Clinical Adoption of Whole-Genome Sequencing Faces Huge Challenges

A new study published in JAMA suggests that while it helps in identifying genetic variants warranting early medical intervention, the use of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) has been linked with incomplete coverage of inherited-disease genes, low reproducibility of detection of genetic variation with the highest potential clinical effects, and uncertainty about clinically reportable findings. As technical barriers to human DNA sequencing decrease and costs approach $1,000, whole-genome sequencing (WGS) is increasingly being used in clinical medicine. Sequencing can successfully aid clinical diagnosis and reveal the genetic basis of rare familial diseases. Regardless of context, even in apparently healthy individuals, WGS is expected to uncover genetic findings of potential clinical importance. However, comprehensive clinical interpretation and reporting of clinically significant findings are seldom performed, according to background information in the article. The technical sensitivity and reproducibility of clinical genetic findings using sequencing and the clinical opportunities and costs associated with discovery and reporting of these and other clinical findings remain undefined.

Frederick E. Dewey, M.D., of the Stanford Center for Inherited Cardiovascular Disease, Stanford, Calif., and colleagues recruited 12 volunteer adult participants who underwent WGS between November 2011 and March 2012. A multidisciplinary team reviewed all potentially reportable genetic findings. Five physicians proposed initial clinical follow-up based on the genetic findings.

The researchers found that the use of WGS was associated with incomplete coverage of inherited-disease genes (important parts of the genome for diseases that run in families are not as easy to read as other regions); there was low reproducibility of detection of genetic variation with the highest potential clinical effects (disagreement around the types of variation particularly important for disease); and there was uncertainty about clinically reportable WGS findings (experts disagree on which findings are most meaningful). Two to 6 personal disease-risk findings were discovered in each participant. Physician review of sequencing findings prompted consideration of a median (midpoint) of 1 to 3 initial diagnostic tests and referrals per participant.

The authors write that their clinical experience with this technology illustrates several challenges to clinical adoption of WGS, including that although analytical validity of WGS is improving, technical challenges to sensitive and accurate assessment of individual genetic variation remain. In addition, the human resource needs for full clinical interpretation of WGS data remains considerable, and much uncertainty remains in classification of potentially disease-causing genetic variants.

"These issues should be considered when determining the role of WGS in clinical medicine."

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Source-Eurekalert