Competitor 23andMe
Helix unveils Revolutionary home cancer test
Sergey Kolenov, Hi-tech+
The company offers a simple and comprehensive solution: not only the test itself is included, but also a specialist's consultation, and not only the risk of illness is assessed, but also the chances of reducing it by changing the lifestyle. One thing is missing – scientific publications that would confirm the effectiveness of the methodology.
A new player has appeared in the growing market of home genetic tests. The California startup Helix has started selling a DNA test that determines predisposition to several types of cancer and a number of other diseases. The company claims to use a more precise and responsible approach than competitors – for example, 23andMe.
The GenePrism saliva test analyzes the effect of 59 genetic variants on the risk of developing conditions such as breast and colon cancer, and also indicates elevated cholesterol levels.
To order a test, you need to get a doctor's approval, Business Insider reports. In addition, unlike other companies, Helix provides customers with access to experts to interpret test results. A specialist consultation is available online and is included in the set price – $260. For $499, you can get a full transcript of the analysis.
Helix emphasizes that the purpose of the test is to give people information that will help them maintain their health, but not overload them with data. Therefore, the analysis includes only those genetic variants that really significantly affect the risk of developing diseases.
Another condition for including this or that parameter in the test was its usefulness – that is, the ability to reduce the likelihood of illness by changing the lifestyle.
For example, a carrier of a genetic variant associated with an increased risk of rectal cancer should regularly undergo a medical examination to detect the disease at an early stage.
Access to expert advice will help to avoid mistakes and misunderstandings. For example, a specialist will be able to explain that a negative result of a genetic analysis does not guarantee full protection from a particular disease.
Geneticists welcome Helix's approach to genetic diagnosis. They especially highlight the fact that the company analyzes whole genes, and not individual sections of them, like 23andMe. Nevertheless, experts would like to learn more about the Helix technique. So far, the company has not published peer-reviewed articles with its description.
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