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Last Posted: May 02, 2024
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Future implications of polygenic risk scores for life insurance underwriting.
Tatiane Yanes et al. NPJ Genom Med 2024 3 (1) 25

From the abstract: "As PGS is increasingly utilized in research and clinical practice, it is pivotal that careful consideration is given to the potential insurance implications of PGS to ensure consumer protection against GD. For the full potential benefits of PGS to be realized, and its clinical utility determined across various use cases, individuals will need to be confident that they can participate in research studies and access clinical genetic testing without fear of insurance discrimination. Clarification is needed regarding the extent to which existing protections and legislation relating to monogenic testing may also extend to PGS test results. "

The DTC microbiome testing industry needs more regulation.
Diane E Hoffmann et al. Science 2024 3 (6688) 1176-1179

From the article: "A growing body of research has suggested the potential for improving human health by better understanding the human microbiome. This research has led to the emergence of a global industry selling direct-to-consumer (DTC) microbiome testing services. Regulation of this industry has been generally ignored despite its having made a mark on the lifestyle health and wellness market. Yet companies’ claims of having the ability to detect “abnormal” microbiomes are not substantiated by research; the testing processes lack analytical validity, and the results have no demonstrated clinical validity. "

Direct to Consumer Biomarker Testing for Alzheimer Disease—Are We Ready for the Insurance Consequences?
JJ Arias et al, JAMA Neurology, December 18, 2023

From the article: "The promise of DTC testing for AD biomarkers may be lauded by advocates pushing for earlier diagnoses and individuals’ right to know. Early diagnosis of AD through DTC or clinical evaluations could provide benefits, including increased monitoring and preventive care. Additionally, DTC tests could reduce barriers that impede a timely diagnosis (eg, access to dementia specialists). However, DTC tests are not without hazard, particularly given gaps in discriminatory protections for individuals at risk of developing AD with known biomarker status. "

An Environmental Scan of Consumer-Initiated Germline Genetic Testing for Health Risks.
Hannah G Kirby et al. Mayo Clin Proc 2023 8

From the abstract: "An environmental scan was conducted to identify germline genetic testing companies that offer testing for at least one diagnosable health condition and are available for purchase by consumers in the US market without a visit to one's health care provider. We characterized variability in the content and processes used by 21 companies offering 74 distinct test products that met our inclusion and exclusion criteria. A minority (8 of 21 companies) offered tests that assessed the presence of at least 1 US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Tier 1 condition for which detection can impact an individual's clinical care and for which evidence-based guidelines for detection and management exist."

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Disclaimer: Articles listed in the Public Health Genomics and Precision Health Knowledge Base are selected by the CDC Office of Public Health Genomics to provide current awareness of the literature and news. Inclusion in the update does not necessarily represent the views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention nor does it imply endorsement of the article's methods or findings. CDC and DHHS assume no responsibility for the factual accuracy of the items presented. The selection, omission, or content of items does not imply any endorsement or other position taken by CDC or DHHS. Opinion, findings and conclusions expressed by the original authors of items included in the update, or persons quoted therein, are strictly their own and are in no way meant to represent the opinion or views of CDC or DHHS. References to publications, news sources, and non-CDC Websites are provided solely for informational purposes and do not imply endorsement by CDC or DHHS.

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