Helix Research Network Reveals Genomic Screening Improves Patient Care and Risk Identification at ACMG 2025
Key Insights
Helix (search)'s population genomics research demonstrates that genomic screening accurately identifies high-risk individuals and improves adherence to recommended care protocols across multiple conditions.
The Helix (search) Research Network, North America's largest precision clinical research network, presented findings showing improved clinical management for conditions including familial hypercholesterolemia (search) and hereditary breast cancer (search).
Real-world evidence from Helix (search)'s multi-health system studies reveals automated variant interpretation achieves accuracy equivalent to standard ACMG/AMP guidelines, potentially streamlining genetic testing implementation.
Helix (search), a leader in population genomics and precision health, is presenting groundbreaking clinical research at the 2025 ACMG Annual Clinical Genetics Meeting that demonstrates how genomic screening can transform healthcare delivery. The research, conducted through the Helix Research Network™ (HRN), shows that genomic screening not only accurately identifies high-risk individuals but also improves adherence to recommended care protocols.
The novel findings, presented across multiple platform talks and poster presentations, highlight how real-world evidence can enable precision medicine through personalized monitoring plans based on individual genetic risk profiles. The research also demonstrates improved accuracy in automated interpretation of genetic variations.
Transforming Healthcare Through Genomics
"Genomics has the potential to transform healthcare – helping shift us from a reactive system to one that is more preventive, personalized, and cost-effective," said James Lu, M.D., Ph.D., CEO of Helix (search). "These latest findings from the Helix Research Network showcase the promising real-world impact of population-scale genomic screening."
The HRN is described as the largest and fastest-growing precision clinical research network in the world. In partnership with major health systems across the country, the network has expanded genomic capabilities to collectively serve communities of tens of millions of individuals, with the intent of improving patient outcomes while identifying cost efficiencies.
Key Research Findings
Several significant findings are being presented at the conference, including research on familial hypercholesterolemia (search) (FH), a genetic disorder characterized by high cholesterol levels that can lead to early cardiovascular disease (search). Matthew Levy, PhD, is presenting data showing improved clinical management following FH diagnosis through the HRN Population Genomics Screening Program.
Another notable presentation by Catherine Hajek, MD, FACP, FACMG, demonstrates improved breast cancer (search) screening adherence among participants receiving negative results from a multi-health system population genomics screening program. This suggests that genomic screening may encourage appropriate preventive care even among those not found to have elevated genetic risk.
Rachel Harvill, MPH, is presenting research on changes in preventive screening behaviors among individuals who tested positive for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (search) (HBOC) syndrome, highlighting the impact of genomic screening on patient behavior and care.
Precision Medicine Applications
The research extends beyond screening adherence to practical applications in precision medicine. Alexandre Bolze, PhD, is presenting two top-rated abstracts, including one on tailoring surveillance strategies for PMS2 (search) heterozygotes and another on the benefits of identifying individuals at lower risk of disease in the population.
Natalie Telis, PhD, is presenting research showing that genetically predicted lipoprotein(a) levels can accurately identify individuals at risk of cardiovascular complications. In another presentation, Telis reveals that adverse events increased by 38% in individuals who should not take clopidogrel, a commonly prescribed antiplatelet medication, highlighting the importance of pharmacogenomic testing.
Advancing Genetic Variant Interpretation
Kelly Schiabor Barrett, PhD, is presenting research demonstrating that automated variant interpretation shows accuracy equivalent to ACMG/AMP-based interpretation for CDC Tier 1 conditions. This finding could significantly streamline genetic testing implementation in clinical settings by reducing the manual workload required for variant interpretation.
Another presentation by Barrett focuses on improving variant interpretation with a common PS4 and benign evidence approach, while Bolze is presenting research on confidently resolving truncating variants in APOB (search) as benign for familial hypercholesterolemia (search).
Broader Healthcare Impact
The research presented by Helix (search) demonstrates the growing role of genomics in shaping the future of medicine and potentially improving outcomes across a range of conditions, from high-impact cancers like breast and colorectal cancer (search) to inherited disorders like familial hypercholesterolemia (search).
"By working to identify high-risk individuals earlier, pinpoint gene variants with high accuracy, and determine risk predictors, we aim to contribute to a more efficient healthcare system," Lu explained.
The Helix (search) Research Network is working towards advancing public health and accelerating drug discovery and development alongside major life sciences organizations. Participants in HRN consent to the use of their clinico-genomic information for research purposes by approved researchers.
Cardiogenomics Advancements
Anwar Chahal, MD, PhD, MRCP FACC FESC, from WellSpan Health, is presenting on new advancements and trends in cardiogenomics, an accredited session that will explore how genomic information can improve cardiovascular care.
Chad Haldeman-Englert, MD, FACMG, from Cone Health, is presenting on community-based population genomic screening, highlighting the practical implementation of genomic medicine in diverse healthcare settings.
The breadth of research being presented underscores the potential of population genomics to transform healthcare delivery by enabling earlier intervention, more precise risk stratification, and personalized treatment approaches based on individual genetic profiles.