CariGenetics Updates On Breast Cancer Study

CariGenetics provided an update on the progress of its groundbreaking Caribbean Whole Genome Breast Cancer Research Pilot Study, saying it is a “monumental step towards understanding the genetic factors influencing breast cancer in the Caribbean population.”

A spokesperson said, “Since the study’s launch, the company has received abundant support and interest from the public.

“To date, there are 139 interested study registrants, of whom 49 are eligible for the patient group, 33 are eligible for the control group and 45 being ineligible. So far 62 eligible participants have been officially recruited, having completed their consent interview, and given a blood sample. All 62 samples have had DNA extracted and are ready for genetic sequencing.”

Nurse Khamani Fox, Clinical Operations Manager of CariGenetics, and whom has been officially completed 65 hours of training by the UK in genomics study recruitment, stated, “We are thrilled with the community’s enthusiastic response to our study. This is a monumental step towards understanding the genetic factors influencing breast cancer in the Caribbean population.

“Our verified eligibility numbers have reached 81%, with our patient group 98% complete of our initial goal. However, we still require additional participants for the control group. We encourage those who meet the criteria to join us in this transformative initiative as the next round of recruitment will be held December 11-15, 2023.”

To be eligible for the control group, participants should:

• Have no history of cancer in either themselves or a first-degree relative [parents, siblings or children],
• Have full insurance coverage,
• Have four [4] grandparents of Caribbean ancestry [including Bermudian].

“To match the age of diagnosis of our patient group, we are looking specifically for 22 women for the control group in the below age brackets:

• 13 women aged 40-49,
• 3 women aged 50-59,
• 4 women aged 60-69, and
• 2 women aged 70-79.

The spokesperson said, “Due to the success of our recruitment so far, we have decided to open 5 more spots in both groups, meaning we now will have 55 in the patient group and 55 in the control group.”

To be eligible for the patient group, participants should:

• Have a current or prior diagnosis of breast cancer,
• Have full insurance coverage,
• Have four [4] grandparents of Caribbean ancestry [including Bermudian].

We specifically need 5 more women in the patient group in the below age brackets:

• 2 women aged 18-29 and
• 3 women aged 30-39.

Nurse Fox added the following disclaimer, “Participation is 100% voluntary and will not impact current or previous treatment plans. All information is anonymized and will not be given to external parties without the participant’s consent. Participants may withdraw from the study at any time without penalty or loss of benefit.”

The spokesperson said, “Interested participants can register for the study here or contact Dr Carika Weldon on 500-1982. For further information about CariGenetics and its initiatives, please visit www.carigenetics.com/getinthering.

“The Caribbean Breast Cancer Whole Genome Pilot Study provided by CariGenetics is supported through funding from the Innovation Programme managed by the Bermuda Health Council and has received BHB Research Ethics Committee approval.”

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