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Hawranek C, Rosén A, Hajdarevic S. How hereditary cancer risk disclosure to relatives is handled in practice - Patient perspectives from a Swedish cancer genetics clinic. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2024; 126:108319. [PMID: 38788311 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2024.108319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Hereditary cancer risks can be effectively managed if at-risk relatives enroll in surveillance and preventive care. Family-mediated risk disclosure has internationally been shown to be incomplete, selective and leave over a third of eligible at-risk individuals without access to genetic counseling. We explored patients handling of cancer risk information in practice. METHODS We conducted twelve semi-structured interviews with patients who had completed their genetic counseling and been asked to disclose risk information to relatives. Questions were designed to investigate lived experiences of communicating hereditary risk and focused on disclosure strategies, intrafamilial interactions and emotional responses. RESULTS Qualitative content analysis yielded five categories. These span personal fears, shared responsibilities, feeling of empowerment, innovative solutions and unmet needs. Patients put high value on collaboration with their genetic healthcare professionals but also solicited better overview of the counseling process and more personalized, case-tailored information. CONCLUSIONS Our results add novel insights about the practical strategies employed by genetic counselees and their motivations behind disclosing hereditary risk information to relatives. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS A patient-centered cancer genetics care would clarify roles and responsibilities around risk disclosure, inform counselees about the process upfront and tailor information to offer case-specific data with the family's inheritance pattern explained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Hawranek
- Department of Diagnostics and Intervention, Oncology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Anna Rosén
- Department of Diagnostics and Intervention, Oncology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Senada Hajdarevic
- Department of Nursing, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden; Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Family Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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Durhuus JA, Galanakis M, Maltesen T, Therkildsen C, Rosthøj S, Klarskov LL, Lautrup CK, Andersen O, Nilbert MC. A registry-based study on universal screening for defective mismatch repair in colorectal cancer in Denmark highlights disparities in screening uptake and counselling referrals. Transl Oncol 2024; 46:102013. [PMID: 38824875 PMCID: PMC11170276 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2024.102013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Universal screening for defective mismatch repair (dMMR) in colorectal cancer utilizes immunohistochemical staining for MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 and PSM2. Additionally, BRAF V600E mutations status and MLH1 hypermethylation should be performed to distinguish germline and somatic dMMR alterations. A decade of Danish population-based registries has been analysed regarding screening uptake, detection rate and referral to genetic counselling. MMR testing was performed in 71·8% (N = 34,664) of newly diagnosed colorectal cancers with an increasing trend to 88·8% coverage in the study's final year. The likelihood of undergoing MMR testing was reduced in males with 2% (95% CI 0·4-2·7, p = 0·008), with 4·1% in patients above age 70 years (95% CI 1·5-6·6, p = 0·003) compared in patients below age 51 years, with 16·3% in rectal cancers (95% CI 15·1-17·6, p < 0·001) and 1·4% left-sided colon cancers (95% CI 0·1-1·7, p = 0·03) compared to right-sided colon cancers. Tumour stage II and III increased the likelihood of being tested, with 3·7% for stage II (95% CI 2·2-5·6, p < 0·001) and 3·3% for stage III tumours (95% CI 1·8-4·8, p < 0·001) compared to stage I tumours, whereas the likelihood for stage IV tumours is reduced by 35·7% (95% CI 34·2-37·2, p < 0·001). Test rates significantly differed between the Danish health care regions. dMMR was identified in 15·1% (95% CI 14·8-15·6, p < 0·001) cases with somatic MMR inactivation in 6·7% of the cases. 8·3% tumours showed hereditary dMMR expression patterns, and 20·0% of those were referred to genetic counselling. Despite the high uptake rates, we found disparities between patient groups and missed opportunities for genetic diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon Ambæk Durhuus
- Department of Clinical Research, Copenhagen University Hospital - Amager and Hvidovre, Kettegårds Allé 30, Copenhagen 2630, Denmark; Center for Healthy Aging, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Michael Galanakis
- Danish Cancer Institute, Statistics and Data Analysis, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas Maltesen
- Danish Cancer Institute, Statistics and Data Analysis, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christina Therkildsen
- The Danish HNPCC Register, Gastro Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital - Amager and Hvidovre, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Susanne Rosthøj
- Danish Cancer Institute, Statistics and Data Analysis, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Louise Laurberg Klarskov
- Department of Pathology, Copenhagen University Hospital-Herlev and Gentofte, Herlev, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Ove Andersen
- Department of Clinical Research, Copenhagen University Hospital - Amager and Hvidovre, Kettegårds Allé 30, Copenhagen 2630, Denmark
| | - Mef Christina Nilbert
- Department of Clinical Research, Copenhagen University Hospital - Amager and Hvidovre, Kettegårds Allé 30, Copenhagen 2630, Denmark; Institute of Clinical Sciences, Division of Oncology and Pathology, Lund University, Sweden
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Vlaming M, Ausems MGEM, Schijven G, van Oort IM, Kets CM, Komdeur FL, van der Kolk LE, Oldenburg RA, Sijmons RH, Kiemeney LALM, Bleiker EMA. Men with metastatic prostate cancer carrying a pathogenic germline variant in breast cancer genes: disclosure of genetic test results to relatives. Fam Cancer 2024; 23:165-175. [PMID: 38722431 PMCID: PMC11153271 DOI: 10.1007/s10689-024-00377-0] [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: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Some patients with metastatic prostate cancer carry a pathogenic germline variant (PV) in a gene, that is mainly associated with an increased risk of breast cancer in women. If they test positive for such a PV, prostate cancer patients are encouraged to disclose the genetic test result to relatives who are at risk in case the carrier status changes the relatives' medical care. Our study aimed to investigate how men who learned they carry a PV in BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2, CHEK2 or ATM disclosed their carrier status to at-risk relatives and to assess the possible psychological burden for the carrier and their perception of the burden for relatives. In total, 23 men with metastatic prostate cancer carrying a PV completed the IRI questionnaire about family communication; 14 also participated in a semi-structured interview. Patients felt highly confident in discussing the genetic test result with relatives. The diagnosis of prostate cancer was experienced as a burden, whereas being informed about genetic testing results did in most cases not add to this burden. Two patients encountered negative experiences with family communication, as they considered the genetic test result to be more urgent than their relatives. This mixed-methods study shows that metastatic prostate cancer patients with a PV in genes mainly associated with increased risk of breast cancer feel well-equipped to communicate about this predisposition in their families. Carriers felt motivated to disclose their genetic test result to relatives. Most of them indicated that the disclosure was not experienced as a psychological burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiel Vlaming
- Department of Genetics, Division Laboratories, Pharmacy and Biomedical Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, CX Utrecht, 3584, The Netherlands
| | - Margreet G E M Ausems
- Department of Genetics, Division Laboratories, Pharmacy and Biomedical Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, CX Utrecht, 3584, The Netherlands
| | - Gina Schijven
- Department of Genetics, Division Laboratories, Pharmacy and Biomedical Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, CX Utrecht, 3584, The Netherlands
| | - Inge M van Oort
- Department of Urology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, GA Nijmegen, 6525, The Netherlands
| | - C Marleen Kets
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, GA Nijmegen, 6525, The Netherlands
| | - Fenne L Komdeur
- Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Meibergdreef 9, AZ Amsterdam, 1105, The Netherlands
| | - Lizet E van der Kolk
- Department of Clinical Genetics, the Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, CX Amsterdam, 1066, The Netherlands
| | - Rogier A Oldenburg
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, GD Rotterdam, 3015, The Netherlands
| | - Rolf H Sijmons
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, GZ Groningen, 9713, The Netherlands
| | - Lambertus A L M Kiemeney
- Department of Urology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, GA Nijmegen, 6525, The Netherlands
- Department for Health Evidence, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, GA Nijmegen, 6525, The Netherlands
| | - Eveline M A Bleiker
- Department of Clinical Genetics, the Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, CX Amsterdam, 1066, The Netherlands.
- Division of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, CX Amsterdam, 1066, The Netherlands.
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, ZA Leiden, 2333, The Netherlands.
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4
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Phillips A, Vears DF, Van Hoyweghen I, Borry P. Clinician perspectives on policy approaches to genetic risk disclosure in families. Fam Cancer 2024; 23:177-186. [PMID: 38548926 PMCID: PMC11233314 DOI: 10.1007/s10689-024-00375-2] [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: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Genomic sequencing has emerged as a powerful tool with significant implications for patients and their relatives, however, empirical evidence suggests that effective dissemination of risk information within families remains a challenge. Policy responses to address this issue vary across countries, with Belgium notably lacking specific regulations governing nondisclosure of genetic risk. In this study, we conducted semi-structured interviews with clinicians from Belgian clinical genetics centers to gain insight into their perspectives on policy approaches to the disclosure of genetic risk within families. Using real-world examples of legislation and court rulings from France, Australia, and the UK, we explored clinician viewpoints on the roles and responsibilities of both patients and clinicians in the family communication process. Clinicians expressed confusion regarding what was legally permissible regarding contacting at-risk relatives. While there was a consensus among participants that patients have a responsibility to inform their at-risk relatives, participants were hesitant to support the legal enforcement of this duty. Clinicians mostly recognized some responsibility to at-risk relatives, but the extent of this responsibility was a subject of division. Our findings highlight the need for a comprehensive policy that clarifies the roles and responsibilities of clinicians and patients to inform at-risk relatives. Furthermore, the study underscores the practical challenges clinicians face in supporting patients through the complex process of family communication, suggesting a need for additional resources and the exploration of alternative approaches to communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amicia Phillips
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Danya F Vears
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leuven, Belgium
- Biomedical Ethics Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia
- Melbourne Law School, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Ine Van Hoyweghen
- Life Sciences and Society Lab, Center for Sociological Research, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Pascal Borry
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leuven, Belgium
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Lindberg LJ, Wadt KAW, Therkildsen C, Petersen HV. National Experiences from 30 Years of Provider-Mediated Cascade Testing in Lynch Syndrome Families-The Danish Model. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1577. [PMID: 38672659 PMCID: PMC11048852 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16081577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cascade genetic testing and surveillance reduce morbidity and mortality in Lynch syndrome. However, barriers to conveying information about genetic disorders within families result in low uptake of genetic testing. Provider-mediated interventions may increase uptake but raise legal and ethical concerns. We describe 30 years of national experience with cascade genetic testing combining family- and provider-mediated contact in Lynch syndrome families in the Danish Hereditary Non-Polyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC) Register. We aimed to estimate the added value of information letters to family members in Lynch syndrome families (provider-mediated contact) compared to family members not receiving such letters and thus relying on family-mediated contact. National clinical practice for cascade genetic testing, encompassing infrastructure, legislation, acceptance, and management of the information letters, is also discussed. Cascade genetic testing resulted in 7.3 additional tests per family. Uptake of genetic testing was 54.4% after family-mediated and 64.9% after provider-mediated contact, corresponding to an odds ratio of 1.8 (p < 0.001). The uptake of genetic testing was highest in the first year after diagnosis of Lynch syndrome in the family, with 72.5% tested after provider-mediated contact. In conclusion, the Danish model combining family- and provider-mediated contact can increase the effect of cascade genetic testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Joachim Lindberg
- The Danish HNPCC Register, Gastrounit, Copenhagen University Hospital—Amager and Hvidovre, DK2650 Hvidovre, Denmark;
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark;
| | - Karin A. W. Wadt
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark;
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Rigshospitalet, DK2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Christina Therkildsen
- The Danish HNPCC Register, Gastrounit, Copenhagen University Hospital—Amager and Hvidovre, DK2650 Hvidovre, Denmark;
| | - Helle Vendel Petersen
- Medical Department, Zealand University Hospital, DK4800 Nykøbing Falster, Denmark;
- Clinical Research Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital, DK2650 Hvidovre, Denmark
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Bednar EM, Rauh-Hain JA, Garcia JJ, de Aguinaga N, Powell MA, Peral SL, Nitecki R, Jorgensen K, Rudy NL, Lu KH, Leath CA, Scarinci IC. Experiences of Family Communication and Cascade Genetic Testing for Hereditary Cancer in Medically Underserved Populations-A Qualitative Study. Cancer Prev Res (Phila) 2024; 17:19-28. [PMID: 37913800 PMCID: PMC10872900 DOI: 10.1158/1940-6207.capr-23-0303] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
We sought to explore the intrafamilial communication and cascade genetic testing (CGT) experiences of patients with hereditary cancer from diverse, medically underserved populations and their relatives. Participants included patients receiving oncology care at an urban, safety net hospital in Texas or comprehensive cancer center in Alabama and their first-degree relatives. In-depth semi-structured qualitative interviews were completed wherein patients shared their experiences with genetic counseling (GC), genetic testing (GT), and communicating their results to relatives. Relatives shared their experiences receiving information from the patient and considering CGT. Interviews were transcribed, coded, and themes were identified. Of 25 participating patients, most recalled key aspects of GC and their GT results. Most (80%) patients shared their results with relatives, but only some relatives underwent CGT; patients reported low perceived susceptibility to hereditary cancer as a common barrier to CGT for their relatives. Of 16 participating relatives, most reported feeling distress upon learning the patient's GT results. Relatives were fearful of learning their own CGT results but identified prevention and early detection as CGT benefits. Interviews identified opportunities during family communication to improve relatives' perceived susceptibility to hereditary cancer. Tailored resources may support patients and relatives experiencing distress and fear during GT. PREVENTION RELEVANCE This study of intrafamilial communication and cascade genetic testing experiences of patients with hereditary cancer and their relatives from diverse, medically underserved populations identified relatives' perceived susceptibility to hereditary cancer risks, distress, and fear as frequent reactions and barriers to testing. These results may inform future hereditary cancer prevention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica M. Bednar
