Implementing Polygenic Risk Scores for Breast Cancer Prevention: a Feasibility Study

This single-arm feasibility study will integrate polygenic risk scores (PRS) into the CanRisk breast cancer risk model and evaluate the logistical and organizational aspects of its use in an established clinical setting. By embedding PRS testing into routine patient visits at the Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, the study aims to examine how well these genomic data can be incorporated into existing workflows for breast cancer risk assessment.

Enrolled participants (both healthy individuals with a familial predisposition and those with unilateral breast cancer) will receive standard genetic counseling, including testing for known high-penetrance mutations if not already completed. In addition, they will be offered PRS testing using a SNP-based assay, which aggregates multiple low-penetrance genetic variants to refine the risk estimate provided by CanRisk. All molecular analyses will be performed under standardized laboratory protocols to ensure consistent quality control (QC), including genotyping and imputation steps.

Key technical procedures include:

Blood sample collection (≥0.5 mL) for DNA extraction and SNP genotyping using a commercially available array.

Genetic data management and QC, encompassing alignment to reference panels, imputation of missing genotypes, and filtering out low-frequency variants or those failing QC thresholds.

Integration of PRS results into the patient's risk profile alongside clinical, familial, and lifestyle factors already captured by CanRisk.

Study staff will document any changes (such as shifts in risk category) that occur once PRS results are factored in, as well as any modifications to the care pathway. Feasibility will be assessed using process metrics (e.g., number of participants offered PRS and acceptance rates, time from sample collection to result communication) and through structured questionnaires to both patients and healthcare professionals. These questionnaires capture impressions of risk communication clarity, perceived utility of the PRS, and any challenges or facilitators identified when introducing this genomic tool into routine practice.

Questionnaire to patients:

• Communication with Patients and Families:

• Adequate time is allocated to explain PRS tests to patients and their families.
• Dedicated time is scheduled for genetic counseling sessions.
• Sufficient time is provided to explain the combined genetic and PRS results.
• The patients are well informed about their personalized risk assessment.
• Collaboration with Territorial Services:

• General practitioners are informed about the implementation of PRS. 5. There is good coordination between the genetics clinic and primary care. 6. There are clear communication channels between specialists and general practitioners.

Questionnaire to healthcare professionals.

• Patient-centred organization:

• There is a patient-centered vision for genetic risk assessment within the organization.
• The quality of genetic counseling and PRS testing is a priority within the organization.
• The genetic counseling coordinator has a patient-centered vision.
• The communication of genetic test results and PRS scores is considered important.
• The organizational structure supports integrated genetic testing services.
• There is a clear vision of the genetic testing policy throughout the hospital.

• Care process coordination:
• The agreements regarding the PRS test workflow are respected.
• All team members understand the stages of genetic testing and PRS evaluation.
• There is an optimal timeline between genetic testing and PRS analysis.
• There are clear protocols for the management of biological samples for PRS testing.
• Team members are involved in the coordination of genetic and PRS testing.
• Patients receive clear information about the results of both the genetic tests and the PRS.
• Follow-up appointments (if applicable) are scheduled appropriately after the communication of results.

• Monitoring and follow-up
• The quality indicators for PRS implementation are clearly defined.
• Patients' needs are systematically monitored during the testing process.
• Patient satisfaction with combined genetic and PRS testing is monitored.
• The objectives of the integrated risk assessment are explicitly described.
• There is a monitoring system in place to verify the completion of all testing phases.
• The results of the combined risk assessment are systematically tracked.
• Variations in PRS results are monitored and documented.
• Risk communication processes are systematically evaluated.
• The entire testing process is continuously monitored and adjusted.

Inclusion criteria

• Ability to provide informed consent
• Voluntary consent to participate
• CanRisk score (without PRS) > 5% (calculated on www.canrisk.org)
• Healthy women with:

• Known family history of breast cancer, or
• Known family history of genetic conditions associated with increased breast cancer risk, or
• Known carriers of pathogenic variants (BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2, CHEK2, ATM, PTEN, TP53, CDH1)
• Affected women with:

• Diagnosis of unilateral breast cancer
• Personal history of ovarian cancer

Exclusion criteria

• CanRisk score (without PRS) < 5% (calculated on www.canrisk.org)
• Diagnosis or history of bilateral breast cancer
• Previous bilateral mastectomy
• Life expectancy < 12 months due to other medical conditions
• Participation in interventional clinical trials for breast cancer prevention in the last 12 months
• Inability to provide informed consent