In an interview, Marilyn Li and Douglas Stewart discuss why ACMG has put forth points that doctors and labs should consider when presumed germline findings crop up in tumor testing.
The bipartisan bill is backed by more than 250 organizations, but ACMG remains opposed, arguing that ordering tests is part of the practice of medicine.
Absent sufficient evidence to support genetic testing for all patients, the group recommended following existing guidelines, which are based on clinical factors.
The genetic disease risk test, which covers 59 genes endorsed by ACMG, is offered through the Helix marketplace and includes genetic counseling services.
Research presented at ACMG by Invitae suggests that clinically actionable variants in cancer patients are missed by germline testing that is not done with expanded panels.
In 125,000 de-identified Invitae customers with and without a personal or family history of cancer, 23andMe's DTC test would have missed almost 90 percent of BRCA mutations.
A study of 10 commercial labs offering NIPT in the US found that none followed all recommendations for reporting results and informing patients and providers.