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Jose J. Garcia
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | | | - Sylvia L. Peral
- The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Roni Nitecki
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Natasha L. Rudy
- The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Karen H. Lu
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Tiller JM, Stott A, Finlay K, Boughtwood T, Madelli EO, Horton A, Winship I, Nowak K, Otlowski M. Direct notification by health professionals of relatives at-risk of genetic conditions (with patient consent): views of the Australian public. Eur J Hum Genet 2024; 32:98-108. [PMID: 37280361 PMCID: PMC10242214 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-023-01395-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic risk information for medically actionable conditions has relevance for patients' blood relatives. However, cascade testing uptake in at-risk families is <50%, and the burden of contacting relatives is a significant barrier to dissemination of risk information. Health professionals (HPs) could notify at-risk relatives directly, with patients' consent. This practice is supported by international literature, including strong public support. However, there is little exploration of the Australian public's views about this issue. We surveyed Australian adults using a consumer research company. Respondents were provided a hypothetical scenario and asked about views and preferences regarding direct contact by HPs. 1030 members of the public responded, with median age 45 y and 51% female. The majority would want to be told about genetic risk for conditions that can be prevented/treated early (85%) and contacted directly by a HP (68%). Most preferred a letter that included specific information about the genetic condition in the family (67%) and had no privacy concerns about HPs sending a letter using contact details provided by a relative (85%). A minority (< 5%) had significant privacy concerns, mostly about use of personal contact information. Concerns included ensuring information was not shared with third parties. Almost 50% would prefer that a family member contacted them before the letter was sent, while about half did not prefer this or were unsure. The Australian public supports (and prefers) direct notification of relatives at risk of medically actionable genetic conditions. Guidelines would assist with clarifying clinicians' discretion in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane M Tiller
- Australian Genomics, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Ami Stott
- Australian Genomics, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Keri Finlay
- Australian Genomics, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Tiffany Boughtwood
- Australian Genomics, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Evanthia O Madelli
- Australian Genomics, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Ari Horton
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Ingrid Winship
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Kristen Nowak
- Office of Population Health Genomics, WA Department of Health, East Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Margaret Otlowski
- Centre for Law and Genetics, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
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Hamilton JG, Shah IH, Salafia C, Schofield E, Garzon MG, Cadet K, Stadler ZK, Hay JL, Offit K, Robson ME. Development of a novel measure of advanced cancer patients' perceived utility of secondary germline findings from tumor genomic profiling. PEC INNOVATION 2023; 2:100124. [PMID: 37214538 PMCID: PMC10194097 DOI: 10.1016/j.pecinn.2023.100124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Objective Tumor genomic profiling (TGP) can inform advanced cancer patients' treatment decisions, and also reveal secondary germline findings-information about inherited risks for cancer and other disorders. We sought to develop a measure of patient perceptions of the clinical and personal utility of secondary germline findings. Methods We developed a draft survey based on literature and patient interview data (n=40). We evaluated and refined the survey through cognitive interviews with advanced cancer patients who received secondary germline findings from TGP (n=10). The survey was psychometrically validated with data from two independent samples of advanced cancer patients undergoing TGP (total n=349). Results Cognitive interviews offered opportunities for survey refinement and confirmation of its comprehensible nature. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis of the survey identified 16 items across three subscales with strong internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha ≥0.79): perceived utility for others, perceived utility for self and health, and confidence in secondary findings. Conclusion We developed a novel valid scale with promise for measuring advanced cancer patients' perceptions of the utility of secondary germline findings. Innovation We offer a new patient-derived measure of perceived utility of and confidence in secondary germline findings with potential applications for precision oncology research and clinical communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jada G. Hamilton
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ibrahim H. Shah
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Caroline Salafia
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Elizabeth Schofield
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Margaux Genoff Garzon
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kechna Cadet
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Zsofia K. Stadler
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jennifer L. Hay
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kenneth Offit
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mark E. Robson
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
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9
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Hunter JE, Riddle L, Joseph G, Amendola LM, Gilmore MJ, Zepp JM, Shuster E, Bulkley JE, Muessig KR, Anderson KP, Goddard KAB, Wilfond BS, Leo MC. Most people share genetic test results with relatives even if the findings are normal: Family communication in a diverse population. Genet Med 2023; 25:100923. [PMID: 37421176 PMCID: PMC10766857 DOI: 10.1016/j.gim.2023.100923] [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: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE With increasing utilization of genetic testing, sharing genetic information can become part of general family health communication while providing biological relatives with important information about their own genetic risk. Importantly, little is known about motivations for and barriers to family communication of genetic information in historically underserved populations. METHODS Using mixed methods, we explored patient experiences with family communication in a study population of English- and Spanish-speaking adults aged 18 to 49 years, enriched for participants from historically underserved backgrounds. Risk screening for hereditary cancer guided genetic testing for cancer risk genes and other medically actionable findings. RESULTS Most participants overall (91%), including most with normal findings (89%), shared or planned to share their results with relatives. Common motivations for sharing results were to give relatives information about their genetic risk and because the participant thought the results were interesting. Reasons for not sharing were limited contact with relatives, perceptions of limited clinical utility for relatives, and concern that discussion of genetic information was stigmatized or taboo. CONCLUSION Results demonstrate high rates of sharing genetic information, indicate motivations for sharing go beyond facilitating genetic testing for relatives, and suggest general willingness to share genetic information as part of family health communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Ezzell Hunter
- Genomics, Ethics, and Translational Research Program, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC; Department of Translational and Applied Genomics, Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, Portland, OR.
| | - Leslie Riddle
- Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Galen Joseph
- Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | | | - Marian J Gilmore
- Department of Translational and Applied Genomics, Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, Portland, OR
| | - Jamilyn M Zepp
- Department of Translational and Applied Genomics, Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, Portland, OR
| | | | - Joanna E Bulkley
- Department of Translational and Applied Genomics, Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, Portland, OR
| | - Kristin R Muessig
- Department of Translational and Applied Genomics, Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, Portland, OR
| | - Katherine P Anderson
- Department of Family Medicine, Ambulatory Care Services, Denver Health, Denver, CO
| | - Katrina A B Goddard
- Department of Translational and Applied Genomics, Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, Portland, OR
| | - Benjamin S Wilfond
- Treuman Katz Center for Pediatric Bioethics, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
| | - Michael C Leo
- Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, Portland, OR
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10
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Barnoy S, Dagan E, Kim S, Caiata-Zufferey M, Katapodi MC. Privacy and utility of genetic testing in families with hereditary cancer syndromes living in three countries: the international cascade genetic screening experience. Front Genet 2023; 14:1109431. [PMID: 37229185 PMCID: PMC10203600 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1109431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer and Lynch syndrome are associated with increased lifetime risk for common cancers. Offering cascade genetic testing to cancer-free relatives of individuals with HBOC or LS is a public health intervention for cancer prevention. Yet, little is known about the utility and value of information gained from cascade testing. This paper discusses ELSI encountered during the implementation of cascade testing in three countries with national healthcare systems: Switzerland, Korea, and Israel. Methods: A workshop presented at the 5th International ELSI Congress discussed implementation of cascade testing in the three countries based on exchange of data and experiences from the international CASCADE cohort. Results: Analyses focused on models of accessing genetic services (clinic-based versus population-based screening), and models of initiating cascade testing (patient-mediated dissemination versus provider-mediated dissemination of testing results to relatives). The legal framework of each country, organization of the healthcare system, and socio-cultural norms determined the utility and value of genetic information gained from cascade testing. Conclusion: The juxtaposition of individual versus public health interests generates significant ELSI controversies associated with cascade testing, which compromise access to genetic services and the utility and value of genetic information, despite national healthcare/universal coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sivia Barnoy
- Department of Nursing, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Efrat Dagan
- The Cheryl Spencer Department of Nursing, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Sue Kim
- College of Nursing, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Maria Caiata-Zufferey
- Department of Business Economics, Health and Social Care, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland, Manno, Switzerland
| | - Maria C. Katapodi
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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11
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Stefka J, Streff H, Liu P, Towne M, Smith HS. Cascade testing after exome sequencing: Retrospective analysis of linked family data at 2 US laboratories. Genet Med 2023; 25:100818. [PMID: 36852743 DOI: 10.1016/j.gim.2023.100818] [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: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Cascade testing, the process of testing a proband's at-risk relatives, is integral to realizing the full value of genomic sequencing. However, there is little empirical evidence on the uptake of cascade testing after a positive exome sequencing (ES) result in a population of probands with diverse clinical indications. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed administrative data from 2 US clinical laboratories that perform ES. For each proband with a positive ES result, we used linked family data to describe the frequency of relatives' cascade testing performed at the same laboratory, variant detection yield of cascade tests, and characteristics of probands and relatives categorized on the basis of cascade testing completion. RESULTS Among the 3723 positive ES results across both laboratories, 426 relatives of 282 probands completed cascade testing (uptake = 7.6%). An average of 1.5 relatives (SD = 0.9) were tested per proband. Of the 426 relatives tested, 200 had a variant of interest detected (variant detection yield = 47.0%). CONCLUSION In our real-world data analysis, a small proportion of probands with a positive ES result subsequently had relatives complete cascade testing at the same laboratory. However, approximately half of the tested relatives received a clinically significant result that could have implications for clinical management or reproductive planning. Additional research on ways to increase cascade testing uptake is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Stefka
- Genetic Counseling Program, School of Health Professions, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Clinical Diagnostics, Ambry Genetics, Aliso Viejo, CA.
| | - Haley Streff
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Pengfei Liu
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Baylor Genetics, Houston, TX
| | - Meghan Towne
- Medical Sciences, Ambry Genetics, Aliso Viejo, CA
| | - Hadley Stevens Smith
- Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Precision Medicine Translational Research Center (PROMoTeR), Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA
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12
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Spaander MCW, Zauber AG, Syngal S, Blaser MJ, Sung JJ, You YN, Kuipers EJ. Young-onset colorectal cancer. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2023; 9:21. [PMID: 37105987 PMCID: PMC10589420 DOI: 10.1038/s41572-023-00432-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
In the past decades the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in people under the age of 50 years has increased, which is referred to as early-onset CRC or young-onset CRC (YO-CRC). YO-CRC is expected to account for 11% of colon cancers and 23% of rectal cancers by 2030. This trend is observed in different parts of the world and in both men and women. In 20% of patients with YO-CRC, a hereditary cancer syndrome is found as the underlying cause; however, in the majority of patients no genetic predisposition is present. Beginning in the 1950s, major changes in lifestyle such as antibiotic use, low physical activity and obesity have affected the gut microbiome and may be an important factor in YO-CRC development. Owing to a lack of screening, patients with YO-CRC are often diagnosed with advanced-stage disease. Long-term treatment-related complications should be taken into account in these younger patients, making the more traditional sequential approaches of drug therapy not always the most appropriate option. To better understand the underlying mechanism and define relationships between environmental factors and YO-CRC development, long-term prospective studies are needed with lifestyle data collected from childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon C W Spaander
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center/Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, Netherlands.
