Owkin has announced a partnership with AstraZeneca to create an AI gBRCA pre-screening solution designed to identify mutations in breast cancer patients from pathology slides.
This tool, part of the PortrAIt consortium with Gustave Roussy and The Centre Léon Bérard, aims to expedite and broaden gBRCA testing access.
BRCA testing is crucial for assessing cancer risk and guiding treatment, yet its implementation is inconsistent across countries, leading to the potential exclusion of individuals who could benefit.
This AI solution could identify thousands more high-risk patients in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK by 2030.
AstraZeneca oncology global commercial diagnostics head Kristina Rodnikova said: “On average, a woman with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation has up to a 7 in 10 chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer by age 80.
“This collaboration with Owkin underscores our commitment to advancing precision medicine, helping address the unmet need and identifying patients at risk of harbouring BRCA mutations to improve their outcomes.”
The current BRCA testing process can take months and involve multiple healthcare professionals, affecting patient outcomes.
The AI gBRCA pre-screening solution could reduce this to under an hour, using existing H&E [haematoxylin and eosin] slides, thus expediting the genetic testing process and aiding in timely treatment planning.
Owkin CEO Thomas Clozel said: “We are excited to collaborate with AstraZeneca to bring the benefits of AI to BRCA testing with the gBRCA pre-screen solution. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it's especially important to highlight how by streamlining the diagnostic process for determining BRCA mutation status, we can expand access to BRCA testing and identify more gBRCAm patients more rapidly.
“Our goal is to generate the best possible medical evidence through multiple clinical studies, making genetic testing more accessible and precise, and therefore reduce the inequity of care by allowing more patients to benefit from tailored care.”
