Understanding the genomics of rare disease can help doctors pinpoint the cause of undiagnosed disorders, helping families avoid years of hospital visits and unnecessary tests. There are more than 7,000 known rare diseases1 and more discovered every year. Collectively, 2–6% of the population (> 150 million people) is affected by a rare disease.1–3
On average, the long search for a rare disease diagnosis—the “diagnostic odyssey”—takes 5 to 7 years,4 up to 8 physicians,5 and 2 to 3 misdiagnoses.5 Given that 80% of rare diseases are genetic or have a genetic component, comprehensive genomic sequencing increases the potential of uncovering an underlying etiology in patients.6 Next-generation sequencing (NGS) offers the highest likelihood of rare disease diagnosis7–8 and the fastest path to ending the diagnostic odyssey.7
Nothing exists—until it is named. Be part of the collective mission to end the diagnostic odyssey through rare disease genomics.
View VideoGenomics is driving a fundamental shift in rare disease diagnosis, from symptom analysis to molecular etiology assessment. Understanding the biological basis of disease can lead to better care and targeted treatment, with predictable, evidence-based outcomes. This type of molecular diagnosis in rare disease genomics is the basis for precision medicine.
Molecular diagnosis of rare disease is a critical step that can benefit patients, their families, physicians, and other care providers. According to the American College of Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), the identification of the genetic etiology of an individual’s disease has utility for the patient, their family, and society at large. 9
Learn why whole-genome sequencing offers value as a backbone to any molecular genomics assay.
View VideoAn understanding of rare disease mechanisms allows physicians to refer patients to appropriate specialists, select tailored therapeutics, and offer disease-specific follow-up.
By avoiding lengthy diagnostic odysseys, genomic diagnoses for rare disease can help prevent costly tests and procedures and limit unnecessary referrals.
Defining the inheritance pattern of a rare disease informs recurrence risks for patients and both their immediate and extended families, supporting informed family planning.
In addition to avoiding the stress associated with diagnostic odysseys, receiving a molecular diagnosis brings affected families together in a community of rare disease support groups.
Understanding the genomics of rare disease can help identify new drug targets and improve the efficiency of care.
Carson was initially diagnosed with cerebral palsy, but his brother, Chase, proved that to be a misdiagnosis. After four more years, whole-genome sequencing helped diagnose Carson and Chase definitively with mitochondrial enoyl CoA reductase protein-associated neurodegeneration (MEPAN).
The list of Donovan’s symptoms raised suspicion of more than 20 different conditions and aligned with nearly a dozen medical specialties. After 6 years, whole-genome sequencing identified a variant in the SKI gene, and Donovan was diagnosed with Shprintzen-Goldberg syndrome.
It can take years to find a diagnosis for patients with a suspected genetic disorder. See how whole-genome sequencing is shortening the diagnostic odyssey and becoming increasingly available.
Visit SiteWhole-genome sequencing is the most comprehensive method for rare disease testing. It examines the entire genome and has the capability to assess variants in both coding and noncoding regions of the genome.12-19
Whole-exome sequencing evaluates the exons, the coding regions of the genome, for variants associated with disease.9,10,20
Targeted sequencing analyzes specific genes associated with a rare disease or rare disease family.
Chromosomal microarray (CMA) technology identifies large chromosomal variation and specific, well-described variants across the genome.
Diagnostic yield is the statistic most commonly used to compare genomic testing methods for rare disease. This refers to the likelihood that a test will provide information needed to establish a molecular diagnosis. Diagnostic yield can vary significantly depending on the patient population being studied and the inclusion criteria.
In most studies, whole-genome sequencing (WGS) shows the highest diagnostic yield of all methods. It broadly covers the genome (> 97%) and is capable of detecting multiple variant types (single nucleotide variants, indels, structural variants, copy number variants, repeat expansions, mitochondrial variants, and paralogs).10-17
Whole-exome sequencing (WES) has the next highest diagnostic yield. Compared to WGS, WES has less genomic coverage (covering ~1.5% of the genome) and detects fewer variant types. However, WES is less expensive than WGS and generally has higher rates of reimbursement.7–8, 18
Targeted sequencing for rare disease assesses specific genes. The largest panels cover less than 0.5% of the genome.
Chromosomal microarray methods cover < 0.01% of the genome. CMA focuses specifically on regions of the genome with well-characterized disease-causing variants. CMA tends to have significantly lower diagnostic yield than WES and WGS.7
Advances in genomic testing are leading to answers faster than ever before. Learn how whole-genome sequencing has been shown to impact clinical management and provide increased actionability.
Download BrochureThis course offers an overview of pediatric rare disease, available testing options, and clinical implementation of genomic sequencing. It may be relevant to laboratory providers, healthcare providers, healthcare organizations, and others interested in a review of genomics in the rare disease population. This course was made possible through an educational grant from Illumina.
View Course DetailsGlobal initiative to increase equity and improve outcomes for families impacted by genetic disease
A pilot program for babies in intensive care showed improved clinical outcomes, a better care experience, and reduced net healthcare expenditures.
Learn about the NICUSeq study, a randomized time-delayed trial involving five children’s hospitals. This webinar discusses key findings and considerations for implementing diagnostic whole-genome sequencing to serve an acute care setting.
Watch WebinarIn this podcast episode, Heather Renton of Syndromes Without A Name (SWAN) Australia discusses her daughter’s rare disease, the diagnostic odyssey, and the impact of NGS.
Download this infographic to see the impact of whole-genome sequencing on the clinical management of acutely ill newborns with suspected genetic disease.
As a small child, Shubao suffered from hypertonia. Whole-genome sequencing identified a variant in both copies of his PDHX gene, resulting in a tailored treatment. He showed almost immediate improvement.