| | - Ann G Zauber
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sapna Syngal
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Martin J Blaser
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Joseph J Sung
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Y Nancy You
- Department of Colon and Rectal Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ernst J Kuipers
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center/Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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13
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Pollard S, Weymann D, Loewen R, Nuk J, Sun S, Schrader KA, Hessels C, Regier DA. Development and early-stage evaluation of a patient portal to enhance familial communication about hereditary cancer susceptibility testing: A patient-driven approach. Health Expect 2023; 26:774-784. [PMID: 36660874 PMCID: PMC10010078 DOI: 10.1111/hex.13702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Genetic testing for hereditary cancer syndromes (HCSs) can improve health outcomes through cancer risk mitigation strategies. Effective communication between tested individuals and their family members is key to reducing the hereditary cancer burden. Our objective was to develop a patient portal to improve familial communication for patients undergoing HCS genetic testing, followed by an early-phase evaluation. METHODS The portal was developed following the completion of 25 semistructured interviews with individuals having undergone HCS susceptibility testing at BC Cancer. Following initial development, we recruited patients and healthcare providers to provide critical feedback informing portal refinement. Quantitative feedback was summarized using descriptive statistics, and qualitative feedback was synthesized by two reviewers who engaged in iterative discussion within the research team to prioritize recommendations for integration. RESULTS The patient portal includes four key components consisting of (a) targeted educational information about hereditary cancer and HBOC syndrome associated risks and testing process overview, (b) a general frequently asked questions 'FAQ' page informed by the qualitative interviews, patient partner feedback, and consultation with the HCP, (c) guidance to support familial communication including a video developed with a patient partner describing their lived experience navigating the communication process and (d) a series of lay summaries of genetic test findings to support information transfer among family members. Thirteen healthcare providers and seven patients participated in user testing. Domains within which participant recommendations were provided included presentation, educational content and process clarification. CONCLUSIONS This investigation demonstrates the value of continual integration of patient and provider preferences through the development of tools endeavouring to assist with complex genomics-informed decision-making. Our work aims to broaden the population-wide impact of HCS testing programs by improving communication processes between probands and their potentially affected family members. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION This work involved a patient partner who was actively engaged in all aspects of the research investigation including protocol development, review and editing of all study documentation (including that of the previously published qualitative investigation), interpretation of results, as well as reviewing and editing the manuscript. Patient partners and healthcare professionals were recruited as research participants to provide critical feedback on the patient portal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Pollard
- Cancer Control Research, BC Cancer, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Deirdre Weymann
- Cancer Control Research, BC Cancer, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Rosalie Loewen
- Cancer Control Research, BC Cancer, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jennifer Nuk
- Hereditary Cancer Program, BC Cancer, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sophie Sun
- Hereditary Cancer Program, BC Cancer, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Division of Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kasmintan A Schrader
- Hereditary Cancer Program, BC Cancer, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Chiquita Hessels
- Li-Fraumeni Syndrome Association Canada, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Dean A Regier
- Cancer Control Research, BC Cancer, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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14
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Georgiou D, Monje-Garcia L, Miles T, Monahan K, Ryan NAJ. A Focused Clinical Review of Lynch Syndrome. Cancer Manag Res 2023; 15:67-85. [PMID: 36699114 PMCID: PMC9868283 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s283668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Lynch syndrome (LS) is an autosomal dominant condition that increases an individual's risk of a constellation of cancers. LS is defined when an individual has inherited pathogenic variants in the mismatch repair genes. Currently, most people with LS are undiagnosed. Early detection of LS is vital as those with LS can be enrolled in cancer reduction strategies through chemoprophylaxis, risk reducing surgery and cancer surveillance. However, these interventions are often invasive and require refinement. Furthermore, not all LS associated cancers are currently amenable to surveillance. Historically only those with a strong family history suggestive of LS were offered testing; this has proved far too restrictive. New criteria for testing have recently been introduced including the universal screening for LS in associated cancers. This has increased the number of people being diagnosed with LS but has also brought about unique challenges such as when to consent for germline testing and questions over how and who should carry out the consent. The results of germline testing for LS can be complicated and the diagnostic pathway is not always clear. Furthermore, by testing only those with cancer for LS we fail to identify these individuals before they develop potentially fatal pathology. This review will outline these challenges and explore solutions. Furthermore, we consider the potential future of LS care and the related treatments and interventions which are the current focus of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Demetra Georgiou
- Genomics and Personalised Medicine Service, Charing Cross Hospital, London, UK
| | - Laura Monje-Garcia
- The St Mark's Centre for Familial Intestinal Cancer Polyposis, St Mark's Hospital, London, UK.,School of Public Health, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Tracie Miles
- South West Genomics Medicine Service Alliance, Bristol, UK
| | - Kevin Monahan
- The St Mark's Centre for Familial Intestinal Cancer Polyposis, St Mark's Hospital, London, UK.,Department of Gastroenterology, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Neil A J Ryan
- Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,The College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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15
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Frey MK, Ahsan MD, Bergeron H, Lin J, Li X, Fowlkes RK, Narayan P, Nitecki R, Rauh-Hain JA, Moss HA, Baltich Nelson B, Thomas C, Christos PJ, Hamilton JG, Chapman-Davis E, Cantillo E, Holcomb K, Kurian AW, Lipkin S, Offit K, Sharaf RN. Cascade Testing for Hereditary Cancer Syndromes: Should We Move Toward Direct Relative Contact? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Clin Oncol 2022; 40:4129-4143. [PMID: 35960887 PMCID: PMC9746789 DOI: 10.1200/jco.22.00303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Evidence-based guidelines recommend cascade genetic counseling and testing for hereditary cancer syndromes, providing relatives the opportunity for early detection and prevention of cancer. The current standard is for patients to contact and encourage relatives (patient-mediated contact) to undergo counseling and testing. Direct relative contact by the medical team or testing laboratory has shown promise but is complicated by privacy laws and lack of infrastructure. We sought to compare outcomes associated with patient-mediated and direct relative contact for hereditary cancer cascade genetic counseling and testing in the first meta-analysis on this topic. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines (PROSPERO No.: CRD42020134276). We searched key electronic databases to identify studies evaluating hereditary cancer cascade testing. Eligible trials were subjected to meta-analysis. RESULTS Eighty-seven studies met inclusion criteria. Among relatives included in the meta-analysis, 48% (95% CI, 38 to 58) underwent cascade genetic counseling and 41% (95% CI, 34 to 48) cascade genetic testing. Compared with the patient-mediated approach, direct relative contact resulted in significantly higher uptake of genetic counseling for all relatives (63% [95% CI, 49 to 75] v 35% [95% CI, 24 to 48]) and genetic testing for first-degree relatives (62% [95% CI, 49 to 73] v 40% [95% CI, 32 to 48]). Methods of direct contact included telephone calls, letters, and e-mails; respective rates of genetic testing completion were 61% (95% CI, 51 to 70), 48% (95% CI, 37 to 59), and 48% (95% CI, 45 to 50). CONCLUSION Most relatives at risk for hereditary cancer do not undergo cascade genetic counseling and testing, forgoing potentially life-saving medical interventions. Compared with patient-mediated contact, direct relative contact increased rates of cascade genetic counseling and testing, arguing for a shift in the care delivery paradigm, to be confirmed by randomized controlled trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jenny Lin
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Xuan Li
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Kenneth Offit
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
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16
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Hunter CL, Helft PR. Yes, We Can, But Should We? Ethical Considerations in Reporting Germline Findings From Paired Tumor-Normal Genomic Testing in Patients With Advanced Cancer. J Clin Oncol 2022; 41:1982-1985. [PMID: 36469841 DOI: 10.1200/jco.22.00796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia L. Hunter
- Indiana University Health Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indianapolis, IN
- Indiana University Health Precision Genomics, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Paul R. Helft
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Charles Warren Fairbanks Center for Medical Ethics, Indiana University Health, Indianapolis, IN
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17
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Higgs E, Wain KE, Wynn J, Cho MT, Higgins S, Blaisdell D, Dugan D, Valek S, Cohen S. Measuring quality and value in genetic counseling: The current landscape and future directions. J Genet Couns 2022; 32:315-324. [PMID: 36385723 DOI: 10.1002/jgc4.1657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Genetic counselors strive to provide high-quality genetic services. To do so, it is essential to define quality in genetic counseling and identify opportunities for improvement. This Professional Issues article provides an overview of the evaluation of healthcare quality in genetic counseling. The National Society of Genetic Counselors' Research, Quality, and Outcomes Committee partnered with Discern Health, a value-based healthcare policy consulting firm, to develop a care continuum model of genetic counseling. Using the proposed model, currently available quality measures relevant to genetic counseling in the US healthcare system were assessed, allowing for the identification of gaps and priority areas for further development. A total of 560 quality measures were identified that can be applied to various aspects of the care continuum model across a range of clinical specialty areas in genetic counseling, although few measures were specific to genetic counseling or genetic conditions. Areas where quality measures were lacking included: attitudes toward genetic testing, family communication, stigma, and issues of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. We discuss these findings and other strategies for an evidence-based approach to quality in genetic counseling. Strategic directions for the genetic counseling profession should include a consolidated approach to research on quality and value of genetic counseling, development of quality metrics and patient-experience measures, and engagement with other improvement activities. These strategies will allow for benchmarking, performance improvement, and future implementation in accountability programs which will strengthen genetic counseling as a profession that provides evidence-based high-quality care to all patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Higgs
- Cardiovascular Genetics Program, University of California San Francisco California USA
| | | | - Julia Wynn
- Department of Pediatrics Columbia University Irving Medical Center New York New York USA
| | - Megan T. Cho
- Center for Precision Health Research, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health Bethesda Maryland USA
| | | | - David Blaisdell
- Discern Health, Part of Real Chemistry San Francisco California USA
| | - Donna Dugan
- Discern Health, Part of Real Chemistry San Francisco California USA
| | - Sara Valek
- Discern Health, Part of Real Chemistry San Francisco California USA
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18
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Chen AT, Huey J, Coe S, Kaganovsky J, Malouf EA, Evans HD, Daker J, Harper E, Fordiani O, Lowe EE, Oldroyd CM, Price A, Roth K, Stoddard J, Crandell JN, Shirts BH. Extended family outreach in hereditary cancer using online genealogy, direct-to-consumer ancestry genetics, and social media: A mixed methods process evaluation of the ConnectMyVariant intervention (Preprint). JMIR Cancer 2022; 9:e43126. [PMID: 37079361 PMCID: PMC10160942 DOI: 10.2196/43126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cascade screening, defined as helping at-risk relatives get targeted genetic testing of familial variants for dominant hereditary cancer syndromes, is a proven component of cancer prevention; however, its uptake is low. We developed and conducted a pilot study of the ConnectMyVariant intervention, in which participants received support to contact at-risk relatives that extended beyond first-degree relatives and encourage relatives to obtain genetic testing and connect with others having the same variant through email and social media. The support that participants received included listening to participants' needs, assisting with documentary genealogy to find common ancestors, facilitating direct-to-consumer DNA testing and interpretation, and assisting with database searches. OBJECTIVE We aimed to assess intervention feasibility, motivations for participating, and engagement among ConnectMyVariant participants and their families. METHODS We used a mixed methods design including both quantitative and qualitative evaluation methods. First, we considered intervention feasibility by characterizing recruitment and retention using multiple recruitment mechanisms, including web-based advertising, dissemination of invitations with positive test results, provider recruitment, snowball sampling, and recruitment through web-based social networks and research studies. Second, we characterized participants' motivations, concerns, and engagement through project documentation of participant engagement in outreach activities and qualitative analysis of participant communications. We used an inductive qualitative data analysis approach to analyze emails, free-text notes, and other communications generated with participants as part of the ConnectMyVariant intervention. RESULTS We identified 84 prospective participants using different recruitment mechanisms; 57 participants were ultimately enrolled in the study for varying lengths of time. With respect to motivations for engaging in the intervention, participants were most interested in activities relating to genealogy and communication with others who had their specific variants. Although there was a desire to find others with the same variant and prevent cancer, more participants expressed an interest in learning about their genealogy and family health history, with prevention in relatives considered a natural side effect of outreach. Concerns about participation included whether relatives would be open to communication, how to go about it, and whether others with a specific variant would be motivated to help find common ancestors. We observed that ConnectMyVariant participants engaged in 6 primary activities to identify and communicate with at-risk relatives: sharing family history, family member testing, direct-to-consumer genealogy genetic testing analysis, contacting (distant) relatives, documentary genealogy, and expanding variant groups or outreach. Participants who connected with others who had the same variant were more likely to engage with several extended family outreach activities. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated that there is an interest in extended family outreach as a mechanism to improve cascade screening for hereditary cancer prevention. Additional research to systematically evaluate the outcomes of such outreach may be challenging but is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie T Chen
- Department of Biomedical Informatics and Medical Education, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Jennifer Huey
- Department of Laborabory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Sandra Coe
- Department of Laborabory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Jailanie Kaganovsky
- Department of Laborabory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Emily A Malouf
- Department of Laborabory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Heather D Evans
- Center for Family History and Genealogy, Department of History, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Jill Daker
- Center for Family History and Genealogy, Department of History, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Elizabeth Harper
- Center for Family History and Genealogy, Department of History, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Olivia Fordiani
- Center for Family History and Genealogy, Department of History, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Emma E Lowe
- Center for Family History and Genealogy, Department of History, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Caileigh McGraw Oldroyd
- Center for Family History and Genealogy, Department of History, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Ashlyn Price
- Center for Family History and Genealogy, Department of History, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Kristlynn Roth
- Center for Family History and Genealogy, Department of History, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Julie Stoddard
- Center for Family History and Genealogy, Department of History, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Jill N Crandell
- Center for Family History and Genealogy, Department of History, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Brian H Shirts
- Department of Laborabory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Brotman Baty Institute for Precision Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
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19
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The Communication Chain of Genetic Risk: Analyses of Narrative Data Exploring Proband–Provider and Proband–Family Communication in Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12081249. [PMID: 36013197 PMCID: PMC9409642 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12081249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Low uptake of genetic services among members of families with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) suggests limitations of proband-mediated communication of genetic risk. This study explored how genetic information proceeds from healthcare providers to probands and from probands to relatives, from the probands’ perspectives. Using a grounded-theory approach, we analyzed narrative data collected with individual interviews and focus groups from a sample of 48 women identified as carriers of HBOC-associated pathogenic variants from three linguistic regions of Switzerland. The findings describe the “communication chain”, confirming the difficulties of proband-mediated communication. Provider–proband communication is impacted by a three-level complexity in the way information about family communication is approached by providers, received by probands, and followed-up by the healthcare system. Probands’ decisions regarding disclosure of genetic risk are governed by dynamic and often contradictory logics of action, interconnected with individual and family characteristics, eventually compelling probands to engage in an arbitrating process. The findings highlight the relevance of probands’ involvement in the communication of genetic risk to relatives, suggesting the need to support them in navigating the complexity of family communication rather than replacing them in this process. Concrete actions at the clinical and health system levels are needed to improve proband-mediated communication.
