King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC)’s Researchers presented a study entitled “Implementation of Universal Pan-Cancer Germline Genetic Testing in an Arab population: The Jordanian Exploratory Cancer Genetics (Jo-ECAG) Study”. The researchers’s findings, presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology currently ongoing in Chicago, USA, is considered to be the largest of its kind among the Arab Region, and one of the largest studies worldwide. The research team examined genetic mutation patterns among 3313 patients from Jordan and the Arab region who were diagnosed with various types of cancers over a two-year period. These cancers included breast, ovarian, colon, prostate, and others. KHCC Director General, Dr. Asem Mansour, emphasized the ongoing revolution in Cancer diagnosis and treatment and highlighted the importance of precision medicine, which mainly relies on understanding the genetic nature of each tumor to develop targeted treatments as he proudly stated: “The Center is keeping up with this enormous growth in targeted and immunotherapy, as we provide this treatment for our patients to achieve higher cure rates than before.” Furthermore, he commended the research team for their significant, unrelenting efforts in promoting exemplary professional practice through conducting this pivotal study, which he deemed crucial for understanding the genetic aspects of Cancer in Jordan and the Region. He also noted the underrepresentation of the Arab population in major international clinical trials and stressed the importance of clinical research in gaining better insights into the specific nature and the risk factors of cancer among our own population. Professor Hikmat Abdel-Razeq, Chairman of the Department of Internal Medicine and the Chief Medical Officer at the King Hussein Cancer Center, and the Lead Researcher on the project stated that the study revealed a high prevalence of inherited genetic mutations among Jordanians and Arab patients which strongly supports the recommendation of testing patients, as suggested by international guidelines. The study found that 13% of enrolled patients carried an inherited genetic mutation that could be passed on to their children, significantly increasing the risk of developing various cancers such as breast, ovarian, colorectal, pancreatic, prostate, and others. The prevalence was even higher in certain cancers like ovarian cancer, where one in four patients carried these genetic variants. Additionally, these inherited cancers tended to develop at a younger age compared to non-inherited cancers. The study included adult patients with various solid tumors, regardless of their personal or family history of Cancer, all of whom were diagnosed and treated at the King Hussein Cancer Center during the study period. Prof. Abdel-Razeq emphasized the necessity of detecting these genetic disorders to help patients prevent the development of other cancers and reduce or prevent Cancer occurrence in their children and grandchildren. On the other hand, he pointed out how identifying such genetic variants can assist physicians in selecting more appropriate anti-cancer therapies, including targeted and immunotherapy treatments, which are all associated with improved outcomes. He also mentioned that these genetic disorders can be identified through a regular blood sample, similar to other lab tests, and clarified that the King Hussein Cancer Center offers genetic counseling clinics staffed by trained Counselors and Oncologists. These clinics provide patients and at-risk relatives with information about the genetic testing process, its implications on treatment decisions, and other measures, including surgical options that may reduce or prevent cancer occurrence. The Center also offers social and psychological support to patients and their families when needed. Professor Abdel-Razeq concluded by thanking the research team and patients who participated in this landmark study.
Source: Jordan News Agency