Germline genetic testing can benefit all cancer patients as a routine practice in cancer care

Rhea-AI Summary

Invitae Corporation (NYSE: NVTA) presented studies at the 2021 ASCO Annual Meeting highlighting the benefits of germline genetic testing for cancer patients. The research showed that all cancer types can benefit from genetic testing, which can guide treatment plans and increase eligibility for precision therapies. Notably, nearly one in six pancreatic cancer patients showed genetic changes linked to cancer, improving survival rates. However, current adoption of testing remains low, with only 3% of colorectal cancer patients receiving tests despite existing recommendations.

Positive

• Studies indicate that germline genetic testing can significantly improve treatment plans for cancer patients.
• Nearly 1 in 6 pancreatic cancer patients showed cancer-linked genetic changes, correlating with improved survival.
• The presentation at ASCO emphasizes the critical need for oncologists to adopt routine germline genetic testing.

Negative

• Only 3% of colorectal cancer patients received germline genetic testing despite recommendations.
• Clinical adoption of germline testing has been significantly slower compared to tumor profiling.

SAN FRANCISCO, May 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Invitae Corporation (NYSE: NVTA), a leading medical genetics company, is presenting multiple studies in multiple cancer types at the 2021 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting showing all cancer patients can benefit from germline genetic testing to guide their care. The use of genetic information informs changes in cancer care, increases access to precision therapies and guides screening for high-risk individuals and their family members. Earlier detection and precision therapies are critical to increase survivorship for people with cancer, yet the oncology community has been slow to adopt routine testing.

"Cancer is a disease of genetics, yet clinical practice has struggled to keep pace with rapid advancements in research, particularly with respect to the role of germline genetics. Testing guidelines and medical policy often codify barriers, further lengthening the path to adoption of widespread testing and in some cases restricting access to precision therapies and clinical treatment trials," said Ed Esplin, M.D., Ph.D., FACMG, FACP, clinical geneticist at Invitae. "Research presented at ASCO shows that cancer-linked genetic changes are common across cancer types and when patients do receive germline testing, over two thirds of those with positive results are eligible for changes to their treatment plans. It's clear that incorporating germline testing alongside tumor profiling can help oncologists better tailor treatment for each patient."

Data from 250 pancreatic cancer patients from the landmark INTERCEPT study conducted at the Mayo Clinic found that nearly one in six patients with pancreatic cancer (n=38) showed cancer-linked genetic changes and, importantly, receiving germline testing was associated with improved survival.

A separate study of prostate cancer patients confirmed similar findings in other cancer types that limiting testing deprives patients and clinicians of actionable information. In the first-ever presentation of the PROCLAIM study, which was conducted primarily in community urology clinics, of patients diagnosed with prostate cancer, a significant number of cancer-linked variants were missed if testing was done based on NCCN guidelines. Of the 532 patients with clinician-reported data, nearly half, 45% (n=239), did not meet NCCN criteria. Overall, 59 patients had a cancer-linked variant; one in 10 of them did not meet the criteria (9.6%, n=23), and 12.3% (n=36) of patients met the criteria. When a 12-gene panel was used, only 29 patients were found to have a cancer-linked variant and one third of these patients were missed by guidelines.

A third study showed simply changing medical policy is not enough to drive changes in clinician adoption. In a review of two independent datasets, including commercially insured and Medicare Advantage enrollees, only 3% (n=1,675) of the 55,595 colorectal cancer patients received germline genetic testing, despite medical policy recommending germline genetic testing for all colorectal cancer patients (consistent with the INTERCEPT colorectal cancer study). Of the patients who received testing, 18% (n=143) had a cancer-linked variant and two thirds, or 67% (n=96), of those patients were potentially eligible for precision therapy and/or clinical trials.

"The data have been available for years that show knowing what changes patients have in their genes is beneficial to treating their cancer. Yet the oncology community has been slower to adopt germline testing than tumor profiling, for reasons that are not entirely clear. These data presented at ASCO highlight the need for oncologists to embrace germline genetic testing as routine practice for all cancer patients," said Robert Nussbaum, M.D., chief medical officer at Invitae. "A positive germline genetic result may enable patients to enroll in clinical trials or gain access to new precision medicines. And equally important, the discovery of an inherited variant can alert relatives to seek out earlier cancer screening, helping avoid later-stage diagnoses and offering a treatment benefit if cancer develops."