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20
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Zhao J, Guan Y, McBride CM. A systematic review of theory-informed strategies used in interventions fostering family genetic risk communication. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2022; 105:1953-1962. [PMID: 35304074 PMCID: PMC9203975 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2022.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inherited risk is a family issue. Identifying family members who carry a pathogenic genetic variant that increases risk of cancers and other chronic diseases can be lifesaving for those affected. OBJECTIVE The research questions are: (1) which family communication frameworks have been applied, (2) how do intervention strategies employed map to these theories, and (3) to what extent were families receptive to these strategies and communication increased? METHODS Manuscripts published between January 2010 and August 2020 were searched in three databases: PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science. RESULTS Nine intervention trials were identified. All interventions were evaluated in clinical genetic counseling contexts using at least one individual-level strategy (e.g. increase knowledge). Only three focused on dyadic conversations such as preparing for relatives' information needs. CONCLUSIONS This systematic review posed the question whether theoretically based approaches have been applied to foster family genetic risk communication. Greater attention needs to be paid to the utilization of dyadic level and family system level theories to guide intervention developments. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS We conclude by calling for accelerating and broadening the development of interventions to enable family communication about inherited risk that are theory-based, incorporate family-systems thinking, and are conducted outside of specialty clinic settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingsong Zhao
- Department of Behavioral, Social and Health Education Sciences, Emory University, GA, USA.
| | - Yue Guan
- Department of Behavioral, Social and Health Education Sciences, Emory University, GA, USA
| | - Colleen M McBride
- Department of Behavioral, Social and Health Education Sciences, Emory University, GA, USA
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21
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Schmidlen TJ, Bristow SL, Hatchell KE, Esplin ED, Nussbaum RL, Haverfield EV. The Impact of Proband Indication for Genetic Testing on the Uptake of Cascade Testing Among Relatives. Front Genet 2022; 13:867226. [PMID: 35783293 PMCID: PMC9243226 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.867226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Although multiple factors can influence the uptake of cascade genetic testing, the impact of proband indication has not been studied. We performed a retrospective, cross-sectional study comparing cascade genetic testing rates among relatives of probands who received either diagnostic germline testing or non-indication-based proactive screening via next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based multigene panels for hereditary cancer syndromes (HCS) and/or familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). The proportion of probands with a medically actionable (positive) finding were calculated based on genes associated with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Tier 1 conditions, HCS genes, and FH genes. Among probands with a positive finding, cascade testing rates and influencing factors were assessed. A total of 270,715 probands were eligible for inclusion in the study (diagnostic n = 254,281,93.9%; proactive n = 16,434, 6.1%). A positive result in a gene associated with a CDC Tier 1 condition was identified in 10,520 diagnostic probands (4.1%) and 337 proactive probands (2.1%), leading to cascade testing among families of 3,305 diagnostic probands (31.4%) and 36 proactive probands (10.7%) (p < 0.0001). A positive result in an HCS gene was returned to 23,272 diagnostic probands (9.4%) and 970 proactive probands (6.1%), leading to cascade testing among families of 6,611 diagnostic probands (28.4%) and 89 proactive probands (9.2%) (p < 0.0001). Cascade testing due to a positive result in an HCS gene was more commonly pursued when the diagnostic proband was White, had a finding in a gene associated with a CDC Tier 1 condition, or had a personal history of cancer, or when the proactive proband was female. A positive result in an FH gene was returned to 1,647 diagnostic probands (25.3%) and 67 proactive probands (0.62%), leading to cascade testing among families of 360 diagnostic probands (21.9%) and 4 proactive probands (6.0%) (p < 0.01). Consistently higher rates of cascade testing among families of diagnostic probands may be due to a perceived urgency because of personal or family history of disease. Due to the proven clinical benefit of cascade testing, further research on obstacles to systematic implementation and uptake of testing for relatives of any proband with a medically actionable variant is warranted.
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22
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Raz A, Timmermans S, Eyal G, Brothers K, Minari J. Challenges for precision public health communication in the era of genomic medicine. Genet Med 2022; 24:1814-1820. [PMID: 35657379 DOI: 10.1016/j.gim.2022.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Although still in the early stages of development, the advent of fast, high-output, and cost-effective next-generation DNA sequencing technology is moving precision medicine into public health. Before this shift toward next-generation sequencing in public health settings, individual patients met geneticists after showing symptoms and through limited family screening. In the new era of precision public health, everyone is a possible participant in genetic sequencing, simply by being born (newborn screening), by donating blood (biobanking), or through population screening. These initiatives are increasingly offered to individuals throughout their life and more individuals are encountering opportunities to use DNA sequencing. This article raises awareness of these growing areas and calls for different models of public engagement and communication about genomics, including screening asymptomatic populations, obtaining consent for unspecified and unforeseen future uses of genomic data, and managing variants of uncertain significance. Given that such communication challenges loom large, established norms of practice in genomic medicine and research should be reconsidered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aviad Raz
- Department of Sociology & Anthropology, Ben-Gurion University of the Nagev, Beersheba, Israel.
| | | | - Gil Eyal
- Precision Medicine & Society Program, Department of Sociology, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Kyle Brothers
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
| | - Jusaku Minari
- Uehiro Research Division for iPS Cell Ethics, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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23
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Zischke J, White N, Gordon L. Accounting for Intergenerational Cascade Testing in Economic Evaluations of Clinical Genomics: A Scoping Review. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2022; 25:944-953. [PMID: 35667782 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2021.11.1353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Clinical genomics is emerging as a diagnostic tool in the identification of blood relatives at risk of developing heritable diseases. Our objective was to identify how genetic cascade screening has been incorporated into health economic evaluations. METHODS A scoping review was conducted to identify how multiple generations of a family were included in economic evaluations of clinical genomic sequencing, how many and which relatives were included, and uptake rates. Databases were searched for full economic evaluations of genetic interventions that screened multiple generations of families and were in English language, and no restrictions were made for disease or publication type. Data were synthesized using a narrative approach. RESULTS Twenty-five studies were included covering a range of diseases in various countries. Markov cohort models were mostly used with hypothetical populations and unsupported by clinical evidence. Cascade testing was either the primary intervention or secondary to the index cases. The number and type of relatives were based on assumptions or identified through population or family records, clinical registry data, or clinical literature. Studies included only immediate family members and the uptake of testing ranged between 20% and 100%. All interventions were reported as cost-effective, and a higher number of relatives was a key driver. CONCLUSIONS Several economic evaluations have considered the impacts of cascade testing interventions within clinical genomics. Ideally, models supported with high-quality clinical data are needed and, in their absence, transparent and justifiable assumptions of uptake rates and choices about including relatives. Consideration of more appropriate modeling types is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Zischke
- Health Economics Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia; School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Nicole White
- Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public Health and Social Work and Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Louisa Gordon
- Health Economics Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia; School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia; School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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24
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Schmidlen T, Jones CL, Campbell-Salome G, McCormick CZ, Vanenkevort E, Sturm AC. Use of a chatbot to increase uptake of cascade genetic testing. J Genet Couns 2022; 31:1219-1230. [PMID: 35616645 DOI: 10.1002/jgc4.1592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Successful proband-mediated family communication and subsequent cascade genetic testing uptake requires interventions that present information clearly, in sufficient detail, and with medical authority. To facilitate family communication for patients receiving clinically actionable results via the MyCode® Community Health Initiative, a Family Sharing Tool (FST) and a cascade chatbot were developed. FST is an electronic mechanism allowing patients to share genetic test results with relatives via chatbot. The cascade chatbot describes the proband's result, associated disease risks, and recommended management and captures whether the user is a blood relative or caregiver, sex, and relationship to the proband. FST and cascade chatbot uptake among MyCode® probands and relatives was tracked from August 2018 through February 2020. Cascade genetic testing uptake was collected from testing laboratories as number of cascades per proband. Fifty-eight percent (316/543) of probands consented to FST; 42% (227/543) declined. Receipt preferences were patient electronic health record (EHR) portal (52%), email (29%), and text (19%). Patient EHR portal users (p < 0.001) and younger patients were more likely to consent (p < 0.001). FST was deployed to 308 probands. Fifty-nine percent (183/308) opened; of those, 56% (102/183) used FST to send a cascade chatbot to relatives. These 102 probands shared a cascade chatbot with 377 relatives. Sixty-two percent (235/377) of relatives opened; of these, 69% (161/235) started, and of these, 57% (92/161) completed the cascade chatbot. Cascade genetic testing uptake was significantly greater among relatives of probands who consented to the FST (M = 2.34 cascades, SD = 2.10) than relatives of probands who declined (M = 1.40 cascades, SD = 0.82, p < 0.001). Proband age was not a significant predictor of cascade genetic testing uptake. Further work is needed to better understand factors impacting proband use of FST and relative use of cascade chatbots.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claire L Jones
- Geisinger, Genomic Medicine Institute, Danville, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Cara Z McCormick
- Geisinger, Genomic Medicine Institute, Danville, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Erin Vanenkevort
- Geisinger, Genomic Medicine Institute, Danville, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Amy C Sturm
- Geisinger, Genomic Medicine Institute, Danville, Pennsylvania, USA
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25
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Elhanan G, Kiser D, Neveux I, Dabe S, Bolze A, Metcalf WJ, Lu JT, Grzymski JJ. Incomplete Penetrance of Population-Based Genetic Screening Results in Electronic Health Record. Front Genet 2022; 13:866169. [PMID: 35571025 PMCID: PMC9091193 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.866169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The clinical value of population-based genetic screening projects depends on the actions taken on the findings. The Healthy Nevada Project (HNP) is an all-comer genetic screening and research project based in northern Nevada. HNP participants with CDC Tier 1 findings of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (HBOC), Lynch syndrome (LS), or familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) are notified and provided with genetic counseling. However, the HNP subsequently takes a “hands-off” approach: it is the responsibility of notified participants to share their findings with their healthcare providers, and providers are expected to implement the recommended action plans. Thus, the HNP presents an opportunity to evaluate the efficiency of participant and provider responses to notification of important genetic findings, using electronic health records (EHRs) at Renown Health (a large regional hospital in northern Nevada). Out of 520 HNP participants with findings, we identified 250 participants who were notified of their findings and who had an EHR. 107 of these participants responded to a survey, with 76 (71%) indicating that they had shared their findings with their healthcare providers. However, a sufficiently specific genetic diagnosis appeared in the EHRs and problem lists of only 22 and 10%, respectively, of participants without prior knowledge. Furthermore, review of participant EHRs provided evidence of possible relevant changes in clinical care for only a handful of participants. Up to 19% of participants would have benefited from earlier screening due to prior presentation of their condition. These results suggest that continuous support for both participants and their providers is necessary to maximize the benefit of population-based genetic screening. We recommend that genetic screening projects require participants’ consent to directly document their genetic findings in their EHRs. Additionally, we recommend that they provide healthcare providers with ongoing training regarding documentation of findings and with clinical decision support regarding subsequent care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gai Elhanan
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Desert Research Institute, Reno, NV, United States
| | - Daniel Kiser
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Desert Research Institute, Reno, NV, United States
| | - Iva Neveux
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Desert Research Institute, Reno, NV, United States
| | | | | | - William J. Metcalf
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Desert Research Institute, Reno, NV, United States
| | | | - Joseph J. Grzymski
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Desert Research Institute, Reno, NV, United States
- Renown Health, Reno, NV, United States
- *Correspondence: Joseph J. Grzymski,
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26
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Sarki M, Ming C, Aissaoui S, Bürki N, Caiata-Zufferey M, Erlanger TE, Graffeo-Galbiati R, Heinimann K, Heinzelmann-Schwarz V, Monnerat C, Probst-Hensch N, Rabaglio M, Zürrer-Härdi U, Chappuis PO, Katapodi MC. Intention to Inform Relatives, Rates of Cascade Testing, and Preference for Patient-Mediated Communication in Families Concerned with Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer and Lynch Syndrome: The Swiss CASCADE Cohort. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14071636. [PMID: 35406409 PMCID: PMC8997156 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14071636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cascade screening for Tier 1 cancer genetic conditions is a significant public health intervention because it identifies untested relatives of individuals known to carry pathogenic variants associated with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) and Lynch syndrome (LS). The Swiss CASCADE is a family-based, open-ended cohort, including carriers of HBOC- and LS-associated pathogenic variants and their relatives. This paper describes rates of cascade screening in relatives from HBOC- and LS- harboring families, examines carriers' preferences for communication of testing results, and describes theory-based predictors of intention to invite relatives to a cascade screening program. Information has been provided by 304 index cases and 115 relatives recruited from September 2017 to December 2021. On average, 10 relatives per index case were potentially eligible for cascade screening. Approximately 65% of respondents wanted to invite relatives to the cohort, and approximately 50% indicated a preference for patient-mediated communication of testing results, possibly with the assistance of digital technology. Intention to invite relatives was higher for first- compared to second- and third-degree relatives, but was not different between syndromes or based on relatives' gender. The family environment and carrying pathogenic variants predicts intention to invite relatives. Information helps optimize delivery of tailored genetic services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahesh Sarki
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Basel, 4055 Basel, Switzerland; (M.S.); (C.M.)
