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Moorthie S, Martschenko DO, Fatumo S. Are we nearly there yet? Starts and stops on the road to use of polygenic scores. J Community Genet 2023; 14:439-440. [PMID: 37759103 PMCID: PMC10576688 DOI: 10.1007/s12687-023-00672-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sowmiya Moorthie
- PHG Foundation, University of Cambridge, 2 Worts Causeway, Cambridge, CB1 8RN, UK.
- Cambridge Public Health, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Forvie Site, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom, CB2 0SR.
| | - Daphne Oluwasen Martschenko
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford Medicine, Center for Biomedical Ethics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Segun Fatumo
- The African Computational Genomic (TACG) Research Group, MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
- Department of Non-Communicable Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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2
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Mishara BL, Weisstub DN. Genetic testing for suicide risk assessment: Theoretical premises, research challenges and ethical concerns. Prev Med 2021; 152:106685. [PMID: 34119595 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2021.106685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
We explore ethical premises and practical implications of using genetic testing to predict suicide risk. Twin studies indicate heritable components of suicide risk, intertwined with the heritability of mental disorders, and possibly other traits. Current genetics research has abandoned searching for single gene Mendelian determinants, in favour of complex probabilistic epigenetic models. Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) might identify thousands of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), each contributing very little to the variance associated with behavioral phenotypes. However, suicide is a behavioral outcome rather than a phenotype, with so many different causal aetiologies, that it is impossible to predict the behaviors of individuals. We analyse practical and ethical issues that would arise if future research were to identify genetic information that will accurately predict suicide. Applying ACCE guidelines that specify when genetic tests should and should not be used, we examine the Analytic Validity, Clinical Validity, Clinical Utility and Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications. Low sensitivity and specificity for predicting suicide diminish potential advantages and exacerbate risks. Key considerations include the likelihood that testing will result in effective preventive interventions, which are not currently available, and unreliable positive results increasing hopelessness, stigma, and psychosocial risks. If the unregulated direct-to-consumer genetic testing services include suicide risk assessments, their use risks negative impacts. In the future, if genetic testing could accurately identify suicide risk in individuals, its use would be contraindicated if we cannot provide effective preventive interventions and mitigate the negative impacts of informing people about their risk level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian L Mishara
- Centre for Research and Intervention on Suicide, Ethical Issues and End of Life Practices, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Psychology Department, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - David N Weisstub
- Centre for Research and Intervention on Suicide, Ethical Issues and End of Life Practices, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; International Academy of Law and Mental Health, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; International Academy of Ethics, Medicine and Public Health, Paris, France
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3
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Slunecka JL, van der Zee MD, Beck JJ, Johnson BN, Finnicum CT, Pool R, Hottenga JJ, de Geus EJC, Ehli EA. Implementation and implications for polygenic risk scores in healthcare. Hum Genomics 2021; 15:46. [PMID: 34284826 PMCID: PMC8290135 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-021-00339-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing amounts of genetic data have led to the development of polygenic risk scores (PRSs) for a variety of diseases. These scores, built from the summary statistics of genome-wide association studies (GWASs), are able to stratify individuals based on their genetic risk of developing various common diseases and could potentially be used to optimize the use of screening and preventative treatments and improve personalized care for patients. Many challenges are yet to be overcome, including PRS validation, healthcare professional and patient education, and healthcare systems integration. Ethical challenges are also present in how this information is used and the current lack of diverse populations with PRSs available. In this review, we discuss the topics above and cover the nature of PRSs, visualization schemes, and how PRSs can be improved. With these tools on the horizon for multiple diseases, scientists, clinicians, health systems, regulatory bodies, and the public should discuss the uses, benefits, and potential risks of PRSs.
