A research program aimed at improving health outcomes and providing personalized care for Ohio residents was launched through a partnership between The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and Helix, a precision health organization, according to a June 9 announcement.
The initiative, named Ohio State Genomic Health, plans to enroll 100,000 participants over four years. Individuals who qualify and join the study receive no-cost genetic screening to identify risk factors for certain diseases. If specific genetic markers are found during the screening, participants have the opportunity to meet with a genetic counselor.
Andrew Thomas, MD, MBA, chief clinical officer of the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center and senior associate vice president of Health Sciences at The Ohio State University, said the study examines genetic variations across populations and identifies which diseases may be influenced by those variations. After enrollment and submission of a DNA sample via blood or cheek swab, each participant receives their results in their electronic medical record. The screening focuses on markers related to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC), Lynch syndrome—which can indicate risk for colorectal, uterine and other cancers—and familial hypercholesterolemia (inherited high cholesterol), which is linked to cardiovascular disease.
“A couple of things that have been amazing to me is that our positivity rate is sitting at about 1 in 75 patients screening positive for one of the three genetic conditions,” Thomas said. “When you think about the number of people who will be impacted and know more about the genetic predisposition for disease, when you have 100,000 patients participating – it’s really, truly impacting people’s lives.” He also noted that more than 60,000 patients from all 88 counties in Ohio had already signed up.
Ohio State Health and Discovery addresses societal issues such as health equity and substance use; includes hospitals and outpatient facilities as part of its academic medical center; seeks to advance health locally and globally through innovations in research, education, patient care and community involvement; offers resources on wellness topics; focuses on healthcare delivery as well as research advances; and extends efforts worldwide—all according to information provided by the official website.
