Using genetic risk scores to improve disease prevention in primary care
Pragmatic randomized trial of polygenic risk scoring for common diseases in primary care
This study is looking to create a way to understand your risk for common diseases like heart disease and breast cancer through genetic testing, so if you're at high risk, you can get personalized advice to help keep you healthy while others continue with regular care, and we'll check in on everyone over two years to see how well this approach works.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston VA Research Institute, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11045155 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research aims to develop and validate polygenic risk scores (PRS) for six common diseases, including coronary artery disease and breast cancer. Patients without a known diagnosis of these diseases will undergo genetic testing to determine their risk levels. Those identified as high-risk will receive their results and tailored clinical recommendations, while others will continue with standard care. The study will track patient outcomes over 24 months to assess the effectiveness of this personalized approach in preventing disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults without a known diagnosis of coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, type 2 diabetes, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, or prostate cancer.
Not a fit: Patients who already have a diagnosis of any of the six target diseases may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier diagnosis and better management of common diseases based on individual genetic risk.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using genetic risk scores for disease prevention, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston VA Research Institute, INC. — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vassy, Jason L — Boston VA Research Institute, INC.
- Study coordinator: Vassy, Jason L
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.