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Affiliation(s)
- John L Slunecka
- Avera Institute for Human Genetics, Avera McKennan & University Health Center, Sioux Falls, SD, USA.
| | - Matthijs D van der Zee
- Department of Biological Psychology, Netherlands Twin Register, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jeffrey J Beck
- Avera Institute for Human Genetics, Avera McKennan & University Health Center, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | - Brandon N Johnson
- Avera Institute for Human Genetics, Avera McKennan & University Health Center, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | - Casey T Finnicum
- Avera Institute for Human Genetics, Avera McKennan & University Health Center, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | - René Pool
- Department of Biological Psychology, Netherlands Twin Register, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jouke-Jan Hottenga
- Department of Biological Psychology, Netherlands Twin Register, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Eco J C de Geus
- Department of Biological Psychology, Netherlands Twin Register, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Erik A Ehli
- Avera Institute for Human Genetics, Avera McKennan & University Health Center, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
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4
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Orth M. Direct to Consumer Laboratory Testing (DTCT) - Opportunities and Concerns. EJIFCC 2021; 32:209-215. [PMID: 34421490 PMCID: PMC8343044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Direct to consumer laboratory testing has the potential for self-empowerment of patients. However, the Direct to consumer laboratory testing (DTCT) uses loopholes which are related to the particular situation of healthcare: While advertisements and claims for medical usefulness are very high regulated in healthcare, essentially no regulations safeguard the consumers in DTCT. The same is true for the quality of testing services since quality regulations are only mandatory in healthcare. Another problem is the lack of medical interpretation of test results. Besides being very risky for the consumers, healthcare professionals relying on test results obtained by DTCT must be aware about the risks of these data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Orth
- Vinzenz von Paul Kliniken gGmbH, Institut für Laboratoriumsmedizin, Stuttgart, Germany, Medizinische Fakultät Mannheim, Ruprecht Karls Universität, Mannheim, Germany,Corresponding author: Matthias Orth Institut für Laboratoriumsmedizin Vinzenz von Paul Kliniken gGmbH Postfach 103163 70027 Stuttgart Germany E-mail:
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5
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Oliveri S, Ferrari F, Manfrinati A, Pravettoni G. A Systematic Review of the Psychological Implications of Genetic Testing: A Comparative Analysis Among Cardiovascular, Neurodegenerative and Cancer Diseases. Front Genet 2018; 9:624. [PMID: 30619456 PMCID: PMC6295518 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2018.00624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Genetic testing is performed for different purposes, such as identifying carriers, predicting a disease onset in presymptomatic individuals or confirming a diagnosis. However, these tests may have notable psychological effects, such as generating anxiety and depression. These effects may depend on people's perception of risk, severity, and controllability of the disease; and the availability of treatments. To date, there are no reports that analyze these factors specifically, and their role in influencing genetic test users' experience. Methods: We performed a systematic review of the psychological implication of undergoing genetic testing for cardiovascular, neurodegenerative and cancer diseases. Articles were searched on PubMed, Google Scholar, and PsychInfo. Results: 47 studies were included, 9 concerning cardiovascular disease, 18 neurodegenerative disorders, and 20 for cancer disease. According to the reviewed studies, people experience no significant increase in distress and anxiety, or adverse impacts on quality of life, except the Huntington disease, which is characterized by depressive symptoms, suicidal ideations, and hopelessness in gene carriers. People tend to consider genetic tests as valid information to take important preventive decisions. Genetic risk for cardiovascular disease is perceived to be manageable; genetic analysis for some neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer) or cancer (breast cancer in particular) is considered useful because the problem could be addressed in advance with preventive behaviors. Conclusions: Genetic tests should be proposed along with proper psychological support and counseling focused on users' genetic health literacy; perception of risk, beliefs about disease controllability, in order to foster fruitful medical decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Oliveri
- Department of Oncology and Hematoncology, Interdisciplinary Research Center on Decision Making Processes, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO Istituto Europeo di Oncologia, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Ferrari
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO Istituto Europeo di Oncologia, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Manfrinati
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO Istituto Europeo di Oncologia, Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriella Pravettoni
- Department of Oncology and Hematoncology, Interdisciplinary Research Center on Decision Making Processes, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO Istituto Europeo di Oncologia, Milan, Italy
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6
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Abstract
Direct to consumer (DTC) genetic testing has given rise to much controversy, especially in relation to testing for health diagnostic purposes. This paper will consider whether consumers' use of DTC genetic testing should be understood as predominantly recreational. It will be argued that recreational testing can encompass all information domains, including most kinds of predictive health risk information. In relation to recreational testing the potential identity implications for the consumer become a significant concern, more so than the risks more traditionally associated with genetic testing. It will be concluded that while the DTC genetic testing sector is beset by numerous problems and an increase in consumers' genetic literacy is highly desirable, consumers' engagement with DTC genetic testing may be less problematic than sometimes assumed.
