EGAPP

Established in 2005, the Evaluation of Genomic Applications in Practice and Prevention (EGAPP) Working Group's goal is to "establish and evaluate a systematic, evidence-based process for assessing genetic tests and other applications of genomic technology in transition from research to clinical and public health practice". EGAPP was established by the CDC Office of Public Health Genomics [1].

EGAPP has published recommendations about the use of genomic tests for breast cancer, cardiovascular disease, colorectal cancer, and depression. Most reports have concluded that there is insufficient evidence to form a recommendation.

The one exception to date (2011) is genomic testing in individuals newly diagnosed with colorectal cancer. By one estimate, 3% of such patients are likely to have an autosomal dominant inherited condition known as Lynch syndrome, which can also be known as Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC). In their January 2009 recommendation statement, the EGAPP Working Group recommended offering genetic testing for Lynch syndrome to all individuals with newly diagnosed colorectal cancer in order to reduce morbidity and mortality in the relatives of such patients.