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Wang Y, He Y, Shi Y, Qian DC, Gray KJ, Winn R, Martin AR. Aspiring toward equitable benefits from genomic advances to individuals of ancestrally diverse backgrounds. Am J Hum Genet 2024; 111:809-824. [PMID: 38642557 PMCID: PMC11080611 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2024.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Advancements in genomic technologies have shown remarkable promise for improving health trajectories. The Human Genome Project has catalyzed the integration of genomic tools into clinical practice, such as disease risk assessment, prenatal testing and reproductive genomics, cancer diagnostics and prognostication, and therapeutic decision making. Despite the promise of genomic technologies, their full potential remains untapped without including individuals of diverse ancestries and integrating social determinants of health (SDOHs). The NHGRI launched the 2020 Strategic Vision with ten bold predictions by 2030, including "individuals from ancestrally diverse backgrounds will benefit equitably from advances in human genomics." Meeting this goal requires a holistic approach that brings together genomic advancements with careful consideration to healthcare access as well as SDOHs to ensure that translation of genetics research is inclusive, affordable, and accessible and ultimately narrows rather than widens health disparities. With this prediction in mind, this review delves into the two paramount applications of genetic testing-reproductive genomics and precision oncology. When discussing these applications of genomic advancements, we evaluate current accessibility limitations, highlight challenges in achieving representativeness, and propose paths forward to realize the ultimate goal of their equitable applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Analytic and Translational Genetics Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| | - Yixuan He
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Analytic and Translational Genetics Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Yue Shi
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Analytic and Translational Genetics Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Reproductive Medicine Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - David C Qian
- Department of Thoracic Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kathryn J Gray
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Robert Winn
- Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Alicia R Martin
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Analytic and Translational Genetics Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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Riggan KA, Barwise A, Yap JQ, Condon N, Allyse MA. Patient experiences with prenatal cell-free DNA screening in a safety net setting. Prenat Diagn 2024; 44:409-417. [PMID: 38423995 PMCID: PMC11027152 DOI: 10.1002/pd.6541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Thirty-five states, including Florida, now cover cell-free DNA (cfDNA) screening of fetuses for all pregnant patients enrolled in state public insurance programs. We interviewed Black and Hispanic obstetric patients at a safety net clinic in Florida shortly after the state rolled out cfDNA as a first-tier screening method for publicly insured patients. METHODS Black and Hispanic patients receiving prenatal care from a prenatal or maternal fetal medicine clinic at a federally qualified health center in Jacksonville, FL were invited to participate in a qualitative interview in English or Spanish to explore experiences and perceptions of prenatal cfDNA screening. Participants were recruited following their first prenatal visit when cfDNA is typically introduced. Interview transcripts were qualitatively analyzed for iterative themes based on principles of grounded theory. RESULTS One hundred Black and Hispanic patients (n = 51 non-Hispanic Black, n = 43 Hispanic, n = 3 Hispanic Black, n = 3 Not Reported/Other) completed an interview. Participants described minimal opportunity for pre-screening counseling and limited health literacy about cfDNA or its uses. Some believed that cfDNA could positively impact pregnancy health. Many were unsure if they had received cfDNA even though they were aware of the information provided by it. Most participants expressed an interest in cfDNA as a means for early detection of fetal sex and as an additional indication of general fetal health. CONCLUSIONS Patient experiences indicate limited informed consent and decision-making for cfDNA, discordant with professional guidelines on pre-screen counseling. Our findings suggest that there should be additional investment in implementing cfDNA in safety net settings to ensure that patients and providers receive the support necessary for effective patient counseling and follow-on care for the ethical implementation of cfDNA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amelia Barwise
- Biomedical Ethics Research Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Jane Q. Yap
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL
| | - Niamh Condon
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of Florida Health, Jacksonville, FL
| | - Megan A. Allyse
- Biomedical Ethics Research Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
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Sahin-Hodoglugil NN, Lianoglou BR, Ackerman S, Sparks TN, Norton ME. Access to prenatal exome sequencing for fetal malformations: A qualitative landscape analysis in the US. Prenat Diagn 2023; 43:1394-1405. [PMID: 37752660 PMCID: PMC10846391 DOI: 10.1002/pd.6444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There is increasing evidence supporting the clinical utility of next generation sequencing for identifying fetal genetic disorders. However, there are limited data on the demand for and accessibility of these tests, as well as payer coverage in the prenatal context. We sought to identify clinician perspectives on the utility of prenatal exome sequencing (ES) and on equitable access to genomic technologies for the care of pregnancies complicated by fetal structural anomalies. METHOD We conducted two focus group discussions and six interviews with a total of 13 clinicians (11 genetic counselors; 2 Maternal Fetal Medicine/Geneticists) from U.S. academic centers and community clinics. RESULTS Participants strongly supported ES for prenatal diagnostic testing in pregnancies with fetal structural anomalies. Participants emphasized the value of prenatal ES as an opportunity for a continuum of care before, during, and after a pregnancy, not solely as informing decisions about abortions. Cost and coverage of the test was the main access barrier, and research was the main pathway to access ES in academic centers. CONCLUSION Further integrating the perspectives of additional key stakeholders are important for understanding clinical utility, developing policies and practices to address access barriers, and assuring equitable provision of prenatal diagnostic testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuriye N. Sahin-Hodoglugil