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Orth M, Averina M, Chatzipanagiotou S, Faure G, Haushofer A, Kusec V, Machado A, Misbah SA, Oosterhuis W, Pulkki K, Twomey PJ, Wieland E. Opinion: redefining the role of the physician in laboratory medicine in the context of emerging technologies, personalised medicine and patient autonomy ('4P medicine'). J Clin Pathol 2017; 72:191-197. [PMID: 29273576 PMCID: PMC6580792 DOI: 10.1136/jclinpath-2017-204734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2017] [Revised: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The role of clinical pathologists or laboratory-based physicians is being challenged on several fronts—exponential advances in technology, increasing patient autonomy exercised in the right to directly request tests and the use of non-medical specialists as substitutes. In response, clinical pathologists have focused their energies on the pre-analytical and postanalytical phases of Laboratory Medicine thus emphasising their essential role in individualised medical interpretation of complex laboratory results. Across the European Union, the role of medical doctors is enshrined in the Medical Act. This paper highlights the relevance of this act to patient welfare and the need to strengthen training programmes to prevent an erosion in the quality of Laboratory Medicine provided to patients and their physicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Orth
- Vinzenz von Paul Kliniken gGmbH, Institut für Laboratoriumsmedizin, Stuttgart, Germany.,Medizinische Fakultät Mannheim, Ruprecht Karls Universität, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Maria Averina
- Diagnostisk klinikk, Laboratoriemedisin, Universitessykehuset Nord-Norge HF, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Stylianos Chatzipanagiotou
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Medical Biopathology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School - Aeginition Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Gilbert Faure
- Laboratoire d'Immunologie, Pole Laboratoires, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nancy, Nancy, Lorraine, France
| | - Alexander Haushofer
- Klinikum Wels - Grieskirchen GmbH, Institut für Medizinische und Chemische Labordiagnostik mit Blutbank, Wels, Austria
| | - Vesna Kusec
- Klinicki Zavod za Laboratorijsku Dijagnostiku, Klinicki Bolnicki Centar Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Augusto Machado
- Department of Botelho Moniz Análises Clínicas, SA, Porto, Portugal
| | - Siraj A Misbah
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford, UK
| | - Wytze Oosterhuis
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Haematology, Atrium Medical Center, PC Heerlen, Netherlands
| | - Kari Pulkki
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Eastern Finland Laboratory Centre and University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Patrick J Twomey
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, St. Vincent's University Hospital/St Vincent's Group Healthcare Group, Dublin, Ireland.,School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Eberhard Wieland
- Klinikum Stuttgart, Zentrum für Diagnostik, Zentralinstitut für Klinische Chemie und Laboratoriumsmedizin, Stuttgart, Germany
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8
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Badalato L, Kalokairinou L, Borry P. Third party interpretation of raw genetic data: an ethical exploration. Eur J Hum Genet 2017; 25:1189-1194. [PMID: 28832567 PMCID: PMC5643961 DOI: 10.1038/ejhg.2017.126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Revised: 06/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In the wake of recent regulations targeting direct-to-consumer genetic testing (DTC-GT), an increasing number of websites have emerged that offer consumers alternative means to derive health information from their DTC-GT raw data. While the ethical concerns associated with DTC-GT have been extensively discussed in the literature, the implications of third party interpretation (TPI) websites have remained largely unexplored. Here we sought to describe these services and elucidate their ethical implications in the context of the current DTC-GT debate. We reviewed five popular TPI websites that use SNP-based genomic data to report health-related information: Promethease, Interpretome, LiveWello, Codegen.eu, and Enlis Personal. We found that many of the ethical concerns previously described in DTC-GT also applied to TPI websites, including inadequate informed consent, questionable clinical validity and utility, and lack of medical supervision. However, some concerns about data usage and privacy reported in DTC-GT were less prominent in the five TPI websites we studied: none of them sold or shared user data, and 3/5 sites did not retain data in the long term. In addition, while exaggerated claims and inaccurate advertising have been frequently problematic in DTC-GT, advertising was minimal in the TPI sites we assessed, and 4/5 made no claims of health benefits. Overall, TPI adds a new dimension to the ethical debate surrounding DTC-GT, and awareness of these services will become increasingly important as personal genomics continues to expand. This study constitutes the first detailed ethical analysis of these services, and presents a starting point for further research and ethical reflection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Badalato
- Department of Genetics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Louiza Kalokairinou
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Pascal Borry
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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9
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10
