Results from the BRCA-DIRECT study, recently published in the British Journal of Cancer, have shown that a new digital pathway could help more people access BRCA genetic testing.
Clare Turnbull, Bethany Torr and colleagues at The Institute of Cancer Research are developing and piloting a digital platform to optimise BRCA genetic testing. They have found that by sharing digital information about BRCA testing plus a hotline option, 91% of patients went on to have the test, compared with 85% of those who went through the conventional route of patient hospital appointments.
Currently, the study is being trialled across the NHS. The team are also exploring the use of an at-home saliva test to improve access to BRCA testing while also freeing up capacity in the NHS. |