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Impact Genetic  |  Castle Biosciences

Impact Genetic

Impact Genetic

Dr. Brenda Gallie, an internationally recognized leader in retinoblastoma genetics, biology and clinical care founded Impact Genetics’ team in 1999.

Over the next two decades, our clinical tests for hereditary and somatic ocular cancer gained the trust of medical specialists around the world because of the quality of our lab work, focused expertise in those diseases and excellent service.

With the ongoing support and guidance from our medical advisers (Dr. Bertil Damato, Dr. Tara McCannel and Dr. Hatem Krema), Impact Genetics has created the most comprehensive and individualized Uveal Melanoma prognostic test available.

Impact Genetics offers comprehensive testing for Uveal Melanoma including:

1. Impact Genetics Uveal Melanoma Prognostic Genetic Test

  • Copy number DNA testing using MLPA on chromosomes 1, 3, 6 and 8 to detect monosomy, disomy and trisomy.

  • Microsatellite analysis (MSA) on chromosome 3 to detect loss of a chromosome copy and isodisomy.

  • Sequencing of SF3B1, EIF1AX, GNAQ and GNA11 to detect frequently occurring mutations in UM for confirmation of tumor sampling.

  • Individualized survivorship predictions are provided which uses the individual patient’s genetic results, tumor size, patient demographics and cytology.

2. Uveal Melanoma Prognostic Genetic test results disclosure

Ordering ocular oncologists can refer patients to a board certified genetic counselor who leads patients through a discussion to review the results of their Impact Genetics prognostic Uveal Melanoma tumor test.

  • Review the genetic tests that were performed on the Uveal Melanoma tumor sample.

  • Discuss the implications of the prognostic genetic testing results including individual survivorship prediction results.

  • Explain benefits and limitations of the test results and their interpretation.

3. BAP1 Tumor predisposition Syndrome (BAP1-TPDS) germilne (hereditary) genetic testing

  • In persons with uveal melanoma who have a family history of uveal melanoma there is a 20%-30% chance these patients have an underlying BAP1 germline mutation.

  • Because of the increased aggressiveness of BAP1-related uveal melanoma, all uveal melanomas should be managed as the more aggressive monosomy 3 tumors.

  • Mutations in BAP1 cause a novel cancer syndrome which is characterized by early age onset of benign melanocytic skin tumors, and later in life by a high incidence of mesothelioma, uveal melanoma, cutaneous melanoma, renal cell carcinoma and additional cancers.

  • BAP1 carriers have a 50% chance to pass this cancer predisposition to each of their children.

4. Bap1-TPDS Genetic counseling Services

The genetic counselor will lead patients through a discussion to evaluate their personal medical history for relevant information, review family history and construct a family tree.

The genetic counselor will use this information in order to:

  • Evaluate a patient’s risk for cancer and their risk to be a carrier for genes that cause hereditary cancer, including BAP1-TPDS

  • Discuss the genetic testing options that may be appropriate

  • Explain the potential results of testing and what those results may mean in the context of the patient’s family history

  • Provide an overview of screening and medical management options, as appropriate