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Middleton A, Mendes Á, Benjamin CM, Howard HC. Direct-to-consumer genetic testing: where and how does genetic counseling fit? Per Med 2017; 14:249-257. [PMID: 29767582 DOI: 10.2217/pme-2017-0001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Direct-to-consumer genetic testing for disease ranges from well-validated diagnostic and predictive tests to 'research' results conferring increased risks. While being targeted at public curious about their health, they are also marketed for use in reproductive decision-making or management of disease. By virtue of being 'direct-to-consumer' much of this testing bypasses traditional healthcare systems. We argue that direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies should make genetic counseling available, pre- as well as post-test. While we do not advocate that mandatory genetic counseling should gate-keep access to direct-to-consumer genetic testing, if the testing process has the potential to cause psychological distress, then companies have a responsibility to provide support and should not rely on traditional healthcare systems to pick up the pieces. A video abstract is available for this article via this link .
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Middleton
- Society & Ethics Research Group, Connecting Science, Wellcome, Genome Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Álvaro Mendes
- UnIGENe & Centre for Predictive & Preventive Genetics (CGPP), IBMC - Institute for Molecular & Cell Biology, i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Portugal
| | - Caroline M Benjamin
- School of Community Health & Midwifery, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK.,Liverpool Women's NHS Hospital Trust, Liverpool, UK
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Hurlimann T, Robitaille J, Vohl MC, Godard B. Ethical considerations in the implementation of nutrigenetics/nutrigenomics. Per Med 2016; 14:75-83. [PMID: 29749825 DOI: 10.2217/pme-2016-0035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Awareness of ethical issues that may be raised by the implementation of nutrigenetic/nutrigenomic (NGx) testing and personalized nutrition, at an individual or a public health level, is crucial to ensure the latter's sound and effective implementation. NGx tests that are currently offered or developed have different natures and scopes. We provide an example of NGx testing on the MTHFR gene to illustrate the current challenges when it comes to grasp the meaning of the results of such testing. In addition, NGx testing is developed within an evolving landscape of new genomic technologies and occurs at a time when public health policies mainly focus on preventive and predictive healthcare, with an emphasis on increased individual responsibility. The ethical issues raised by such a context and the genetic nature of NGx testing both should be carefully evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thierry Hurlimann
- Public Health Research Institute - University of Montreal (IRSPUM), PO Box 6128, Station Centre-ville, Montreal, QC, H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Julie Robitaille
- Institute of Nutrition & Functional Foods (INAF) & School of Nutrition, Université Laval, 2440 Hochelaga Blvd, Room 2729-N, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-Claude Vohl
- Institute of Nutrition & Functional Foods (INAF) & School of Nutrition, Université Laval, 2440 Hochelaga Blvd, Room 2729-N, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Béatrice Godard
- Public Health Research Institute - University of Montreal (IRSPUM), PO Box 6128, Station Centre-ville, Montreal, QC, H3C 3J7, Canada
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12
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McGrath SP, Coleman J, Najjar L, Fruhling A, Bastola DR. Comprehension and Data-Sharing Behavior of Direct-To-Consumer Genetic Test Customers. Public Health Genomics 2016; 19:116-24. [PMID: 26950077 DOI: 10.1159/000444477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 02/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM The aim of this study was to evaluate current direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic customers' ability to interpret and comprehend test results and to determine if honest brokers are needed. METHOD One hundred and twenty-two customers of the DTC genetic testing company 23andMe were polled in an online survey. The subjects were asked about their personal test results and to interpret the results of two mock test cases (type 2 diabetes and multiple sclerosis), where results were translated into disease probability for an individual compared to the public. RESULTS When asked to evaluate the risk, 72.1% correctly assessed the first case and 77% were correct on the second case. Only 23.8% of those surveyed were able to interpret both cases correctly. x03C7;2 and logistic regression were used to interpret the results. Participants who took the time to read the DTC test-provided supplemental material were 3.93 times (p = 0.040) more likely to correctly interpret the test results than those who did not. The odds for correctly interpreting the test cases were 3.289 times (p = 0.011) higher for those who made more than USD 50,000 than those who made less. Survey results were compared to the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) phase 4 cycle 3 data to evaluate national trends. CONCLUSIONS Most of the subjects were able to correctly interpret the test cases, yet a majority did not share their results with a health-care professional. As the market for DTC genetic testing grows, test comprehension will become more critical. Involving more health professionals in this process may be necessary to ensure proper interpretations.
