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The Genomic Medicine at VA Study

The Genomic Medicine at VA Study

Non Recruiting
50-70 years
All
Phase N/A

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Overview

This trial will determine the clinical effectiveness of polygenic risk score testing among patients at high genetic risk for at least one of six diseases (coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, type 2 diabetes mellitus, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, or prostate cancer), measured by time-to-diagnosis of prevalent or incident disease over 24 months.

Description

One of the most pressing controversies in genomics today is the clinical utility of polygenic risk scores (PRS). Broadening the scope of genomic risk testing beyond monogenic diseases, PRS combine information from hundreds or even millions of genetic loci, each with a very small effect size on the risk of common complex disease. The result is a continuous quantitative risk factor for susceptibility to conditions such as coronary artery disease (CAD), type 2 diabetes (T2D), and breast cancer. Compared to rarer monogenic disease variants, PRS have greater transformative potential for public health and healthcare in their ability to identify much larger proportions of the population at significantly elevated risk for disease, facilitating evidence-based prevention and management. Moreover, their prediction ability has vastly improved compared to earlier PRS that included only a limited number of genetic variants. However, while the associations between PRS and a wide range of common diseases are well established (clinical validity), the potential impact of this information on patient health outcomes (clinical utility) remains contested and understudied.

This study will examine the effectiveness and implementation outcomes from the use of PRS for 6 common diseases that are screened for by PCPs and have established prevention strategies: CAD, AFib, T2D, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, and breast cancer. This trial has two

aims

Aim 1: Conduct a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to determine the clinical effectiveness of PRS among patients at high genetic risk for at least one disease, measured by changes in clinical management (process outcomes) and time to diagnosis of prevalent or incident disease (clinical outcome) over 24 months.

Aim 2: Measure high-priority genomic medicine implementation outcomes, including primary care provider (PCP) knowledge and beliefs about PRS, patient activation in healthcare, medication adherence, and costs.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Age 50-70 years at enrollment
  • No known diagnosis of the following conditions, initially screened by the International Classification of Disease (ICD) codes or other electronic health record (EHR) data using validated methods and then confirmed with potential patient-participants during recruitment: coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, type 2 diabetes, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Patients will be ineligible if they:
    • Have a known diagnosis of at least one of the six diseases of interest
    • Are younger than age 50 or older than age 70
    • Are pregnant
    • Are incarcerated or institutionalized

Study details
    Coronary Artery Disease
    Atrial Fibrillation
    Type 2 Diabetes
    Colorectal Cancer
    Breast Cancer
    Prostate Cancer

NCT04331535

Boston VA Research Institute, Inc.

21 October 2025

FAQs

Learn more about clinical trials

What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a study designed to test specific interventions or treatments' effectiveness and safety, paving the way for new, innovative healthcare solutions.

Why should I take part in a clinical trial?

Participating in a clinical trial provides early access to potentially effective treatments and directly contributes to the healthcare advancements that benefit us all.

How long does a clinical trial take place?

The duration of clinical trials varies. Some trials last weeks, some years, depending on the phase and intention of the trial.

Do I get compensated for taking part in clinical trials?

Compensation varies per trial. Some offer payment or reimbursement for time and travel, while others may not.

How safe are clinical trials?

Clinical trials follow strict ethical guidelines and protocols to safeguard participants' health. They are closely monitored and safety reviewed regularly.
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