Invitae aims to help overcome obstacles to the adoption of genetic testing by providing physicians with clinical consults to help interpret results and reducing cost as a barrier to genetic information. Invitae also provides patients direct access to genetic counselors, helping to integrate routine genetic testing into patient care with GIA, a HIPAA-compliant chatbot. Family members are also able to receive no-charge genetic testing if a positive result is found.

Details of the 2021 ASCO presentations:

Oral Abstract Session: Prevention, Risk Reduction, and Hereditary Cancer

• Abstract #10504: Underdiagnosis of germline genetic prostate cancer: Are genetic testing guidelines an aid or an impediment? Presented by Neal Shore, M.D.
• On-demand discussion will take place on June 4, 2021 from 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. ET.

Poster Discussion Session: Prevention, Risk Reduction, and Hereditary Cancer

• Abstract #10514: Clinical impact of medical policy supporting universal germline testing for patients with colorectal cancer. Presented by Sarah Nielsen, M.S., L.C.G.C
• Abstract #10515: Limitations of direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. Presented by Neelam V. Desai, M.D.
• On-demand poster discussions will take place on June 4, 2021 from 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. ET.

Poster Session: Prevention, Risk Reduction, and Hereditary Cancer

• Abstract #10534: Germline alterations among Hispanic men with prostate cancer. Presented by Justin Shaya, M.D.
• The poster will be available on-demand beginning June 4, 2021.

Poster Session: Gastrointestinal Cancer--GastroesophageaI, Pancreatic, and Hepatobiliary

• Abstract #4118: Clinical impact of pathogenic germline variants in pancreatic cancer: Results from a multicenter prospective universal genetic testing study. Presented by Pedro L. Uson Junior, M.D.
• The poster will be available on-demand beginning June 4, 2021.

About Invitae
Invitae Corporation (NYSE: NVTA) is a leading medical genetics company whose mission is to bring comprehensive genetic information into mainstream medicine to improve healthcare for billions of people. Invitae's goal is to aggregate the world's genetic tests into a single service with higher quality, faster turnaround time, and lower prices. For more information, visit the company's website at invitae.com.

Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements relating to the benefits of germline testing and genetic information; and that the data presented at ASCO highlight the need for increased germline testing in all cancer patients regardless of medical policy. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially, and reported results should not be considered as an indication of future performance. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to:  the company's history of losses; the company's ability to compete; the company's failure to manage growth effectively; the company's need to scale its infrastructure in advance of demand for its tests and to increase demand for its tests; the company's ability to use rapidly changing genetic data to interpret test results accurately and consistently; security breaches, loss of data and other disruptions; laws and regulations applicable to the company's business; and the other risks set forth in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the risks set forth in the company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof, and Invitae Corporation disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

Contact:
Laura D'Angelo
pr@invitae.com
(628) 213-3283

 

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SOURCE Invitae Corporation

FAQ

What did Invitae present at the 2021 ASCO Annual Meeting?

Invitae presented studies demonstrating the importance of germline genetic testing for cancer patients, showing that it can guide treatment and enhance precision therapies.

How does germline genetic testing affect pancreatic cancer patients?

According to studies, nearly one in six pancreatic cancer patients shows genetic changes linked to cancer, and those who received testing had improved survival rates.

What percentage of colorectal cancer patients receive genetic testing?

Only 3% of colorectal cancer patients received germline genetic testing, highlighting a significant gap in clinical practice.

What are the benefits of routine germline genetic testing for cancer patients?

Routine germline genetic testing can identify cancer-linked genetic changes, potentially leading to tailored treatment plans and increased access to clinical trials.

What challenges does Invitae face regarding the adoption of germline testing?

Despite evidence supporting genetic testing, the oncology community's uptake has been slow, with existing guidelines often limiting access to testing.