Model Development
The development and validation of the breast, ovarian and prostate cancer risk prediction models are ongoing. Working versions of the breast and ovarian cancer risk prediction algorithms (BOADICEA) are now ready. These include the effects of established rare genetic variants, the common genetic variants on the basis of the OncoArray experiment results, lifestyle/hormonal and imaging risk factors. A PhD student is now working on the development of the prostate cancer risk prediction algorithm. We now have access to a number of prospective cohort datasets which we will be using to validate the breast and ovarian cancer risk prediction algorithms.
Tool Development
Significant progress has been made on the first version of the CanRisk tool. We have defined the layout, the questions collecting risk factor information, and designed a novel pedigree drawing interface. We are now developing approaches of communicating the risk information.
Several risk factors where the evidence is uncertain are also being reviewed.
Integration of the tool within the NHS IT systems
We have started looking at how the tool could be integrated within electronic health records, and how data can be transferred between clinicians, hospitals and facilities.
If you have experiences or useful contacts that you could share to help us work with NHS IT please contact Alex Cunningham (apc40@medschl.cam.ac.uk).
Tool assessment: Feasibility study
We aim to characterize the usability and usefulness of the tool among specialist and primary healthcare professionals, as well as assess the barriers and facilitators to its implementation. To do this, the feasibility study will use mixed methods approaches, including questionnaires, simulated consultations and in depth interviews to assess the tool prototype. The protocol and ethics application are being developed. Once ethics is approved we will be contacting primary care practices and clinical genetics departments across the UK to participate.
European Human Genetics Conference: Come see us!
CanRisk representatives will be at the European Society of Human Genetics (ESHG) conference at the end of May in Copenhagen, Denmark. The workshop findings will be presented as a poster entitled ‘Development of cancer risk prediction models into tools for use in clinical settings’. Chantal Babb de Villiers will be at the poster board P19.07C between 10.15 – 11.15 on May 29th within the Genetic counselling/ Education/ Public service section. Please do come past for a chat!