• This is the largest study to specifically evaluate the utility of MGPT in Israel, where initial, targeted testing for a few predominant founder variants is standard practice. • The study quantified the modest, residual yield (8.3%) achieved by broader panel testing, providing data critical for guiding national screening protocols. • The study specifically flagged CHEK2 (c.592+3A>T), PMS2 (c.943C>T), and CDKN2A (c.176T>G) as potentially recurring founder variants in the population, suggesting candidates for inclusion in future first-pass genotyping schemes . Multigene panel testing (MGPT) enables simultaneous detection of germline pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants (P/LP SV) in cancer susceptibility genes (CSG). The utility of MGPT in Israel, where most individuals eligible for oncogenetic testing undergo first-pass genotyping for predominant PSVs in the BRCA1, BRCA2, MSH2 , and MSH6 genes, has not been reported. Individuals who underwent MGPT after oncogenetic counseling between October 2013 and December 2024 were eligible for participation in this ethically approved study. NGS genotyping of 29–160 genes was performed using commercial or in-house platforms. Clinical data were obtained from records. Among 2990 individuals, 139 pathogenic sequence variants were detected in 39 genes in 234 individuals (7.8%). Recurring PSVs in BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK2, ATM, MSH2, and MSH6 were noted. CHEK2 (c.592+3A>T), PMS2 (c.943C>T), and CDKN2A (c.176T>G) were identified as potentially recurring founder variants. The yield of MGPT in Israel, after exclusion of predominant founder PSVs, was modest. The identification of recurring PSVs warrants further investigation and potential inclusion in updated first-pass genotyping schemes.
Laitman et al. (Sun,) studied this question.