| | - Chang Ming
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Basel, 4055 Basel, Switzerland; (M.S.); (C.M.)
| | - Souria Aissaoui
- Breast Center, Cantonal Hospital Fribourg, 1752 Fribourg, Switzerland;
- GENESUPPORT, The Breast Centre, Hirslanden Clinique de Grangettes, 1224 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Bürki
- Women’s Clinic, University Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland; (N.B.); (V.H.-S.)
| | - Maria Caiata-Zufferey
- Department of Business Economics, Health and Social Care, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland, 6928 Manno, Switzerland;
| | | | | | - Karl Heinimann
- Institute for Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland;
- Research Group Human Genomics, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Christian Monnerat
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital of Jura, 2800 Delemont, Switzerland;
| | - Nicole Probst-Hensch
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel, 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland;
| | - Manuela Rabaglio
- Department of Medical Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland;
| | - Ursina Zürrer-Härdi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cantonal Hospital Winterthur, 8400 Winterthur, Switzerland;
| | - Pierre Olivier Chappuis
- Unit of Oncogenetics, Division of Oncology, University Hospitals of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland;
- Division of Genetic Medicine, University Hospitals of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Maria C. Katapodi
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Basel, 4055 Basel, Switzerland; (M.S.); (C.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +41-61-207-04-30
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27
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Bokkers K, Vlaming M, Engelhardt EG, Zweemer RP, van Oort IM, Kiemeney LALM, Bleiker EMA, Ausems MGEM. The Feasibility of Implementing Mainstream Germline Genetic Testing in Routine Cancer Care-A Systematic Review. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14041059. [PMID: 35205807 PMCID: PMC8870548 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14041059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Germline genetic testing for patients with cancer can have important implications for treatment, preventive options, and for family members. In a mainstream genetic testing pathway, pre-test counseling is performed by non-genetic healthcare professionals, thereby making genetic testing more accessible to all patients who might benefit from it. These mainstream genetic testing pathways are being implemented in different hospitals around the world, and for different cancer types. It is important to evaluate how a mainstream genetic testing pathway can be made sustainable and if quality of genetic care is maintained. We show in this systematic review that it is feasible to incorporate a mainstream genetic testing pathway into routine cancer care while maintaining quality of care. A training procedure for non-genetic healthcare professionals and a close collaboration between genetics and other clinical departments are highly recommended to ensure sustainability. Abstract Background: Non-genetic healthcare professionals can provide pre-test counseling and order germline genetic tests themselves, which is called mainstream genetic testing. In this systematic review, we determined whether mainstream genetic testing was feasible in daily practice while maintaining quality of genetic care. Methods: PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and PsychINFO were searched for articles describing mainstream genetic testing initiatives in cancer care. Results: Seventeen articles, reporting on 15 studies, met the inclusion criteria. Non-genetic healthcare professionals concluded that mainstream genetic testing was possible within the timeframe of a routine consultation. In 14 studies, non-genetic healthcare professionals completed some form of training about genetics. When referral was coordinated by a genetics team, the majority of patients carrying a pathogenic variant were seen for post-test counseling by genetic healthcare professionals. The number of days between cancer diagnosis and test result disclosure was always lower in the mainstream genetic testing pathway than in the standard genetic testing pathway (e.g., pre-test counseling at genetics department). Conclusions: Mainstream genetic testing seems feasible in daily practice with no insurmountable barriers. A structured pathway with a training procedure is desirable, as well as a close collaboration between genetics and other clinical departments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyra Bokkers
- Division Laboratories, Pharmacy and Biomedical Genetics, Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands; (K.B.); (M.V.)
| | - Michiel Vlaming
- Division Laboratories, Pharmacy and Biomedical Genetics, Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands; (K.B.); (M.V.)
| | - Ellen G. Engelhardt
- Division of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (E.G.E.); (E.M.A.B.)
| | - Ronald P. Zweemer
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | - Inge M. van Oort
- Department of Urology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (I.M.v.O.); (L.A.L.M.K.)
| | - Lambertus A. L. M. Kiemeney
- Department of Urology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (I.M.v.O.); (L.A.L.M.K.)
- Department for Health Evidence, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 21, 6525 EZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Eveline M. A. Bleiker
- Division of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (E.G.E.); (E.M.A.B.)
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
- Family Cancer Clinic, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Margreet G. E. M. Ausems
- Division Laboratories, Pharmacy and Biomedical Genetics, Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands; (K.B.); (M.V.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-88-75-538-00
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28
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A tailored approach to informing relatives at risk of inherited cardiac conditions: results of a randomised controlled trial. Eur J Hum Genet 2022; 30:203-210. [PMID: 34815540 PMCID: PMC8821591 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-021-00993-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
If undetected, inherited cardiac conditions can lead to sudden cardiac death, while treatment options are available. Predictive DNA testing is therefore advised for at-risk relatives, and probands are currently asked to inform relatives about this. However, fewer than half of relatives attend genetic counselling. In this trial, we compared a tailored approach to informing relatives, in which probands were asked whether they preferred relatives to be informed by themselves or by the genetic counsellor, with current practice. Our primary outcome was uptake of genetic counselling in relatives in the first year after test result disclosure. Secondary outcomes were evaluation of the approach and impact on psychological/family functioning measured 3 (T1) and 9 (T2) months post-disclosure via telephone interviews and questionnaires. We included 96 probands; 482 relatives were eligible for counselling and genetic testing. We observed no significant difference in uptake of genetic counselling between the control (38%) and the intervention (37%) group (p = 0.973). Nor were there significant differences between groups in impact on family/psychological functioning. Significantly more probands in the tailored group were satisfied (p = 0.001) and felt supported (p = 0.003) by the approach, although they also felt somewhat coerced to inform relatives (p < 0.001) and perceived room for improvement (p < 0.001). To conclude, we observed no differences in uptake and impact on family/psychological functioning between the current and tailored approach, but probands in the tailored group more often felt satisfied. Further research on barriers to relatives attending genetic counselling and on how to optimize the provision of a tailored approach is needed.
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29
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Ho A, Leach E, Virani A, Arbour L, Bartels K, Wong EK. Cascade testing for inherited arrhythmia conditions: Experiences and attitudes of family communication approaches for a Canadian cohort. J Genet Couns 2022; 31:815-828. [PMID: 35032083 DOI: 10.1002/jgc4.1550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Inherited arrhythmia conditions (IAC) can lead to sudden cardiac death at any age, and relatives of an affected person have up to a 50% chance of inheriting the condition and are at risk for developing features. Cascade testing is a stepwise approach for identifying relatives at risk for IACs through clinical screening and genetic testing. Early detection can reduce morbidity and mortality for affected individuals and determine potential risk mitigation strategies for relatives. However, cardiovascular genetic studies have reported an incomplete uptake of cascade testing in at-risk relatives. We explored patient perspectives on cascade testing for IACs and alternative approaches to family communication. Twelve semi-structured phone interviews were conducted with probands of the British Columbia Inherited Arrhythmia Program confirmed to carry a pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant in a gene associated with an IAC. Thematic analysis of transcripts through an iterative coding process revealed five main themes: (a) a stepwise approach is followed in disclosing risk to relatives, (b) relatives' autonomy in cascade testing is supported, (c) lived experience with the condition influences disclosure and uptake of cascade testing, (d) collaborative approach to informing relatives reduces negative impact of disclosure, and (e) direct contact from a healthcare provider is viewed as acceptable. The findings highlight this patient cohort's experiences and opinions with approaches to disclosure and demonstrate their understanding and acceptance of their relatives' approaches to cascade testing. In addition, while the notion of direct contact was generally accepted, a collaborative approach to contacting relatives between the proband and provider may be most effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Ho
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Emma Leach
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,BC Inherited Arrhythmia Program, Providence Health Care, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Alice Virani
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Clinical Ethics Service, Provincial Health Services Authority, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Laura Arbour
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kirsten Bartels
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,BC Inherited Arrhythmia Program, Providence Health Care, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Eugene K Wong
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Cardiology Division, Cardiovascular Genetics Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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30
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Holter S, Hall MJ, Hampel H, Jasperson K, Kupfer SS, Larsen Haidle J, Mork ME, Palaniapppan S, Senter L, Stoffel EM, Weissman SM, Yurgelun MB. Risk assessment and genetic counseling for Lynch syndrome - Practice resource of the National Society of Genetic Counselors and the Collaborative Group of the Americas on Inherited Gastrointestinal Cancer. J Genet Couns 2022; 31:568-583. [PMID: 35001450 DOI: 10.1002/jgc4.1546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Identifying individuals who have Lynch syndrome involves a complex diagnostic workup that includes taking a detailed family history and a combination of various tests such as immunohistochemistry and/or molecular which may be germline and/or somatic. The National Society of Genetic Counselors and the Collaborative Group of the Americas on Inherited Gastrointestinal Cancer have come together to publish this practice resource for the evaluation of Lynch syndrome. The purpose of this practice resource was to provide guidance and a testing algorithm for Lynch syndrome as well as recommendations on when to offer testing. This practice resource does not replace a consultation with a genetics professional. This practice resource includes explanations in support of this and a summary of background data. While this practice resource is not intended to serve as a review of Lynch syndrome, it includes a discussion of background information and cites a number of key publications which should be reviewed for a more in-depth understanding. This practice resource is intended for genetic counselors, geneticists, gastroenterologists, surgeons, medical oncologists, obstetricians and gynecologists, nurses, and other healthcare providers who evaluate patients for Lynch syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spring Holter
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael J Hall
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Heather Hampel
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Sonia S Kupfer
- Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Maureen E Mork
- Department of Clinical Cancer Genetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Leigha Senter
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Elena M Stoffel
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Scott M Weissman
- Chicago Genetic Consultants, LLC, Northbrook, Illinois, USA
- Genome Medical, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Matthew B Yurgelun
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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31
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Whitaker KD, Obeid E, Daly MB, Hall MJ. Cascade Genetic Testing for Hereditary Cancer Risk: An Underutilized Tool for Cancer Prevention. JCO Precis Oncol 2022; 5:1387-1396. [PMID: 34994636 DOI: 10.1200/po.21.00163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kristen D Whitaker
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Fox Chase Cancer Center. Philadelphia, PA
| | - Elias Obeid
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Fox Chase Cancer Center. Philadelphia, PA
| | - Mary B Daly
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Fox Chase Cancer Center. Philadelphia, PA
| | - Michael J Hall
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Fox Chase Cancer Center. Philadelphia, PA
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32
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McBride CM, Campbell GP, Zhao J, Pentz RD, Escoffery C, Komonos M, Cannova K, Byrne JLB, Paris NM, Shepperd JR, Guan Y. Applying citizen science to engage families affected by ovarian cancer in developing genetic service outreach strategies. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0262575. [PMID: 35157722 PMCID: PMC8843236 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0262575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Citizen science (CS) approaches involving non-professional researchers (citizens) as research collaborators has been used infrequently in health promotion generally and specifically, in cancer prevention. Standardized CS approaches may be especially useful for developing communication interventions to encourage families to consider cancer genetic services. We engaged survivors of ovarian cancer and their close relatives as CS collaborators to collect and help interpret data to inform content for a website, printed invitation materials, and short-message reminders. We applied an implementation quality framework, and posed four research questions regarding the feasibility of CS: recruitment, data collection, data quality and evaluation of the experience. CS members were recruited through three networks: clinical sites, local and national cancer support organizations, and online ovarian cancer patient support groups. The professional research team operationalized theory-aligned CS tasks, five data collection options, question banks/scripts for creating surveys, structured interviews, online training and ongoing support from research coaches. 14 CS members agreed to the 12-week and 20-hour commitment for an honorarium. CS members opted to do both qualitative and quantitative assessments. CS members collected 261 surveys and 39 structured interviews. The largest number of surveys were collected for Task 1 (n = 102) to assess survivors' reactions to different possible options for motivating survivors to visit a study website; 77% of this data were complete (i.e., no missing values). Data collected for tasks 2, 3, 4, and 5 (e.g., assessment of survivors' and relatives' respective communication preferences) ranged from 10 to 58 surveys (80% to 84% completeness). All data were collected within the specified time frame. CSs reported 17 hours of work on average and regarded the experience positively. Our experience suggests that CS engagement is feasible, can yield comprehensive quantitative and qualitative data, and is achievable in a relatively a short timeline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen M. McBride
- Department of Behavioral, Social and Health Education Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Gavin P. Campbell
- Department of Behavioral, Social and Health Education Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Jingsong Zhao
- Department of Behavioral, Social and Health Education Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Rebecca D. Pentz
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Cam Escoffery
- Department of Behavioral, Social and Health Education Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Michael Komonos
- Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Kelly Cannova
- The OVERRUN Ovarian Cancer Foundation, Overland Park, KS, United States of America
| | - Janice L. B. Byrne
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, UT, United States of America
| | - Nancy M. Paris
- Georgia Center for Oncology Research & Education, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - James R. Shepperd
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | - Yue Guan