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13
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Covolo L, Rubinelli S, Ceretti E, Gelatti U. Internet-Based Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing: A Systematic Review. J Med Internet Res 2015; 17:e279. [PMID: 26677835 PMCID: PMC4704942 DOI: 10.2196/jmir.4378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Revised: 10/12/2015] [Accepted: 10/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Direct-to-consumer genetic tests (DTC-GT) are easily purchased through the Internet, independent of a physician referral or approval for testing, allowing the retrieval of genetic information outside the clinical context. There is a broad debate about the testing validity, their impact on individuals, and what people know and perceive about them. Objective The aim of this review was to collect evidence on DTC-GT from a comprehensive perspective that unravels the complexity of the phenomenon. Methods A systematic search was carried out through PubMed, Web of Knowledge, and Embase, in addition to Google Scholar according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist with the key term “Direct-to-consumer genetic test.” Results In the final sample, 118 articles were identified. Articles were summarized in five categories according to their focus on (1) knowledge of, attitude toward use of, and perception of DTC-GT (n=37), (2) the impact of genetic risk information on users (n=37), (3) the opinion of health professionals (n=20), (4) the content of websites selling DTC-GT (n=16), and (5) the scientific evidence and clinical utility of the tests (n=14). Most of the articles analyzed the attitude, knowledge, and perception of DTC-GT, highlighting an interest in using DTC-GT, along with the need for a health care professional to help interpret the results. The articles investigating the content analysis of the websites selling these tests are in agreement that the information provided by the companies about genetic testing is not completely comprehensive for the consumer. Given that risk information can modify consumers’ health behavior, there are surprisingly few studies carried out on actual consumers and they do not confirm the overall concerns on the possible impact of DTC-GT. Data from studies that investigate the quality of the tests offered confirm that they are not informative, have little predictive power, and do not measure genetic risk appropriately. Conclusions The impact of DTC-GT on consumers’ health perceptions and behaviors is an emerging concern. However, negative effects on consumers or health benefits have yet to be observed. Nevertheless, since the online market of DTC-GT is expected to grow, it is important to remain aware of a possible impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loredana Covolo
- Unit of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Italy, Brescia, Italy.
