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Zelley K, Schienda J, Gallinger B, Kohlmann WK, McGee RB, Scollon SR, Schneider KW. Update on Genetic Counselor Practice and Recommendations for Pediatric Cancer Predisposition Evaluation and Surveillance. Clin Cancer Res 2024; 30:3983-3989. [PMID: 39037753 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-24-1165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
In July 2023, the American Association for Cancer Research held the second Childhood Cancer Predisposition Workshop, at which international experts in pediatric cancer predisposition met to update the previously published 2017 consensus statements on pediatric cancer predisposition syndromes. Since 2017, advances in tumor and germline genetic testing and increased understanding of cancer predisposition in patients with pediatric cancer have led to significant changes in clinical care. Here, we provide an updated genetic counseling framework for pediatric oncology professionals. The framework includes referral indications and timing, somatic and germline genetic testing options, testing for adult-onset cancer predisposition syndromes in children with and without cancer, evolving genetic counseling models to meet the increased demand for genetic testing, barriers to cancer genetic testing and surveillance in children, and psychosocial and equity considerations regarding cancer genetic testing and surveillance in children. Adaptable genetic counseling services are needed to provide support to pediatric oncology provider teams and diverse patients with pediatric cancer, cancer predisposition, and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Zelley
- Division of Oncology at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jaclyn Schienda
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Bailey Gallinger
- Clinical and Metabolic Genetics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Wendy K Kohlmann
- University of Utah, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Rose B McGee
- Division of Cancer Predisposition, Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Sarah R Scollon
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Kami Wolfe Schneider
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
- Children's Hospital of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
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Hunter JD, Hetherington K, Courtney E, Christensen Y, Fuentes-Bolanos N, Bhatia K, Peate M. Parents' and patients' perspectives, experiences, and preferences for germline genetic or genomic testing of children with cancer: A systematic review. Genet Med 2024; 26:101197. [PMID: 38943478 DOI: 10.1016/j.gim.2024.101197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Germline testing in pediatric cancer presents opportunities and challenges. Understanding family perspectives, experiences, and preferences will optimize integration into routine care. METHODS Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, we searched 4 databases for studies exploring perspectives, experiences, and preferences of parents/caregivers and/or patients regarding germline testing of children with cancer. Qualitative and quantitative data were extracted, organized, and summarized by research question and themes. RESULTS We identified 2286 unique articles, of which 24 were included. Interest in and uptake of testing was high. Families were motivated by altruism and a desire for inheritance/causation information. Testing barriers included psychological concerns, timing of the testing approach if offered at diagnosis or in a high-risk cancer setting and privacy/discrimination. Testing experiences highlighted challenges yet also positive impacts, with results providing psychological relief and informing proactive decision making. Timing preferences varied; however, allowing time to adjust to a new diagnosis was a common theme. Most wanted to receive as many germline sequencing-related results as possible. CONCLUSION Findings underscore the importance of integrating germline analyses into pediatric cancer care with flexibility and support for families facing challenges. Where possible, consent should be provided at a time that suits each family's situation with access to information aligning with their needs and preferences. PROSPERO CRD42023444890.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline D Hunter
- School of Clinical Medicine, Randwick Clinical Campus, Discipline of Pediatrics and Child Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, Australia; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Newborn Health, Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Kate Hetherington
- School of Clinical Medicine, Randwick Clinical Campus, Discipline of Pediatrics and Child Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Eliza Courtney
- School of Clinical Medicine, Randwick Clinical Campus, Discipline of Pediatrics and Child Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, Australia; Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Yasmin Christensen
- School of Clinical Medicine, Randwick Clinical Campus, Discipline of Pediatrics and Child Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Noemi Fuentes-Bolanos
- School of Clinical Medicine, Randwick Clinical Campus, Discipline of Pediatrics and Child Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, Australia; Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Michelle Peate
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Newborn Health, Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Van Hoyweghen S, Bm Claes K, de Putter R, Wakefield C, Van Schoors M, Hellemans S, Verhofstadt L. The psychological impact of genetic testing in childhood cancer: A systematic review. Psychooncology 2024; 33:e6279. [PMID: 38282231 DOI: 10.1002/pon.6279] [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: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cancer predisposition syndromes are being more frequently recognized in the etiology of pediatric oncology and genetic-related technologies are evolving rapidly, leading to an increasing availability of genetic testing for families. This systematic review assessed the psychological impact of genetic testing on children and parents in the context of childhood cancer. METHODS Searches were performed using three databases (Web of Science, Pubmed and Embase) to identify relevant empirical studies. Following Cochrane guidelines, we screened 3838 articles and identified 18 eligible studies, representing the perspectives of children and/or parents. RESULTS The included studies described the impact of genetic testing in different contexts (e.g. predictive testing and diagnostic testing) and in different subgroups, (e.g. carriers and non-carriers). Overall, the studies did not identify clinically-relevant long-term increases in negative emotions (depression, anxiety, distress, uncertainty, guilt) as a result of genetic testing. Negative emotions were typically time-limited and generally occurred in families with particular characteristics (e.g. those with a history of multiple cancer diagnoses, families receiving an unfavorable result for one child and a favorable result in siblings, and those with pre-existing mental health difficulties). Positive emotions (hopefulness, relief and peace of mind) were also reported. Knowing their genetic risk status appeared to help to foster empowerment among families, regardless of the result and any associated emotions. CONCLUSIONS Genetic testing in pediatric oncology does not appear to cause significant additional harm and can lead to positive outcomes. Clinicians need to be especially attentive when counseling families at increased risk of distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Van Hoyweghen
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent CRIG, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kathleen Bm Claes
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent CRIG, Ghent, Belgium
- Center of Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Robin de Putter
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent CRIG, Ghent, Belgium
- Center of Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Claire Wakefield
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Sabine Hellemans
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
- Center of Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lesley Verhofstadt
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
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