- Department of Behavioral, Social and Health Education Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
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Szymaniak BM, Facchini LA, Kelsten MF, Cheng HH, Morgans AK. Operationalizing Genetic Testing in the Care of Patients with Prostate Cancer. Urol Oncol 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-89891-5_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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van den Heuvel LM, Maeckelberghe ELM, Ploem MC, Christiaans I. A genetic researcher's devil's dilemma: Warn relatives about their genetic risk or respect confidentiality agreements with research participants? BMC Med Ethics 2021; 22:155. [PMID: 34814911 PMCID: PMC8609755 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-021-00721-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With advances in sequencing technologies, increasing numbers of people are being informed about a genetic disease identified in their family. In current practice, probands (the first person in a family in whom a genetic predisposition is identified) are asked to inform at-risk relatives about the diagnosis. However, previous research has shown that relatives are sometimes not informed due to barriers such as family conflicts. Research on family communication in genetic diseases aims to explore the difficulties encountered in informing relatives and to identify ways to support probands in this. MAIN BODY Research on family communication may also reveal that participants did not inform their relatives about the risk of a serious genetic condition, even when preventive and treatment options are available. Researchers may then face a dilemma: Do they need to warn at-risk relatives about the finding? Or do they keep silent due to prior confidentiality agreements with study participants? CONCLUSIONS We believe that the absolute confidence promised to research participants outweighs the interests of their relatives, even though it can be claimed that relatives at risk of a genetic disease do, in principle, have a right to know information collected about their health. Not respecting confidentiality agreements could cause distrust between researchers and research participants and possibly harm the relationship between probands and relatives. Relatives' health interests can still be taken into account without jeopardizing participant trust, by considering alternative scenarios, including sharing general study findings on the barriers participants experience with their healthcare professionals and by offering participants psychosocial support for family communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lieke M van den Heuvel
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Amsterdam UMC (Location AMC)/University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. .,Netherlands Heart Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands. .,Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht/University Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Els L M Maeckelberghe
- Institute for Medical Education, University Medical Center Groningen/Groningen University, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - M Corrette Ploem
- Department of Public Health, Amsterdam UMC (Location AMC)/University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Imke Christiaans
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Groningen/Groningen University, Groningen, the Netherlands
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Hawranek C, Hajdarevic S, Rosén A. A Focus Group Study of Perceptions of Genetic Risk Disclosure in Members of the Public in Sweden: "I'll Phone the Five Closest Ones, but What Happens to the Other Ten?". J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11111191. [PMID: 34834542 PMCID: PMC8622605 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11111191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
This study explores perceptions and preferences on receiving genetic risk information about hereditary cancer risk in members of the Swedish public. We conducted qualitative content analysis of five focus group discussions with participants (n = 18) aged between 24 and 71 years, recruited from various social contexts. Two prominent phenomena surfaced around the interplay between the three stakeholders involved in risk disclosure: the individual, healthcare, and the relative at risk. First, there is a genuine will to share risk information that can benefit others, even if this is difficult and causes discomfort. Second, when the duty to inform becomes overwhelming, compromises are made, such as limiting one’s own responsibility of disclosure or projecting the main responsibility onto another party. In conclusion, our results reveal a discrepancy between public expectations and the actual services offered by clinical genetics. These expectations paired with desire for a more personalized process and shared decision-making highlight a missing link in today’s risk communication and suggest a need for developed clinical routines with stronger healthcare–patient collaboration. Future research needs to investigate the views of genetic professionals on how to address these expectations to co-create a transparent risk disclosure process which can realize the full potential of personalized prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Hawranek
- Department of Radiation Sciences, Oncology, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +46-76-89-34-504
| | - Senada Hajdarevic
- Department of Nursing, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden;
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Family Medicine, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Anna Rosén
- Department of Radiation Sciences, Oncology, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden;
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Characteristics of 1270 Chinese sibling pairs with cancer. BMC Cancer 2021; 21:1027. [PMID: 34525964 PMCID: PMC8442325 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-08737-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Previous research found that the cancer history of an individual’s sibling may be a better indicator than that of the parents. We aim to provide recommendations for opportunistic screening for individuals whose sibling had been diagnosed with cancer. Methods During the physical examination in Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 43,300 people were asked if they have at least two siblings who developed cancer. Results A total of 1270 sibling-pairs from 766 families developed cancer, including 367 pairs of brothers (Bro-pairs), 368 pairs of sisters (Sis-pairs), and 535 pairs of brother-and-sister (BroSis-pairs). The mean ages at diagnosis of cancer for the three groups were from 58 to 62 years. More than half of Bro-pairs (55.3%) or Sis-pairs (51.1%) had cancer from the same systemic origin, and more than a quarter of Bro-pairs (28.1%) and Sis-pairs (37.2%) developed the same type of cancer. However, only 36.0% of BroSis-pairs developed cancers from the same systemic origin, and 18.9% developed the same type of cancer. In Bro-pairs and BroSis-pairs, lung cancer and digestive system cancer were the most common cancers, while in Sis-pairs, breast cancer, lung cancer, cervical cancer, liver cancer and thyroid cancer were the most common ones. Conclusions If an individual’s sibling is diagnosed with cancer, the individual should consider participating in opportunistic screening annually, especially for lung cancer and digestive system cancers for both sexes. For sisters, breast cancer, cervical cancer and thyroid cancer should be screened early. Additionally, genetic services are essential for individuals who have siblings with cancer.
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Sapp JC, Facio FM, Cooper D, Lewis KL, Modlin E, van der Wees P, Biesecker LG. A systematic literature review of disclosure practices and reported outcomes for medically actionable genomic secondary findings. Genet Med 2021; 23:2260-2269. [PMID: 34433902 PMCID: PMC9017985 DOI: 10.1038/s41436-021-01295-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Secondary findings (SF) are present in 1–4% of individuals undergoing genome/exome sequencing. A review of how SF are disclosed and what outcomes result from their receipt is urgent and timely. Methods: We conducted a systematic literature review of SF disclosure practices and outcomes after receipt including cascade testing, family and provider communication, and healthcare actions. Of the 1,184 non-duplicate records screened we summarize findings from 27 included research articles describing SF disclosure practices, outcomes after receipt, or both. Results: The included articles reported 709 unique SF index recipients/families. Referrals and/or recommendations were provided 647 SF recipients and outcome data were available for 236. At least one recommended evaluation was reported for 146 SF recipients; 16 reports of treatment or prophylactic surgery were identified. We found substantial variations in how the constructs of interest were defined and described. Conclusion: Variation in how SF disclosure and outcomes were described limited our ability to compare findings. We conclude the literature provided limited insight into how the ACMG guidelines have been translated into precision health outcomes for SF recipients. Robust studies of SF recipients are needed and should be prioritized for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie C Sapp
- Center for Precision Health Research, National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA. .,Translational Health Sciences, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Flavia M Facio
- Center for Precision Health Research, National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Diane Cooper
- National Institutes of Health Library, National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Katie L Lewis
- Center for Precision Health Research, National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Emily Modlin
- Center for Precision Health Research, National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Philip van der Wees
- Translational Health Sciences, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA.,Radboud University Medical Center, IQ Healthcare and Rehabilitation, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Leslie G Biesecker
- Center for Precision Health Research, National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Godino L, Turchetti D, Jackson L, Hennessy C, Skirton H. Genetic counselling as a route to enhanced autonomy: using a sequential mixed methods research approach to develop a theory regarding presymptomatic genetic testing for young adults at risk of inherited cancer syndromes. J Community Genet 2021; 12:685-691. [PMID: 34415557 DOI: 10.1007/s12687-021-00548-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Undertaking presymptomatic or predictive genetic testing should involve a considered choice. Decisions regarding genetic testing for young adults have to be considered within the context of their key life stage, which may involve developing a career, forming partnerships and/or becoming parents. The aim of this study was to develop a theoretical model regarding the factors involved when young adults (18-30 years) undergo presymptomatic genetic testing for inherited cancer syndromes. The model evolved from synthesis of results of a sequential mixed methods study involving a systematic review, a qualitative study and a quantitative study. The resulting model shows that young adults at risk of inherited cancer syndromes are influenced by others to have testing and come to counselling with their decision already made. However, genetic counselling enhances their feelings of autonomy and integration of their genetic status into their lives. Our theoretical model could be a valid support during the genetic counselling process for young adults and their parents, as it may sensitise professionals to the specific needs of this population, including education and support to autonomous decision-making. Counselling approaches should be modified in this population: an inclusive, multi-step counselling process is needed, with timing and setting set according to the specific features of this sensitive population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Godino
- Division of Medical Genetics, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy. .,School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health and Human Sciences, Plymouth University, Plymouth, UK. .,Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Center for Studies on Hereditary Cancer, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Daniela Turchetti
- Division of Medical Genetics, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Leigh Jackson
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health and Human Sciences, Plymouth University, Plymouth, UK
| | | | - Heather Skirton
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health and Human Sciences, Plymouth University, Plymouth, UK
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Makhnoon S, Bowen DJ, Shirts BH, Fullerton SM, Meischke HW, Larson EB, Ralston JD, Leppig K, Crosslin DR, Veenstra D, Jarvik GP. Relationship between genetic knowledge and familial communication of CRC risk and intent to communicate CRCP genetic information: insights from FamilyTalk eMERGE III. Transl Behav Med 2021; 11:563-572. [PMID: 32579152 DOI: 10.1093/tbm/ibaa054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Successful translation of genetic information into patient-centered care and improved outcomes depends, at least in part, on patients' genetic knowledge. Although genetic knowledge is believed to be an important facilitator of familial communication of genetic risk information, empirical evidence of this association is lacking. We examined whether genetic knowledge was related to frequency of current familial communication about colorectal cancer and polyp (CRCP) risk, and future intention to share CRCP-related genomic test results with family members in a clinical sample of patients. We recruited 189 patients eligible for clinical CRCP sequencing to the eMERGE III FamilyTalk randomized controlled trial and surveyed them about genetic knowledge and familial communication at baseline. Participants were primarily Caucasian, 47% male, average age of 68 years, mostly well educated, and with high-income levels. Genetic knowledge was positively associated with future-intended familial communication of genetic information (odds ratio = 1.11, 95% confidence interval: 1.02-1.23), but not associated with current communication of CRC risk (β = 0.01, p = .58). Greater current communication of CRC risk was associated with better family functioning (β = 0.04, p = 8.2e-5). Participants' genetic knowledge in this study was minimally associated with their intended familial communication of genetic information. Although participants have good intentions of communication, family-level factors may hinder actual follow through of these intentions. Continued focus on improving proband's genetic knowledge coupled with interventions to overcome family-level barriers to communication may be needed to improve familial communication rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukh Makhnoon
- Department of Behavioral Science, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Deborah J Bowen
- Department of Bioethics and Humanities, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Brian H Shirts
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | | | - Eric B Larson
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - James D Ralston
- Genetic Services, Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kathleen Leppig
- Genetic Services, Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - David R Crosslin
- Department of Biomedical Informatics and Medical Education, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - David Veenstra
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Gail P Jarvik
- Departments of Medicine (Medical Genetics) and Genome Sciences, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
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Patient ethnicity and cascade genetic testing: a descriptive study of a publicly funded hereditary cancer program. Fam Cancer 2021; 21:369-374. [PMID: 34232459 DOI: 10.1007/s10689-021-00270-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Cascade genetic testing for hereditary cancer is highly accurate and cost-effective for identifying individuals at high risk for cancer; however, not all eligible people utilize this service. While sociodemographic factors related to the uptake of cascade genetic testing, such as age and sex, have been fairly well described in the literature, there is limited data available regarding patient ethnicity. We analyzed four years of testing data for this factor, as well as sex, age and genes tested. The patients were seen by the Hereditary Cancer Program of BC Cancer, which serves the entire population of British Columbia and Yukon, Canada. Patient ethnicity was compared to the 2016 Census data from the same region. Fisher's exact test was conducted to explore the cascade genetic testing uptakes. Chi-square test was used to compare the major ethnicity groups to Census data. There was significant variability in the uptake of cascade genetic testing in the three largest population groups (p < 0.05), with individuals of European ethnic origin overrepresented, individuals of Asian ethnic origin modestly underrepresented, and individuals of North American Indigenous origin considerably underrepresented for cascade genetic testing. The proportions represented compared to those expected from census data were significantly different for these three largest groups (p < 0.01). The majority of cascade genetic tests were for BRCA1/BRCA2 (58.8%), followed by 16.9% for Lynch syndrome genes. Most patients were female (70%), and the mean age of patients was 49 years old. This study provides further insight into uptake of cascade genetic testing by patient ethnicity. Examining patient ethnicity and cascade genetic testing rates helps to identify underserved populations. Our analysis highlights significant underrepresentation of North American Indigenous individuals for hereditary cancer cascade genetic testing, and helps recognize the need for development of culturally-safe alternatives to outreach and service promotion.
