Genetic Cancer Prediction through Population Screening (GCaPPS)

Lead: Dr Ranjit Manchanda

GCaPPS

GCaPPS is a research study evaluating the feasibility of offering everybody in the population a genetic test (a straightforward blood test) to identify individuals at high risk of developing cancers linked to inherited BRCA gene alterations. This study assesses the impact of a systematic population based approach to genetic testing for cancer predisposition by comparing it to the current family history based approach in a randomised trial. Individuals over 18 years, with four Ashkenazi Jewish grandparents can participate in the study.

Backgound

Individuals carrying an alteration in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes have a high risk of developing breast, ovarian and prostate cancer. 1 in 40 Ashkenazi Jewish people are known to carry a BRCA 1 or BRCA2 gene alteration. A number of established strategies such as screening and surgery are available to manage the cancer risk associated with an inherited predisposition. However, this is currently available only to high-risk individuals identified by a strong family history. This fails to identify a significant proportion (over 40%) of carriers due to lack of knowledge of family history, shortcomings of risk assessment models and limited coverage.

The findings of the study will have major implications for the application of mutation testing for cancer predisposition in clinical practice. The study will be of specific importance to the Ashkenazi Jewish population and to breast, ovarian, tubal, and prostate cancer it will also be of broad relevance to genetic testing for cancer risk in all populations.