From Biobank to Bedside: A Pilot Study on Returning Medically Actionable BRCA1/2 Results in Qatar's Precision Medicine Landscape.

Background

Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer is an inherited condition caused by pathogenic (P) or likely pathogenic (LP) variants in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Population-level sequencing allows for the identification of asymptomatic genotype-positive participants (GPPs) before disease onset. This study assessed the feasibility and impact of returning clinically relevant BRCA results to participants at the Qatar Precision Health Institute (QPHI).

Methods

We established a structured framework to identify and refer asymptomatic individuals who were found to carry P/LP variants in BRCA among 6142 QPHI participants. The process integrated genomic analysis, participant recontact, counseling, referral, variants validation, and personalized risk-reducing strategies.

Results

Six variants (four BRCA1, two BRCA2) were validated in ten GPPs with a median age of 48 years (IQR: 40.5-56). Eight variants were confirmed through Sanger sequencing in a CAP-accredited laboratory at Hamad Medical Corporation. All eligible participants were referred for counseling and personalized clinical management. Four men initiated breast and prostate cancer surveillance, while four women pursued breast and ovarian surveillance. One asymptomatic GPP underwent prophylactic salpingo-oophorectomy, revealing early-stage ovarian cancer. Cascade testing identified 20 additional GPPs and, in one asymptomatic relative, facilitated the detection of early-stage uterine cancer. The genetic testing acceptability rate was 0.77 (95% CI: 0.46-0.94), with a 100% adherence to surveillance at 12- and 24-month follow-ups.

Conclusions

This pilot demonstrates the feasibility and clinical utility of returning actionable BRCA1/2 findings and represents the first initiative in an Arabic population to implement the return of medically actionable BRCA results from a population-based biobank.