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Makhnoon S, Tran G, Levin B, Mattie KD, Dreyer B, Volk RJ, Grana G, Arun BK, Peterson SK. Uptake of cancer risk management strategies among women who undergo cascade genetic testing for breast cancer susceptibility genes. Cancer 2021; 127:3605-3613. [PMID: 34157779 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.33668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uptake of cancer risk management based on inherited predispositions, which encompasses bilateral mastectomy (BLM), bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO), and intensified screening, is the primary motivation for cascade testing for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC). However, long-term outcome data for cascade testers are lacking. METHODS Medical records were abstracted for all unaffected women with pathogenic variants in HBOC genes from 2 cancer hospitals (2013-2019) with at least 1 year of follow-up to compare the uptake of surgery and screening between cascade and noncascade testers. RESULTS Cascade testers (79.8%) were younger than noncascade testers (mean age, 37.6 vs 43.5 years; P = .002). Among women aged ≥40 years, 43% underwent BLM, and 71.6% underwent BSO, with no significant difference in uptake between cascade and noncascade testers. The mean time to BSO among cascade testers was shorter among women aged ≥40 years versus those aged <40 years (11.8 vs 31.9 months; P = .04); no such difference was observed among noncascade testers. Mammography and breast magnetic resonance imaging rates were low in the recorded 6 years for both groups after genetic counseling. CONCLUSIONS Management uptake among cascade testers is high with rates comparable to those for unaffected BRCA-positive women. A large proportion of women act on cascade test results, and this represents a novel report of utilization of cancer management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukh Makhnoon
- Department of Behavioral Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Grace Tran
- Clinical Cancer Genetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Brooke Levin
- William G. Rohrer Cancer Genetics Program, Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper University Health Care, Camden, New Jersey
| | - Kristin D Mattie
- William G. Rohrer Cancer Genetics Program, Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper University Health Care, Camden, New Jersey
| | | | - Robert J Volk
- Department of Health Services Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Generosa Grana
- William G. Rohrer Cancer Genetics Program, Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper University Health Care, Camden, New Jersey
| | - Banu K Arun
- Clinical Cancer Genetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Susan K Peterson
- Department of Behavioral Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
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Kast K, Häfner J, Schröck E, Jahn A, Werner C, Meisel C, Wimberger P. Recommendation and Acceptance of Counselling for Familial Cancer Risk in Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer Cases. Breast Care (Basel) 2021; 17:153-158. [DOI: 10.1159/000517021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
<b><i>Background:</i></b> In clinical routine, not every patient who is offered genetic counselling and diagnostics in order to investigate a familial cancer risk predisposition opts for it. Little is known about acceptance of counselling and testing in newly diagnosed breast cancer cases in Germany. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> All primary breast cancer cases and patients with DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ) treated at the University Hospital of Dresden between 2016 and 2019 were included. The number of tumor board recommendations for genetic counselling on the basis of the GC-HBOC risk criteria was recorded. Acceptance was analyzed by number of cases with counselling in the GC-HBOC-Center Dresden. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Of 996 primary breast cancer and DCIS cases, 262 (26.3%) were eligible for genetic counselling. Recommendation for genetic counselling was accepted by 64.1% (168/262). Of these 90.5% (152/168) opted for molecular genetic analysis. The acceptance rate for counselling increased between 2016 and 2019 from 58.3 to 72.6%. Altogether, 20.4% (31/152) patients were found to carry a pathogenic variant in the breast cancer genes <i>BRCA1</i> or <i>BRCA2</i>. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Acceptance of recommendation is increasing as clinical consequences augment. Optimization in providing information about hereditary cancer risk and in accessibility of counselling and testing is required to further improve acceptance of recommendation.
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Patient and Family Preferences on Health System-Led Direct Contact for Cascade Screening. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11060538. [PMID: 34200550 PMCID: PMC8230217 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11060538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Health benefits to relatives of people at known genetic risk for hereditary cancer syndromes is key to realizing the promise of precision medicine. We conducted a qualitative study to design a patient- and family-centered program for direct contact of relatives to recommend cascade genetic testing. We conducted two rounds of data collection using focus groups followed by individual interviews with patients with HBOC or Lynch syndrome and a separate sample of people with a family history of hereditary cancers. Results indicate that U.S.-based health system-led direct contact of relatives is acceptable to patients and families, should take a programmatic approach, include consent of relatives before proband testing, complement to existing patient-mediated disclosure, and allow for relative control of information. Our findings suggest a set of requirements for U.S.-based direct contact programs that could ultimately benefit more relatives than current approaches.
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Lee DSC, Meiser B, Mariapun S, Hassan T, Yip CH, Mohd Taib NA, Teo SH, Thong MK, Yoon SY. Communication about positive BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic test results and uptake of testing in relatives in a diverse Asian setting. J Genet Couns 2021; 30:720-729. [PMID: 33245177 DOI: 10.1002/jgc4.1360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The vast majority of studies assessing communication of BRCA1/2 results with relatives and family uptake of BRCA1/2 testing have been conducted in Western societies, and a dearth of studies have been conducted in Asia among relatives of diverse carriers of pathogenic BRCA1/2 germline variants. This study aimed to present rates of BRCA1/2 result disclosure by probands and probands' motivators and barriers of family communication and predictive testing uptake among eligible relatives. It also examined patterns of disclosure and testing uptake among different types of relatives. Eighty-seven carriers with either breast or ovarian cancer, who had previously been found to be carriers of a pathogenic variant in BRCA1/2, were interviewed over the phone using a semi-structured interview guide. Fifty-six percent of patients were Chinese, 21% were Indian, and 23% were Malay. It was found that 62.0% of eligible first- and second-degree relatives were informed by the proband about the testing result and that 11.5% of eligible first- and second-degree relatives had genetic testing. First-degree relatives were more likely to have been informed and tested compared to second-degree relatives, as were sisters compared to brothers. The low rates of family communication and testing uptake documented in this study suggest that interventions should focus on encouraging probands to inform male and second-degree relatives and targeting such relatives to increase informed decisions and accessibility to testing. Promotion strategies should be culturally sensitive to optimize outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bettina Meiser
- Psychosocial Research Group, Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Nur A Mohd Taib
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Meow-Keong Thong
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Paediatrics, Genetic Medicine Unit, University Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Stinton C, Jordan M, Fraser H, Auguste P, Court R, Al-Khudairy L, Madan J, Grammatopoulos D, Taylor-Phillips S. Testing strategies for Lynch syndrome in people with endometrial cancer: systematic reviews and economic evaluation. Health Technol Assess 2021; 25:1-216. [PMID: 34169821 PMCID: PMC8273681 DOI: 10.3310/hta25420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lynch syndrome is an inherited genetic condition that is associated with an increased risk of certain cancers. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has recommended that people with colorectal cancer are tested for Lynch syndrome. Routine testing for Lynch syndrome among people with endometrial cancer is not currently conducted. OBJECTIVES To systematically review the evidence on the test accuracy of immunohistochemistry- and microsatellite instability-based strategies to detect Lynch syndrome among people who have endometrial cancer, and the clinical effectiveness and the cost-effectiveness of testing for Lynch syndrome among people who have been diagnosed with endometrial cancer. DATA SOURCES Searches were conducted in the following databases, from inception to August 2019 - MEDLINE ALL, EMBASE (both via Ovid), Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (both via Wiley Online Library), Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, Health Technology Assessment Database (both via the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination), Science Citation Index, Conference Proceedings Citation Index - Science (both via Web of Science), PROSPERO international prospective register of systematic reviews (via the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination), NHS Economic Evaluation Database, Cost-Effectiveness Analysis Registry, EconPapers (Research Papers in Economics) and School of Health and Related Research Health Utilities Database. The references of included studies and relevant systematic reviews were also checked and experts on the team were consulted. REVIEW METHODS Eligible studies included people with endometrial cancer who were tested for Lynch syndrome using immunohistochemistry- and/or microsatellite instability-based testing [with or without mutL homologue 1 (MLH1) promoter hypermethylation testing], with Lynch syndrome diagnosis being established though germline testing of normal (non-tumour) tissue for constitutional mutations in mismatch repair. The risk of bias in studies was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool, the Consolidated Health Economic Reporting Standards and the Philips' checklist. Two reviewers independently conducted each stage of the review. A meta-analysis of test accuracy was not possible because of the number and heterogeneity of studies. A narrative summary of test accuracy results was provided, reporting test accuracy estimates and presenting forest plots. The economic model constituted a decision tree followed by Markov models for the impact of colorectal and endometrial surveillance, and aspirin prophylaxis with a lifetime time horizon. RESULTS The clinical effectiveness search identified 3308 studies; 38 studies of test accuracy were included. (No studies of clinical effectiveness of endometrial cancer surveillance met the inclusion criteria.) Four test accuracy studies compared microsatellite instability with immunohistochemistry. No clear difference in accuracy between immunohistochemistry and microsatellite instability was observed. There was some evidence that specificity of immunohistochemistry could be improved with the addition of methylation testing. There was high concordance between immunohistochemistry and microsatellite instability. The economic model indicated that all testing strategies, compared with no testing, were cost-effective at a willingness-to-pay threshold of £20,000 per quality-adjusted life-year. Immunohistochemistry with MLH1 promoter hypermethylation testing was the most cost-effective strategy, with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of £9420 per quality-adjusted life-year. The second most cost-effective strategy was immunohistochemistry testing alone, but incremental analysis produced an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio exceeding £130,000. Results were robust across all scenario analyses. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios ranged from £5690 to £20,740; only removing the benefits of colorectal cancer surveillance produced an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio in excess of the £20,000 willingness-to-pay threshold. A sensitivity analysis identified the main cost drivers of the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio as percentage of relatives accepting counselling and prevalence of Lynch syndrome in the population. A probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed, at a willingness-to-pay threshold of £20,000 per quality-adjusted life-year, a 0.93 probability that immunohistochemistry with MLH1 promoter hypermethylation testing is cost-effective, compared with no testing. LIMITATIONS The systematic review excluded grey literature, studies written in non-English languages and studies for which the reference standard could not be established. Studies were included when Lynch syndrome was diagnosed by genetic confirmation of constitutional variants in the four mismatch repair genes (i.e. MLH1, mutS homologue 2, mutS homologue 6 and postmeiotic segregation increased 2). Variants of uncertain significance were reported as per the studies. There were limitations in the economic model around uncertainty in the model parameters and a lack of modelling of the potential harms of gynaecological surveillance and specific pathway modelling of genetic testing for somatic mismatch repair mutations. CONCLUSION The economic model suggests that testing women with endometrial cancer for Lynch syndrome is cost-effective, but that results should be treated with caution because of uncertain model inputs. FUTURE WORK Randomised controlled trials could provide evidence on the effect of earlier intervention on outcomes and the balance of benefits and harms of gynaecological cancer surveillance. Follow-up of negative cases through disease registers could be used to determine false negative cases. STUDY REGISTRATION This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42019147185. FUNDING This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Evidence Synthesis programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 25, No. 42. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Stinton
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Mary Jordan
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Hannah Fraser
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Peter Auguste
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Rachel Court
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | | | - Jason Madan
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Dimitris Grammatopoulos
- Institute of Precision Diagnostics and Translational Medicine, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, UK
