#USA #San Mateo #Helix #Veracyte #Genomic Insights

Introduction

In a significant advancement for prostate cancer care, Helix, a leader in precision health, has recently announced a partnership with Veracyte, a notable name in cancer diagnostics. This collaboration aims to streamline the process for urologists to provide comprehensive genomic insights, specifically through the integration of Helix's hereditary cancer testing with Veracyte's renowned Decipher® Prostate test.

The Importance of Genomic Testing

Prostate cancer presents varying risk levels, especially in cases that are localized or have metastasized. Understanding the genetic underpinnings of cancer not only offers insights into treatment options but also plays a crucial role in determining patient family health risks. Both Helix's whole-exome hereditary cancer testing and Veracyte's Decipher Prostate test can provide essential data that enhances a physician’s ability to make informed treatment decisions.

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines advocate for germline genetic testing in patients diagnosed with metastatic and high-risk localized prostate cancer. Insights gain from this testing can guide decisions regarding therapies, such as PARP inhibitors, tailored specifically for the patient's genetic profile.

Streamlined Access for Patients

Helix's approach is built on a commitment to simplify access to these genomic insights. According to James Lu, M.D., Ph.D., CEO and co-founder of Helix, the effort is to ensure that cancer patients receive genomic insights regardless of their treatment location, extending beyond academic medical centers. "Through our collaboration with Veracyte, we're extending the availability of vital genomic and transcriptomic insights into a unified clinical workflow. This makes it easier for physicians to align treatment strategies with established clinical recommendations," said Dr. Lu.

By integrating Helix’s hereditary cancer test within the Decipher ordering process, urologists can conveniently access pivotal genetic information, significantly improving personalized care for their patients.

Benefits for Patients and Family Members

Genetic predispositions uncovered through such testing have far-reaching implications. For patients, understanding their inherited risk can influence treatment strategies and inform them about the potential for developing additional cancers in the future. Moreover, actionable information can be passed on to family members, thereby equipping them with knowledge regarding their own health risks.

When combined with pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing, healthcare providers can further refine treatment plans based on an individual's unique genetic makeup, improving effectiveness while also ensuring safety.

Ongoing Commitment to Accessibility

This partnership between Helix and Veracyte is part of a broader effort to make precision medicine both more accessible and impactful. Helix leads the Helix Research Network, the fastest-growing precision clinical research network globally, which has already begun to implement universal cancer screening initiatives for newly diagnosed patients. With Helix's innovative Exome+ assay and the Sequence Once, Query Often model, high-quality genomic insights are delivered at scale, enhancing ongoing clinical value and minimizing the necessity for repetitive testing.

To discover more about Helix's initiatives in precision oncology, visit Helix's website.

About Helix

Helix stands at the forefront of population genomics and precision health. The organization empowers health systems and life sciences companies to integrate genomic data into patient care effectively, thus accelerating the development of targeted therapies. For further information, visit Helix.