Myriad Genetics announces participation in collaboration to accelerate hereditary cancer research

Myriad Genetics, Inc., and leading cancer experts from the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), Mayo Clinic, Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania, and other laboratories are teaming up in a new partnership that will dramatically advance the understanding of the risks associated with multiple cancer genes that are being analyzed through next generation sequencing technology. Specifically, the partners will collaborate on the creation of a research study called the Prospective Registry of Multiplex Testing (PROMPT).

The goals of the study are 1) to create an online registry of individuals consenting to a prospective follow up after having been tested with a pan-cancer panel test such as Myriad’s myRisk Hereditary Cancer; 2) to provide infrastructure for the curation of specific genetic variants detected; and 3) to facilitate additional studies to characterize the significance of the genetic mutations. Myriad will contribute thousands of genetic mutations and its scientific expertise, gained from having tested more than 1.3 million patients for hereditary cancer risk.

“We look forward to collaborating with leading cancer centers to help end preventable hereditary cancers,” says Richard Wenstrup, MD, chief medical officer at Myriad. “Through this innovative data- sharing partnership with some of the country’s best cancer genetics centers, we can more efficiently study genetic mutations, maximize the impact of our research investments, and help ensure that patients will receive the best care possible.”

Myriad representatives say that the PROMPT partnership continues Myriad’s longstanding commitment to research collaborations. Myriad currently is engaged in scientific collaborations with more than 50 academic research institutions to help advance medical and scientific knowledge and healthcare overall. Learn more about these partnerships.