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Pande M, Peterson S, Lynch PM. Development and evaluation of an online, patient-driven, family outreach intervention to facilitate sharing of genetic risk information in families with Lynch syndrome. J Med Genet 2021; 59:589-596. [PMID: 34006620 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2020-107615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identifying at-risk relatives of individuals with genetic conditions facilitates 'cascade' genetic testing and cancer prevention. Although current standards of care give mutation-positive (index) patients the responsibility of sharing genetic risk information with relatives, the communication is suboptimal, limited largely to close relatives. We developed FamilyCONNECT, a provider-mediated, patient-navigated online tool to facilitate family outreach, and assessed its feasibility, usability and acceptability. METHODS (1) Development of the FamilyCONNECT prototype; (2) testing using online surveys of: (a) members of Lynch Syndrome (LS) International (LSI); (b) genetics service providers; and (3) hands-on testing with patients with LS. RESULTS (1) FamilyCONNECT's features include introductory email to elicit participation, informational website/video, identity authentication/account creation, informed consent, sharing of genetic test results, pedigree expansion and process to invite at-risk relatives. (2a) 33% of the 170 LSI participants completed the survey. FamilyCONNECT's features received favourable responses from at least 79% of respondents. Unfavourable responses were for length of the consent document and mistrust of opening emailed links. (2b) Thirty-five genetics professionals responded to the providers' survey. Key perceived barriers to FamilyCONNECT's usage were privacy/confidentiality (83%), a lack of institutional resources (76%), a defined process (66%) and time (69%). (3) Ten patients navigated data collection fields and provided feedback for improvements. CONCLUSION FamilyCONNECT tool's content and features were well received among patients with LS as well as providers. The tool could be a viable alternative to increase family outreach among patients with LS. Future efforts will focus on refining FamilyCONNECT and assessing its uptake and utilisation by patients with LS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mala Pande
- Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Susan Peterson
- Behavioral Science, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Patrick M Lynch
- Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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Development of a Secure Website to Facilitate Information Sharing in Families at High Risk of Bowel Cancer-The Familyweb Study. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13102404. [PMID: 34065728 PMCID: PMC8155923 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13102404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Families with an inherited high risk of bowel cancer may struggle to share information about their diagnosis. This means that relatives are not always aware of their increased risk of cancer or able to access screening for the early detection of cancer. Through this study, we aimed to help such families by creating a website where patients could share confidential information with their relatives securely online. Following a survey and telephone interviews with affected individuals, the content of the website was developed to suit the needs of families. Website function was tested with patients to check feasibility and acceptability. Most participants wanted more information to support their adaptation to the diagnosis and help inform their relatives. This study demonstrates how health professionals can improve access to genetic testing and cancer screening in families at high risk of cancer, thus reducing morbidity and mortality. Abstract Individuals with pathogenic variants in genes predisposing to bowel cancer are encouraged to share this information within their families. Close relatives at 50% risk can have access to bowel cancer surveillance. However, many relatives remain unaware of their vulnerability or have insufficient information. We investigated the feasibility and acceptability of using a secure website to support information sharing within families at high risk of bowel cancer. Patients (n = 286) answered an anonymous cross-sectional survey, with 14 participating in telephone interviews. They reported that the diagnosis had a profound effect on them and their family relationships, and consequently desired more support from health professionals. Website content was created in response to the preferences of survey and interview participants. Reactions to the website from 12 volunteers were captured through remote usability testing to guide further refinement of the website. Participants welcomed the opportunity to store and share personal information via the website and wanted more information and help informing their relatives about the diagnosis. Important website topics were: healthy lifestyle; genetic testing; and how to talk to children about the diagnosis. A website providing online access to confidential documents was both feasible and acceptable and could translate into increased uptake of cancer surveillance, resulting in lower morbidity and mortality in these families.
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Dragojlovic N, Kopac N, Borle K, Tandun R, Salmasi S, Ellis U, Birch P, Adam S, Friedman JM, Elliott AM, Lynd LD. Utilization and uptake of clinical genetics services in high-income countries: A scoping review. Health Policy 2021; 125:877-887. [PMID: 33962789 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2021.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Ongoing rapid growth in the need for genetic services has the potential to severely strain the capacity of the clinical genetics workforce to deliver this care. Unfortunately, assessments of the scale of this health policy challenge and potential solutions are hampered by the lack of a consolidated evidence base on the growth in genetic service utilization. To enable health policy research and strategic planning by health systems in this area, we conducted a scoping review of the literature on the utilization and uptake of clinical genetics services in high-income countries published between 2010 and 2018. One-hundred-and-ninety-five unique studies were included in the review. Most focused on cancer (85/195; 44%) and prenatal care (50/195; 26%), which are consistently the two areas with the greatest volume of genetic service utilization in both the United States and other high-income countries. Utilization and uptake rates varied considerably and were influenced by contextual factors including health system characteristics, provider knowledge, and patient preferences. Moreover, growth in genetic service utilization appears to be driven to a significant degree by technological advances and the integration of new tests into clinical care. Our review highlights both the policy challenge posed by the rapid growth in the utilization of genetic services and the variability in this trend across clinical indications and health systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick Dragojlovic
- Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2405 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Nicola Kopac
- Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2405 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Kennedy Borle
- Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2405 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Rachel Tandun
- Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2405 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Shahrzad Salmasi
- Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2405 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Ursula Ellis
- Woodward Library, University of British Columbia, 2198 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Patricia Birch
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, C201 - 4500 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3N1, Canada; BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, 938 West 28th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Shelin Adam
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, C201 - 4500 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3N1, Canada; BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, 938 West 28th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Jan M Friedman
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, C201 - 4500 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3N1, Canada; BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, 938 West 28th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | | | - Alison M Elliott
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, C201 - 4500 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3N1, Canada; BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, 938 West 28th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4H4, Canada; BC Women's Hospital Research Institute, H214 - 4500 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3N1, Canada
| | - Larry D Lynd
- Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2405 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada; Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcomes Sciences, Providence Health Research Institute, 588-1081 Burrard Street, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6.
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Martin AP, Downing J, Collins B, Godman B, Alfirevic A, Greenhalgh KL, Pirmohamed M. Examining the uptake of predictive BRCA testing in the UK; findings and implications. Eur J Hum Genet 2021; 29:699-708. [PMID: 33328582 PMCID: PMC8115171 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-020-00783-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Predictive BRCA testing is offered to asymptomatic individuals to predict future risk where a variant has been identified in a relative. It is uncertain whether all eligible relatives access testing, and whether this is related to health care inequalities. Our aim was to analyse trends and inequalities in uptake of testing, and identify predictors of testing and time-to-receipt of testing. A database from April 2010 to March 2017 was collated. Multivariate analysis explored individual associations with testing. Predictor variables included gender, BRCA test type, cancer history, Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) and education status. To evaluate factors associated with time-to-testing, a Cox proportional-hazards (CP) model was used. Of 779 tests undertaken, 336 (43.1%) were identified with a BRCA variant. A total of 537 (68.9%) were female and in 83.4% (387/464) of probands, predictive testing was received by relatives. Analysis identified inequalities since decreased testing was found when the proband was unaffected by cancer (OR 0.14, 95% CI 0.06-0.33). Median time-to-testing was 390 days (range, 0-7090 days) and the CP model also identified inequalities in the hazard ratio (HR) for testing for people aged >40 was higher than for aged <40 (HR 1.41, 95% CI 1.20-1.67) and BRCA2 testing was higher than for BRCA1 testing (HR 1.39, 95% CI 1.18-1.64). Reduced testing was found when probands were unaffected by cancer and time-to-testing was found to vary by age and BRCA1/2 test. Given limited study sample size, further research is recommended to examine inequalities in predictive BRCA testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antony P Martin
- National Institute for Health Research, Collaborations for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care, North West Coast (NIHR CLAHRC NWC), North West Coast, UK.
- Wolfson Centre for Personalised Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
| | - Jennifer Downing
- National Institute for Health Research, Collaborations for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care, North West Coast (NIHR CLAHRC NWC), North West Coast, UK
- Wolfson Centre for Personalised Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Brendan Collins
- Department of Public Health & Policy, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Brian Godman
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Strathclyde University, Glasgow, UK
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Garankuwa, South Africa
| | - Ana Alfirevic
- National Institute for Health Research, Collaborations for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care, North West Coast (NIHR CLAHRC NWC), North West Coast, UK
- Wolfson Centre for Personalised Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Munir Pirmohamed
- National Institute for Health Research, Collaborations for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care, North West Coast (NIHR CLAHRC NWC), North West Coast, UK
- Wolfson Centre for Personalised Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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Everett JN, Burgos G, Chun J, Baptiste A, Khanna LG, Oberstein PE, Simeone DM. Cancer surveillance awareness and practice among families at increased risk for pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Cancer 2021; 127:2271-2278. [PMID: 33721345 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.33500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early detection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an important goal for improving survival. Individuals who meet published guidelines for surveillance may be underidentified, and family communication about risk represents a pathway to increasing participation in surveillance. We investigated the uptake of and barriers to surveillance in at-risk relatives of clinic patients. METHODS We conducted a retrospective record review of patients with personal or family history of PDAC evaluated over 12 months. The first relative presenting to clinic (proband) reported surveillance status and reasons for nonparticipation for at-risk relatives. Descriptive analyses and Fisher's exact tests were conducted to evaluate differences in surveillance participation. RESULTS Among 193 at-risk relatives, 21% were in surveillance. The primary reasons for nonparticipation were lack of awareness (36%) and lack of interest (24%). Neither the sex nor the cancer status of probands impacted surveillance. At-risk relatives with familial pancreatic cancer (FPC) who also carried relevant pathogenic germline variants (PGVs) were more likely to undergo surveillance than those with FPC or PGVs alone (P = .003). Among families with PGVs, 59% of relatives potentially eligible for surveillance had not completed genetic testing. CONCLUSION PDAC surveillance is underutilized in high-risk families. Communication interventions to address informational needs and decisional support could improve outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica N Everett
- Department of Medicine, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York.,Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Gabriela Burgos
- Department of Surgery, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York.,Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Jennifer Chun
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Ariele Baptiste
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Lauren G Khanna
- Department of Medicine, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Paul E Oberstein
- Department of Medicine, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York.,Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Diane M Simeone
- Department of Surgery, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York.,Department of Pathology, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York.,Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York
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