Abstract 6272: Enhancing variant interpretation through multi-database and systematic variant classification: Reducing uncertainty in clinical genomics.

Abstract Background Interpretation of Variants of unknown significance (VUS) is one of the major challenge in the era of comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) in precision oncology. With several broad genomic panels hitting the oncology market, most struggle with VUS and its clinical utility. Thus, it is critical to understand and interpret VUS in patient context for utmost utility. Utilizing large language models and automated systems for VUS reclassification is on the rise. This will certainly impact several aspects including patient management, treatment surveillance, prophylactic opportunities, and preventing disease inheritance. Here, we describe the utility of our machine model system for effective interpretation and reclassification of VUS in patient context to reduce uncertainty and achieve high clinical utility. Methods CGP was performed on patients using next-generation sequencing (NGS) with the OncoIndx® panel. Variant reclassification was performed through our in-house automated precision classification and interpretation system. Results Using our computational molecular oncology workflow, a precision classification and interpretation system has been developed for the confirmation of variants of uncertain significance (VUS). The system when tested on several VUS intronic based on in silico evidence (PP5, PM2, BP4) and low evolutionary conservation scores (-0.423), ended up being reclassified as likely pathogenic. The system also investigates for the presence of conditions like Lynch-syndrome and its associated genomic findings including high microsatellite instability, loss of MSH2 protein on IHC. Functional consequences of the computational predictions such as weakening of the native acceptor site, and functional RNA studies are also utilized to confirm functionality. Finally, the patient and family history act as critical parameters. Using these combined evidence, the precision classification system generates a final verdict of reclassification. Conclusion When complementary lines of evidence pertaining to functional loss of a variant (PS3), its identification in affected individuals (PS4_supporting), segregation-consistent family history (PP1), rarity in population databases (PM2), and supportive in silico predictions (PP3/BP4)—are integrated, a coherent and biologically consistent explanation can be generated for disease causation. Our automated machine system in-built with robust and essential criteria for variant classification, thus can be optimally utilized to reclassifiy VUS and improve clinical outcomes. Citation Format: Bharat Sinha Bhosale, Sandhya Iyer, Mina Darooei, Madhura Basavalingegowda, Mohan Anay walunjkar, Uttarwar, Kanchan Hariramani, Aarthi Ramesh, Gowhar Shafi. Enhancing variant interpretation through multi-database and systematic variant classification: Reducing uncertainty in clinical genomics [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2026; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2026 Apr 17-22; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2026;86(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 6272.

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Journal
Cancer Research
Published
2026-04-03
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1158/1538-7445.am2026-6272
Primary Topic
Genomics and Rare Diseases
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article
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article

Abstract 6272: Enhancing variant interpretation through multi-database and systematic variant classification: Reducing uncertainty in clinical genomics.

Kanchan Hariramani, Mina Darooei, Madhura Basavalingegowda, Aarthi Ramesh et al.
Cancer Research
Genomics and Rare Diseases
article

Abstract 6272: Enhancing variant interpretation through multi-database and systematic variant classification: Reducing uncertainty in clinical genomics.

Kanchan Hariramani, Mina Darooei, Madhura Basavalingegowda, Aarthi Ramesh, Gowhar Shafi, Anay walunjkar, Bharat Sinha Bhosale, Mohan Uttarwar, Sandhya Iyer
article en

Abstract

Abstract Background Interpretation of Variants of unknown significance (VUS) is one of the major challenge in the era of comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) in precision oncology. With several broad genomic panels hitting the oncology market, most struggle with VUS and its clinical utility. Thus, it is critical to understand and interpret VUS in patient context for utmost utility. Utilizing large language models and automated systems for VUS reclassification is on the rise. This will certainly impact several aspects including patient management, treatment surveillance, prophylactic opportunities, and preventing disease inheritance. Here, we describe the utility of our machine model system for effective interpretation and reclassification of VUS in patient context to reduce uncertainty and achieve high clinical utility. Methods CGP was performed on patients using next-generation sequencing (NGS) with the OncoIndx® panel. Variant reclassification was performed through our in-house automated precision classification and interpretation system. Results Using our computational molecular oncology workflow, a precision classification and interpretation system has been developed for the confirmation of variants of uncertain significance (VUS). The system when tested on several VUS intronic based on in silico evidence (PP5, PM2, BP4) and low evolutionary conservation scores (-0.423), ended up being reclassified as likely pathogenic. The system also investigates for the presence of conditions like Lynch-syndrome and its associated genomic findings including high microsatellite instability, loss of MSH2 protein on IHC. Functional consequences of the computational predictions such as weakening of the native acceptor site, and functional RNA studies are also utilized to confirm functionality. Finally, the patient and family history act as critical parameters. Using these combined evidence, the precision classification system generates a final verdict of reclassification. Conclusion When complementary lines of evidence pertaining to functional loss of a variant (PS3), its identification in affected individuals (PS4_supporting), segregation-consistent family history (PP1), rarity in population databases (PM2), and supportive in silico predictions (PP3/BP4)—are integrated, a coherent and biologically consistent explanation can be generated for disease causation. Our automated machine system in-built with robust and essential criteria for variant classification, thus can be optimally utilized to reclassifiy VUS and improve clinical outcomes. Citation Format: Bharat Sinha Bhosale, Sandhya Iyer, Mina Darooei, Madhura Basavalingegowda, Mohan Anay walunjkar, Uttarwar, Kanchan Hariramani, Aarthi Ramesh, Gowhar Shafi. Enhancing variant interpretation through multi-database and systematic variant classification: Reducing uncertainty in clinical genomics [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2026; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2026 Apr 17-22; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2026;86(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 6272.

Cancer ResearchVol. 86(7_Supplement)
GenePath Dx (India) (IN), Precise (India) (IN)
Openalex Percentile: Top 5%
Genomics and Rare Diseases
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