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A family tragedy revealed a hidden genetic mutation and transformed my work as a geneticist into a mission to increase awareness of the critical importance of genetic testing.
Despite extensive advancements in cancer genetics in North America and Europe, the African continent remains underrepresented in this vital research area. Here we highlight a pioneering collaborative project in Kenya, with a focus on expanding cancer genetics services and research into retinoblastoma, a prototypical heritable cancer syndrome.
The standardized naming of gene variants in both databases and publications is crucial to ensure their discoverability and clinical application. Efforts are underway in conjunction with the Human Genome Organization (HUGO) to develop a field standard for variant reporting through the use of validation software prior to publication.
In the first-ever Undiagnosed Hackathon, nearly 100 experts from 28 countries combined advanced phenotyping and genomic techniques for 48 hours, ultimately providing diagnoses to 40% of the previously undiagnosed families. This inspiring model demonstrates the power of multidisciplinary collaboration and patient partnership in precision diagnostics.
