The clinical use of polygenic risk scores

Ugeskr Laeger. 2023 Sep 25;185(39):V04230258.
[Article in Danish]

Abstract

Polygenic risk scores (PRS) identify at-risk individuals for many common diseases. A discussion of strengths and limitations is carried out in this review. PRS complement traditional genetic testing and have shown utility in establishing a proper diagnosis and guiding primary and secondary prevention. Some individuals with high PRS have risks similar to those with monogenic predisposition. Limitations include potential misinterpretations, problems with application across ancestries, and limited usefulness in low-heritability traits. Despite its shortcomings PRS are predicted to play major roles in the future of personal medicine and genetic testing.

Publication types

  • Review
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Genetic Testing*
  • Genome-Wide Association Study
  • Humans
  • Medicine*
  • Risk Factors
  • Secondary Prevention