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Center for Maternal-Fetal Precision Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Billie R. Lianoglou
- Center for Maternal-Fetal Precision Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Division of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Sara Ackerman
- Department of Social & Behavioral Sciences, School of Nursing, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Institute for Health & Aging, School of Nursing, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Teresa N. Sparks
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Center for Maternal-Fetal Precision Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Mary E. Norton
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Center for Maternal-Fetal Precision Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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Saylor KW, Klein WM, Calancie L, Lewis KL, Biesecker LG, Turbitt E, Roberts MC. Genetic Testing and Other Healthcare Use by Black and White Individuals in a Genomic Sequencing Study. Public Health Genomics 2023; 26:90-102. [PMID: 37544304 PMCID: PMC10614486 DOI: 10.1159/000533356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Early adopters play a critical role in the diffusion of medical innovations by spreading awareness, increasing acceptability, and driving demand. Understanding the role of race in the context of other characteristics of potential early adopters can shed light on disparities seen in the early implementation of genomic medicine. We aimed to understand the association between self-identified race and individual experience with genetic testing outside of the research context. METHODS We assessed factors associated with the odds of having ever received genetic testing prior to enrollment in a genomic sequencing study among 674 self-identified white and 407 self-identified African, African American, or Afro-Caribbean ("Black") individuals. RESULTS Controlling for individual determinants of healthcare use (demographics, personality traits, knowledge and attitudes, and health status), identifying as Black was associated with lower odds of prior genetic testing (OR = 0.43, 95% CI [0.27-0.68], p < 0.001). In contrast, self-identified race was not associated with the use of non-genetic clinical screening tests (e.g., echocardiogram, colonoscopy). Black and white individuals were similar on self-reported personality traits tied to early adoption but differed by sociodemographic and resource facilitators of early adoption. CONCLUSION Persistent racial disparities among early adopters may represent especially-entrenched disparities in access to and knowledge of genomic technologies in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine W. Saylor
- Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - William M.P. Klein
- Behavioral Research Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Larissa Calancie
- Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Katie L. Lewis
- Center for Precision Health Research, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Leslie G. Biesecker
- Center for Precision Health Research, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Erin Turbitt
- Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Megan C. Roberts
- Division of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Ellison J, Wang C, Yarrington C, Connors P, Hanchate A. Insurance and Geographic Variations in Non-invasive Prenatal Testing. Prenat Diagn 2022; 42:1004-1007. [PMID: 35484945 DOI: 10.1002/pd.6155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Ellison
- Department of Health Services, Policy, and Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, United States, Rhode Island
| | - Catharine Wang
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, United States, Massachusetts
| | - Christina Yarrington
- Boston Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boston, United States, Massachusetts
| | - Philip Connors
- Boston Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boston, United States, Massachusetts
| | - Amresh Hanchate
- Wake Forest School of Medicine, Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Boston, United States, Massachusetts
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Evaluating for disparities in prenatal genetic counseling. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM 2021; 4:100494. [PMID: 34583054 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2021.100494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Guidelines recommend that all pregnant women should be offered prenatal genetic counseling, which includes discussions of aneuploidy and carrier screening. Previous studies have demonstrated racial and ethnic disparities in the completion of prenatal genetic testing, but few studies have evaluated for disparities in the offering of these tests. Prenatal genetic screening is a covered provision of Colorado Medicaid. We hypothesized that in the absence of a financial barrier, disparities in prenatal genetic counseling would be eliminated. OBJECTIVE To evaluate disparities in prenatal genetic counseling by directly assessing if patients received counseling at the time of their first prenatal visit. STUDY DESIGN This retrospective cross-sectional study included patients presenting for their first prenatal visit at <20 weeks' gestation. Patients who completed prenatal genetic testing were classified as counseled, and the remaining patients' medical records were reviewed. Moreover, patients were divided into 2 groups based on their counseling status (yes or no), separately for aneuploidy and carrier screening. RESULTS Of 1103 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 97.2% were counseled for aneuploidy screening, whereas 73.3% were counseled on carrier screening. For aneuploidy, younger age, Black race, a relationship status of single, and presentation at a later gestational age were associated with lack of aneuploidy counseling on univariate analysis. After multivariable analysis, only maternal age (odds ratio, 1.09; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.19) and gestational age (odds ratio, 0.84; 95% confidence interval, 0.76-0.93) were statistically significantly associated with aneuploidy counseling. Treatment by a physician care team, having a comorbidity score of ≥1, and presenting at a later gestational age were associated with not receiving carrier screening counseling (univariate analysis). Multivariable analysis indicated significant associations with gestational age (odds ratio, 0.90; 95% confidence interval, 0.86-0.94) and having a comorbidity (odds ratio, 0.72; 95% confidence interval, 0.55-0.94). CONCLUSION Prenatal genetic counseling was less likely to be provided to women who present for prenatal care at a later gestational age. This finding was of concern because women who are less privileged were more likely to present to prenatal care at a later gestational age. Providing access to early prenatal care and developing specialized care pathways for women entering prenatal care in the second trimester of pregnancy could address disparities in prenatal genetic counseling.
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