Validation of a next generation sequencing assay for BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK2 and PALB2 genetic testing

BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK2 and PALB2 genes are associated with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome. Genetic testing of these genes is of increasing importance to guide therapeutic and management decisions. In this study, we evaluated the performance of a next generation sequencing (NGS) assay for the complete analysis of BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK2 and PALB2 genes using Agilent's SureMASTR BRCA Screen that enabled the detection of single nucleotide variants (SNVs), small insertions/deletions (indels) and copy number variations (CNVs) in a single-tube PCR based library preparation. The results showed 100% sensitivity and specificity on a set of 52 known samples from de-identified patients and external quality assessment program. A concordance rate of 87.5% was achieved in the comparison of variant classification with the external laboratories. The high accuracy of the assay supports the use of SureMASTR BRCA Screen in clinical diagnostic laboratories (SureMASTR BRCA Screen is for research use only, not for use in diagnostic procedures).