23andMe, Advocacy Organizations Partner on Lung Cancer Genetics Study

Lung cancer organizations are teaming up to launch a genetics study.

23andMe, the genetic health and biopharmaceutical company, has partnered with 20 lung cancer advocacy organizations to launch the Lung Cancer Genetics Study.

The study, according to a news release, is intended to increase understanding of the genetics of people with lung cancer in an effort to improve detection, risk reduction and care.

The study is planned to recruit 10,000 people age 18 years and older who live in the United States and have received a diagnosis of lung cancer. The study has no restriction on lung cancer type or stage or patient gender, smoking status, biomarkers or other variables, and participants in the study can receive free 23andMe kits.

Collected data, according to the news release, will include genetic information and self-reported information given via online surveys, as well as data sourced from medical records and tumor biomarker information.

Data from the study will then be available to approved researchers, with access to the scientific database available for free to nonprofit researchers and institutions, according to the news release.

“There is a great need to better define the underlying genetics of lung cancer,” said Courtney Granville, Chief Scientific Officer at GO2 for Lung Cancer, in a statement included in the news release. “We are privileged to stand together with the research and patient advocacy communities to contribute to this effort to better define inherited risk for lung cancer and inform our ability to prevent, diagnose and treat people. Ultimately, the learnings from this study will improve outcomes for future generations.”

Collaborators on the study include: ALK Positive; Biomarker Collaborative; BRAF Bombers; EGFR Resisters; Exon 20 Group; Free ME from Lung Cancer; GO2 for Lung Cancer; The Happy Lungs Project; International Cancer Advocacy Network; KRAS Kickers; Lung Cancer Foundation of America; Lung Cancer Research Foundation; LUNGevity Foundation; MET Crusaders; NTRKers; Oncogene Cancer Research; PDL1 Amplifieds; RET Positive; RET Renegades, The ROS1ders and Troper Wojcicki Philanthropies.

“LUNGevity Foundation is excited to partner on this community-driven project,” said Upal Basu Roy, Vice President of Research at LUNGevity Foundation, in the news release. “As a researcher and a patient advocate, I'm most excited about how the data collected in this study could be leveraged to help patients in the future.”

As an example, Roy said, the study could help researchers identify new drug targets and mechanisms for drug development or find ways to proactively address side effects.

“Through the launch of the Lung Cancer Genetics Study, we hope to fill an unmet need for a comprehensive database that bridges the gap between genetic, clinical and patient-reported data,” stated Anne Wojcicki, co-founder and CEO of 23andMe, in the news release. “Because lung cancer affects people from all communities, it's important for this research to truly reflect the diversity of those impacted by the disease. This collaborative effort unites survivors, caregivers, researchers and advocates who are all dedicated to improving the treatment and care of lung cancer.”

“Studying the genetics of lung cancer can help us understand risks, improve early detection, and develop better treatments. This collaborative effort unites patients, advocates, doctors, and researchers,” added Jill Feldman, patient advocate and co-founder of the EGFR Resisters, in the news release. “By making the data securely accessible to researchers worldwide, the Lung Cancer Genetics Study increases our chances of breakthroughs that can save lives.”

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