“Integrating genetic information into everyday care is the future of medicine.” – Dr. Michael Mirro, chief academic research officer at Parkview Health
Parkview Health officials are inviting the public to join in a genetic research project that could result in significant health benefits for participants.
By studying a participant’s blood sample, researchers are able to detect whether that person is at higher risk for certain types of cancer, heart disease, high cholesterol and other conditions, officials said Tuesday. Patients and their doctors can use that information to take preventive actions.
Researchers estimate 1% to 2% of program participants have a genetic variant that might put them at risk for one of the listed conditions.
Anyone age 18 and older may participate at no cost with a Parkview MyChart account, according to a news release. Anyone who doesn’t already have a Parkview MyChart account may open one for free.
The DNA Insights program is a partnership between Parkview and Helix, a precision health organization. Precision health uses genetic testing results to guide physicians when choosing the most effective medications and treatments for a patient, including chemotherapy options.
“Parkview strives to become a leader in clinical genomics and genomic research for the benefit of our patients, providers and the scientific community at large,” according to its website.
As a member of the Helix Research Network, Parkview aims to enroll 100,000 participants over the next five years, officials said.
Patients can voluntarily opt in to the program to receive actionable DNA insights and information about key risk factors for certain conditions. Providers can then use that information to create plans for screening, prevention or management of conditions identified as a risk via the patient’s genetic profile, the release said.
Dr. Michael Mirro, Parkview’s chief academic research officer, commented on the program’s potential.
“Integrating genetic information into everyday care is the future of medicine,” he said in a statement.
“Our goal is to make precision health accessible to more people, which in turn will help us design smarter, more effective programs for prevention and treatment across our region.”
Dr. Jamie L. Renbarger, Parkview’s associate chief of research and precision health and lead investigator for DNA Insights, commented on expanding the program beyond Parkview patients and staff to the community at large.
“DNA Insights is a powerful example of how research and innovation come together to directly benefit our community,” she said in a statement. “Launching DNA Insights in a phased approach has allowed our teams to optimize and enhance the participant experience. Now, by expanding to the broader community, we can empower more people to take proactive steps for their health while also fueling research that could help future generations.”
Parkview’s Precision Health team was one of seven grant recipients from the Association of Cancer Care Centers and Eli Lilly. The funding will support quality improvement in precision oncology care pathways, underscoring the health system’s leadership in using genetic and molecular insights to guide cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment, the release said.
To learn more or enroll, go online to parkview.com/DNAInsights. To create a Parkview MyChart account, go online to mychart.parkview.com.