RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

COsegregation of VARiants in Panel of Genes

The COVAR project is studying gene changes that can increase the risk of certain cancers, like breast and ovarian cancer. Researchers want to get a clearer picture of these gene changes, especially those that are currently difficult to classify. They are collecting information from families across France who have a history of these cancers and genetic variations. The goal is to improve how doctors understand and explain these genetic risks to patients and their families. This will help doctors make better decisions about treatment and prevention, possibly including preventative surgeries in some cases, and offer more precise genetic advice, ultimately benefiting patients' health management.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Institut Curie

Enrolment target

11,000

Start

02 Jul 2012

Estimated completion

02 Jan 2038

Gene Mutation-Related Cancer Genetic Predisposition

What is this study about?

Imagine your body as having a special instruction book, called your genes. Sometimes, there can be tiny typos or changes in these instructions, which are called 'variants'. For some people, these variants can increase their risk of developing certain cancers, like breast or ovarian cancer. This study, called COVAR, is like a big detective project to understand these genetic typos better.

Originally, the research focused on specific gene changes in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which are well-known for their link to inherited breast and ovarian cancers. Over time, as our understanding of genetics has grown, the study has expanded. It now looks at many more genes that are checked when doctors suspect someone might have a higher risk of inherited cancer.

The main goal of COVAR is to gather a lot of information about these gene changes from many families. By doing this, researchers hope to get a much clearer idea of which changes are truly risky and how risky they are. This improved understanding will help genetic counsellors and doctors give more accurate advice to patients and their families, guiding decisions about check-ups, treatments, and even preventative surgeries to manage their cancer risk more effectively.

Key takeaways

The study helps understand inherited cancer risks better.
It focuses on improving genetic counselling for families.
Data from many families will be combined to clarify gene changes.
The findings aim to guide better medical decisions, possibly even preventative surgery.
It's about making genetic information more useful for patients.
The study uses existing genetic data, mainly from France.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you would typically be an adult (18 years or older) and fit into one of two groups: either an 'index case' or a 'relative'.

An 'index case' is someone who has already had a genetic test, and that test showed a specific gene change (called a 'variant') that the researchers are interested in. This variant would be in a gene linked to cancer and usually falls into certain categories that need more investigation. You would also need to sign a consent form, agreeing to participate.

'Relatives' are family members of an index case. They can be relatives who have had cancer or relatives who haven't. If you are a relative, the researchers would decide if your family structure and relationship to the index case make you suitable for the study. For certain types of gene changes, relatives who are already having genetic testing or have had results for that specific variant might also be included. Like index cases, all participating relatives must be 18 or older and sign a consent form.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have a specific gene change (variant) that the study is interested in?
Are you a relative of someone with such a gene change?
Are you able to sign a consent form to participate?
Are you currently not a minor, deprived of liberty, or under guardianship?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

The information provided does not detail specific visits, assessments, medication, or follow-up timelines. However, based on the study's background, participation would likely involve sharing existing genetic test results and possibly providing medical and family health history. You would need to sign a consent form, indicating your agreement to take part and for your anonymized genetic information to be used for research. The study aims to collect information from a large number of participants to improve genetic understanding, so it may not involve direct medical interventions.

Potential risks and benefits

A potential benefit of joining this study is that your genetic information, alongside that of many others, will help researchers better understand inherited cancer risks. This could eventually lead to improved genetic counselling, more accurate risk assessments, and better medical care for people with these gene changes. There are no direct medical risks mentioned as the study primarily involves collecting and analyzing existing genetic data. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without needing to give a reason, and this would not affect your medical care.

Locations (62)

Centre Hospitalier de Bastia
Verified postcode
Bastia, France· Not yet recruiting
Institut Curie - Saint-Cloud site
Verified postcode
Saint-Cloud, France· Recruiting
CHU Amiens - Hôpital Nord
Verified postcode
Amiens, France· Recruiting
ICO - Centre Paul Papin
Verified postcode
Angers, France· Recruiting
Centre Hospitalier d'Angoulème
Verified postcode
Angoulême, France· Recruiting
Institut Sainte-Catherine
Verified postcode
Avignon, France· Recruiting
CHU Besançon
Verified postcode
Besançon, France· Recruiting
Groupe Hospitalier Pellegrin
Verified postcode
Bordeaux, France· Recruiting
Institut Bergonié
Verified postcode
Bordeaux, France· Recruiting
Centre Hospitalier Jacques Coeur
Verified postcode
Bourges, France· Recruiting
CHU Morvan de Brest
Verified postcode
Brest, France· Recruiting
Centre François Baclesse
Verified postcode
Caen, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What kind of gene changes is the study looking at?

It's looking at changes in genes like BRCA1, BRCA2, and PALB2, and many others linked to a higher risk of inherited cancers.

What is a 'variant of unknown significance'?

It's a gene change whose effect on health isn't fully understood yet, and finding out more about them is a key goal of this study.

How will my information be used?

Your genetic information will be added to a database with data from many other families, helping researchers identify patterns and improve understanding of these gene changes. All data is anonymized.

Will taking part benefit me directly?

While it might not directly change your current medical care, your participation will greatly help future patients and their families by improving our understanding of genetic risks.

Do I have to live in France to take part?

The study collects data from the French OncoGenetics Database, so it primarily involves individuals from the French network. You should check with the research team if you are outside France.

How to find out more

Sandrine CAPUTO, PhD

sandrine.caputo@curie.fr 33172389367 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.