FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Jan. 15, 2025 – Parkview Health has joined the Helix Research Network, North America’s largest and fastest growing precision clinical research network.
Helix announced the expansion of its research program today, as Parkview joined the initiative along with Cincinnati-based TriHealth and western New York-based Rochester Regional Health.
As a member with the Helix Research Network, Parkview aims to enroll 100,000 participants over four years. Patients can voluntarily opt in to the program at no cost to receive actionable DNA insights and information about key risk factors for certain conditions such as breast and ovarian cancer, colorectal cancer and high cholesterol. Providers can then use that information to create plans for screening, prevention or management of conditions identified as a risk via the patient’s genetic profile.
Helix provides an end-to-end genomics platform and unique Sequence Once, Query OftenⓇ model, which enables future genomic testing without needing to collect additional patient samples. Helix’s platform allows patients and providers to access ongoing genomic insights about their health throughout their lifetime. About 1-2% of program participants are expected to test positive and show a risk for one of the three conditions included in the Helix Health test.
By participating in a large-scale study, Parkview will also be able to analyze data to potentially identify trends within its patient population and then craft targeted, proactive health programs to combat risk factors in local communities.
“Participating in the Helix Research Network will provide both individual and communitywide benefits,” said Dr. Michael Mirro, chief academic research officer, Parkview Health. “Patients will receive useful insights into their genes that can help prevent serious or chronic health problems, while the large pool of data will help Parkview better identify and understand the risk factors our population faces and allow us to tailor new programs or target services to address those issues.”
Parkview already offers patients the option for genetic testing for issues such as cancer or cardiovascular conditions, but the Helix initiative will expand the scope of testing to a much wider audience. Parkview will provide patients additional information in the near future about how to participate when the testing program officially launches.
“Prevention is critical in healthcare, because catching a condition like cancer in its early stages or reducing the risk factors that lead to the development of heart disease greatly improves a patient’s prognosis and treatment options,” said Dr. Mirro. “Increased genetic testing will hopefully provide more patients with more information about their own risks, allowing them to prepare and prevent potentially serious health problems before they develop.”
Helix is the leading population genomics and precision health organization. Helix enables health systems, life sciences companies and payers to accelerate the integration of genomic data into patient care and therapeutic development. Helix has already partnered with others, such as Mayo Clinic and The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, as part of its genomic research network.
"Every new member of the Helix Research Network strengthens our ability to drive meaningful discoveries that impact patient care," said Dr. James Lu, CEO and co-founder of Helix. “By partnering with these leading health systems, we are weaving genomics into the fabric of everyday healthcare.”
To learn more about the Helix Research Network and the work it’s accomplished with its partners, visit the site here.