We often speak about genomic testing to identify mutations! Why? – because identifying a mutation may open the possibility of using a ‘precision medicine’ that may come into play if you have difficult disease to treat …. for any type of cancer and other conditions.

Our Speaking Freely moderator, Rich Jackson, recently attended a support group meeting that received a presentation from INVITAE , a genomic testing lab that offers a comprehensive germ line or inherited genetic mutation test. Their tests may be offered at no cost depending on your disease and  its demographics.  For a full list of currently sponsored (free) tests, please visit https://www.invitae.com/en/sponsored-testing/ . You can also call Invitae at 800 436 3037.

Rich writes:    

INVITAE is offering hereditary genetic (germ line) testing with a maximum out of pocket expense of $250.00  – and the cost could be $0.00. The genetic testing must be initiated by the patient who also names a doctor’s office that controls their  Personal History Information. It is saliva based and tests for 47 specific markers including BRCA and Lynch Syndrome markers. Results are returned to the doctor to be communicated to the patient. INVITAE also provides access to genetic counseling.

Currently, prostate cancer patients qualify for free genetic testing provided they are Gleason 7 or greater at diagnoses (as may other conditions like pancreatic cancer and chronic kidney disease – see above for more information. rd).

INVITAE creates a ‘tag number’ to identify the sample that references back to the medical office, but for their purposes the information is anonymous. The company gathers large pools of patients for a given condition that they can then market to drug companies with the purpose of identifying prospects for clinical trials based on genetic markers.If a patient is a candidate, their doctor’s office will be contacted.

As explained by the regional manager w.r.t. prostate cancer:

‘A drug company would have a new drug to trial which they thought would work better with certain genetic markers. The company would contact INVITAE looking for men that matched. INVITAE would check their database, locate the identifiers of men that matched and contact the doctors office with the information. The doctor would contact you and pass on the information and how to contact INVITAE for additional information.’