HMC Launches Pilot Study with Partners for Early Cancer Detection

Hamad Medical Corporation

Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), in partnership with Qatar Foundation (QF), the Qatar Precision Health Institute (QPHI), Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, and Hamad Bin Khalifa University, has launched a pioneering pilot study highlighting how genetic research can be safely and effectively translated into practical clinical care, opening new horizons for early cancer detection and prevention.

The announcement of the study represents a strategic step placing the State of Qatar among the world's leading nations in precision medicine.

Published in the international journal Biomedicines, the study is the result of a national institutional collaboration aimed at bridging the gap between scientific research and medical practice, translating genomic research findings into actionable clinical applications within Qatar's healthcare system.

HMC reported that the study focused on harmful variants in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which are known to significantly increase the risk of breast, ovarian, and prostate cancers.

The research team successfully tested a structured pathway to bridge the gap between genetic research and clinical application by returning research findings to individuals and providing them with appropriate care.

The study analyzed genomic data from approximately 6,142 participants in Qatar Biobank, identifying ten individuals carrying pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants. After obtaining their consent, these participants underwent confirmatory testing in accredited clinical laboratories and received specialized genetic counseling to establish personalized care pathways.

The tangible outcomes of the study included eight participants joining enhanced surveillance programs, while preventive surgeries performed for some female participants led to the early detection of ovarian and endometrial cancers at stages that significantly improve treatment outcomes.

The benefits of the study extended beyond the initial participants to their families, with cascade testing identifying 20 additional relatives carrying the same genetic variants, enabling them to access necessary screening and preventive care.

The findings also highlighted high acceptance of genetic result disclosure among participants, with adherence to recommended follow-up care remaining at 100 percent over two years, reflecting the community's confidence in the country's healthcare system.

This initiative represents the first program of its kind in an Arab population to integrate the return of medically actionable genetic results into routine clinical care, marking a significant step toward advancing precision medicine and preventive healthcare in Qatar.

The pilot study demonstrates that Qatar Biobank's infrastructure and precision medicine capabilities can successfully transform genomic research into tangible health benefits.

By identifying cancer risk before symptoms appear, healthcare providers can offer early interventions, personalized surveillance, and proactive, informed decision-making.

(QNA)