NEW YORK – Outcomes4Me, an oncology-focused mobile app developer, on Thursday said it is working with molecular testing firm Invitae to improve education and access to genetic testing for breast cancer patients and survivors.
Patients can currently order genetic testing to assess their cancer risk through Invitae, receive genetic counseling through Invitae's partner Genome Medical, and once test results are available, upload them to Outcomes4Me's app. The latest partnership will now allow patients to make a genetic counseling appointment and order testing directly from Outcomes4Me's platform. Patients can authorize Invitae to report test results directly to the Outcomes4Me platform, within which they can also create a clinical profile.
The results integration with the Outcomes4Me platform will improve users' access to evidence-based information on treatment options and clinical trial eligibility, and inform how updated treatment and testing guidelines might impact their care.
Studies have shown that the healthcare system is currently failing to identify a large swath of individuals who qualify for genetic cancer risk assessments based on current guidelines. According to Outcomes4Me's patient data, almost half of its users who qualified for testing based on the National Comprehensive Cancer Network's guidelines hadn't been tested or did not know if they had received testing.
The collaboration with Outcomes4Me supports Invitae's ongoing efforts to increase access to genetic testing. "By providing access to our comprehensive genetic testing and counseling services, Outcomes4Me is adding a valuable resource that will empower patients to advance their knowledge, understanding, and therefore, self-advocacy during treatment and survivorship," Ed Esplin, a clinical geneticist at Invitae, said in a statement.