 can inform medical therapy, influence surgical decision-making, refine risk estimates for future cancers, inform family members, and should be offered to appropriate patients.
- Patients undergoing genetic testing should be given sufficient information before testing to provide informed consent. Formal genetic counseling sessions may not always be possible, and several alternative approaches exist.
“ASCO-SSO’s guideline update is an important step forward in advancing the use of genomics in clinical care for patients with breast cancer,” said Shelly Cummings, Vice President of Oncology Medical Affairs, Myriad Genetics. “The latest clinical practice recommendations expand access to genetic testing and limit barriers to care, both of which closely align with Myriad’s commitment to advance the health and well-being for all patients and their family members.”
Myriad’s germline test, MyRisk® Hereditary Cancer Test, analyzes 48 genes linked to 11 cancer types including breast cancer. Germline testing can help guide more personalized treatment decisions, including targeted therapies and surgical techniques.
About Myriad Genetics
Myriad Genetics is a leading genetic testing and precision medicine company dedicated to advancing health and well-being for all. Myriad develops and offers genetic tests that help assess the risk of developing disease or disease progression and guide treatment decisions across medical specialties where genetic insights can significantly improve patient care and lower healthcare costs. For more information, visit www.myriad.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including the statement that the latest clinical practice recommendations expand access to genetic testing and limit barriers to care. These “forward-looking statements” are management’s expectations of future events as of the date hereof and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, conditions, and events to differ materially and adversely from those anticipated. Such factors include those risks described in the company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 1, 2023, as well as any updates to those risk factors filed from time to time in the company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q or Current Reports on Form 8-K. Myriad is not under any obligation, and it expressly disclaims any obligation, to update or alter any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise except as required by law.
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FAQ
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