CariGenetics Launches Cancer Genetic Study
CariGenetics has “officially started enrolling into its multi-country Caribbean Prostate Cancer Genetic Study in Bermuda, one milestone closer to fully launching its Caribbean Genome Programme.”
A spokesperson said, “The Caribbean Genome Programme [CGP], led by CariGenetics, addresses the underrepresentation of Caribbean populations in global genomic research. Despite the region’s genetic diversity, Caribbean data is scarce in major genetic databases, creating gaps in clinical research, diagnostics and treatments. With over 46 million people and unique founder effects, the Caribbean is a significant population to study. The CGP aims to generate genomic data from 100,000 Caribbean people by the end of 2027 for global databases and to improve healthcare in the region and its diaspora.
“As a proof of concept for the Caribbean Genome Programme, CariGenetics is launching its 1,000 men prostate cancer genetic study across ten Caribbean islands. These islands include: Bermuda, Saint Lucia, Antigua & Barbuda, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Dominican Republic, Guyana, Barbados, Bahamas and Guadeloupe. Bermuda is the first official site to start enrollment, with Saint Lucia and Antigua & Barbuda to follow soon.
“The study initially started taking online registrations of interest as of May 1st this year and only included the “Patient Group”, men who had a diagnosis of prostate cancer, or the “Control Group”, men who have no cancer or first degree relative with cancer.
“It became clear very soon that the study was missing another key group, men who have no cancer but have a family history of cancer. Based on this, CariGenetics applied for updated ethics approval having received it from the BHB Research Ethics Committee on 3 November. The inclusion of this “Related group” allows CariGenetics to assess cancer risk factors in those at high risk, offering invaluable insights into hereditary prostate cancer risks within Caribbean populations.
Dr Satyendra Persuad, Urologist in T&T; Dr. Carika Weldon, CEO and founder of CariGenetics; & Dr Rajendra Sukhraj, Urologist in Guyana.
Partnership with Hamilton Medical Centre Burnaby Urgent Care and Medical Imaging for Bermuda Site
“The recruitment process is off to a strong start, having enrolled 28 men in 5 days of consent interviews. Building on its successful Caribbean Breast Cancer Genetic Study, CariGenetics has decided to improve on the participant experience by partnering with the Hamilton Medical Centre Burnaby Urgent Care and Medical Imaging [HMC]. This collaboration brings a seamless research recruitment experience to Bermuda, allowing participants to conduct their required consent interview and blood draws in state-of-the-art facilities.
“HMC will serve as the primary site for the prostate cancer study in Bermuda. Utilising private space on the Centre’s second floor, the interviews ensure participant comfort and confidentiality. After completing the interview, participants proceed to the phlebotomy area downstairs for their blood draws. Samples taken for genetic sequencing are then transported to Bermuda College for further processing by the CariGenetics lab team.
“For participants in the Control and Related groups to be eligible, PSA [prostate specific antigen] testing is essential to confirm normal prostate function. Under this partnership, the PSA tests will be conducted onsite at HMC lab with same-day turnaround times, enhancing the efficiency of the study’s operations and making it easier for participants to complete all necessary steps in one visit.”
“We are very pleased to partner with CariGenetics on this seminal research,” said Dr JJ Soares, Director of HMC. “Early detection is key for the treatment of prostate cancer, and this essential research may very well prove to be a game-changer for the Caribbean region in the fight against this disease.”
Call for Community Participation During Men’s Health Month
The spokesperson said, “With Men’s Health Month all November long, CariGenetics is renewing its call to Bermudian men to join this historic study. The campaign encourages men across the island to take charge of their health, highlighting the importance of early detection, open discussions, and addressing the high rates of prostate cancer affecting Caribbean populations.”
Dr Carika Weldon, Founder and CEO of CariGenetics, shared her thoughts on this historic study, “There remains a critical lack of prostate cancer research specific to Caribbean men, and this study marks a major step toward addressing this gap. We have intentionally decided to focus on Men’s Health for this next phase of our research rollout to ensure it has the attention it deserves. Launching in Bermuda first and partnering with HMC allows us to get the job done and provide a more streamlined and supportive experience for all our participants. The addition of the related group and same-day PSA testing are both game-changers, bringing us closer to our mission of understanding prostate cancer in Caribbean men. Our community’s participation is vital, and we’re honoured to work with local healthcare providers to make this process seamless and accessible.”
The spokesperson said, “CariGenetics remains dedicated to addressing prostate cancer in Caribbean men and encouraging more individuals to contribute to this critical research in all 3 groups within the study. Men interested in contributing to this important research can access further information via the CariGenetics website at www.carigenetics.com/research. The Bermuda cohort of this Caribbean Prostate Cancer Genetic Study is supported by The Daily Male, Prostate Awareness Bermuda, MASC, Bermuda Public Services Union, and other community partners who are collectively working to advance health outcomes for Caribbean men.
“To register your interest in the study, please fill our online eligibility form https://forms.gle/BS5Bjz1zTY41dqwz9 or contact CariGenetics directly on +1 [441] 621-6309.”
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