Genetics-based breast cancer risk tool
Core C : Population Genomic Risk Assessment
This project uses many common genetic markers to create a personalized breast cancer risk score to help guide screening choices for women.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11191520 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you join the WISDOM effort, you would provide a genetic sample that is turned into a polygenic risk score combining many small genetic signals. The team converts low-pass whole genome data into reliable genotypes, calculates scores for overall breast cancer and specific subtypes (including fast-growing and ER-negative cancers), and updates those scores as the science improves. They also combine those scores with known high-risk gene results so your risk estimate reflects both common and rare genetic factors. Those risk results are used to help decide when and how often screening might be offered.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are women eligible for breast cancer screening who are willing to provide a genetic sample and medical history, including people from diverse ancestries.
Not a fit: People who decline genetic testing, who are not enrolled in the WISDOM screening program, or who lack usable genetic data are unlikely to benefit directly from this core effort.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could make breast screening more personalized so higher-risk women get earlier or more frequent screening and lower-risk women avoid unnecessary tests.
How similar studies have performed: Polygenic risk scores have been shown to predict breast cancer risk, but using them prospectively to guide screening is relatively new and is currently being piloted.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ziv, Elad — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Ziv, Elad
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.