Summary:
Guardant Health has launched the Guardant Hereditary Cancer test, a blood-based genetic screening tool that identifies inherited cancer risk variants to aid in personalized cancer prevention and treatment.

Takeaways:

  1. The test screens for genetic variants across 82 genes linked to over 12 types of hereditary cancers using a simple blood draw.
  2. It supports treatment planning, risk assessment, and family member screening for patients with personal or family histories of cancer.
  3. Results are available in 2–3 weeks and can be integrated with Guardant360 tests without requiring an additional sample.

Guardant Health, Inc., a precision oncology company, has announced the launch of the Guardant Hereditary Cancer test, a germline test that identifies genetic variants associated with cancer risk to help cancer care teams provide optimal patient care.

Enabling Personalized Cancer Screening and Prevention

Germline genetic testing is recommended by medical practice guidelines for patients diagnosed with cancer to enable genetically targeted treatment and identify relatives who may benefit from personalized cancer screening and prevention.1 The testing analyzes inherited genetic variants, typically present in all the cells of the body, that may predispose an individual to certain risks or diagnoses, including hereditary cancers and other genetic conditions. The new Guardant Hereditary Cancer test is a blood-based germline panel test that identifies guideline-recommended genetic variants across 82 genes associated with an increased risk for more than 12 tumor types, including breast, colorectal, prostate, endometrial, renal and others.

“Introducing a best-in-class hereditary cancer test is another important step in achieving our mission to conquer cancer with data,” said Helmy Eltoukhy, Guardant Health chairman and co-CEO. “It expands the portfolio we offer to support healthcare providers across the entire continuum of cancer care and allows them to access an even broader set of precision oncology tools through a single source. The germline testing will help them develop more informed personalized treatment plans for patients, reduce risk and improve outcomes.”

Guardant Hereditary Cancer Tests for Those with Family History of Cancer

Physicians may order the Guardant Hereditary Cancer test for patients with a personal or family history of hereditary cancer for several reasons, such as guiding treatment or care decisions, assessing risk for secondary cancer development, and providing information that can help identify other family members who may be at increased risk for certain cancers. Discussion of risk-reducing strategies, enhanced screening, and referral to a specialist or genetic counseling is recommended.

The Guardant Hereditary Cancer test requires only a simple blood draw and can be ordered as a standalone test or added to Guardant360 liquid biopsy tests with no additional sample required. Results are available in two to three weeks.

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Reference

1. JAMA. 2023;330(1):43-51. doi:10.1001/jama.2023.9526.