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14
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Skirton H. Direct to consumer testing in reproductive contexts--should health professionals be concerned? LIFE SCIENCES, SOCIETY AND POLICY 2015; 11:4. [PMID: 26085310 PMCID: PMC4480349 DOI: 10.1186/s40504-014-0018-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2014] [Accepted: 10/10/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Direct to consumer genetic testing offered via the Internet has been available for over a decade. Initially most tests of this type were offered without the input of the consumer's own health professional. Ethical and practical concerns have been a raised over the use of such tests: these include fulfilling the requirement for informed consent, utility of results for health care management and the potential burden placed upon health services by people who have taken tests.These tests now have an application in reproductive healthcare. The advent of non-invasive prenatal testing has facilitated the genetic testing of the fetus using only a maternal blood sample. However, companies offering such tests, for example for aneuploidy, appear to be doing so based on a referral from the mother's health professional. Preconception or prenatal carrier testing for a range of autosomal recessive conditions can be purchased without the input of a health professional who knows the prospective parents. However, unless the appropriate mutations for the specific population are included in the test, results may create false reassurance. Paternity testing without the consent of the putative father is also available via the Internet, as are tests to ascertain the sex of the fetus, which may be used to select children of a specific gender.Direct-to-consumer tests may support prospective parents to identify genetic risk to their future children, however, it is important that they are aware of the possible limitations, as well as advantages, of these tests. National regulation may not prove effective in ensuring the safety of all individuals involved, therefore international pressure to ensure companies conform to Codes of Practice may be needed, especially in relation to tests that could influence reproductive decisions. However, health professionals have a duty to ensure they are sufficiently knowledgeable to enable them to guide patients appropriately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Skirton
- Faculty of Health and Human Sciences, Plymouth University, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, United Kingdom,
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15
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Kotze MJ, Lückhoff HK, Peeters AV, Baatjes K, Schoeman M, van der Merwe L, Grant KA, Fisher LR, van der Merwe N, Pretorius J, van Velden DP, Myburgh EJ, Pienaar FM, van Rensburg SJ, Yako YY, September AV, Moremi KE, Cronje FJ, Tiffin N, Bouwens CSH, Bezuidenhout J, Apffelstaedt JP, Hough FS, Erasmus RT, Schneider JW. Genomic medicine and risk prediction across the disease spectrum. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2015; 52:120-37. [PMID: 25597499 DOI: 10.3109/10408363.2014.997930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Genomic medicine is based on the knowledge that virtually every medical condition, disease susceptibility or response to treatment is caused, regulated or influenced by genes. Genetic testing may therefore add value across the disease spectrum, ranging from single-gene disorders with a Mendelian inheritance pattern to complex multi-factorial diseases. The critical factors for genomic risk prediction are to determine: (1) where the genomic footprint of a particular susceptibility or dysfunction resides within this continuum, and (2) to what extent the genetic determinants are modified by environmental exposures. Regarding the small subset of highly penetrant monogenic disorders, a positive family history and early disease onset are mostly sufficient to determine the appropriateness of genetic testing in the index case and to inform pre-symptomatic diagnosis in at-risk family members. In more prevalent polygenic non-communicable diseases (NCDs), the use of appropriate eligibility criteria is required to ensure a balance between benefit and risk. An additional screening step may therefore be necessary to identify individuals most likely to benefit from genetic testing. This need provided the stimulus for the development of a pathology-supported genetic testing (PSGT) service as a new model for the translational implementation of genomic medicine in clinical practice. PSGT is linked to the establishment of a research database proven to be an invaluable resource for the validation of novel and previously described gene-disease associations replicated in the South African population for a broad range of NCDs associated with increased cardio-metabolic risk. The clinical importance of inquiry concerning family history in determining eligibility for personalized genotyping was supported beyond its current limited role in diagnosing or screening for monogenic subtypes of NCDs. With the recent introduction of advanced microarray-based breast cancer subtyping, genetic testing has extended beyond the genome of the host to also include tumor gene expression profiling for chemotherapy selection. The decreasing cost of next generation sequencing over recent years, together with improvement of both laboratory and computational protocols, enables the mapping of rare genetic disorders and discovery of shared genetic risk factors as novel therapeutic targets across diagnostic boundaries. This article reviews the challenges, successes, increasing inter-disciplinary integration and evolving strategies for extending PSGT towards exome and whole genome sequencing (WGS) within a dynamic framework. Specific points of overlap are highlighted between the application of PSGT and exome or WGS, as the next logical step in genetically uncharacterized patients for whom a particular disease pattern and/or therapeutic failure are not adequately accounted for during the PSGT pre-screen. Discrepancies between different next generation sequencing platforms and low concordance among variant-calling pipelines caution against offering exome or WGS as a stand-alone diagnostic approach. The public reference human genome sequence (hg19) contains minor alleles at more than 1 million loci and variant calling using an advanced major allele reference genome sequence is crucial to ensure data integrity. Understanding that genomic risk prediction is not deterministic but rather probabilistic provides the opportunity for disease prevention and targeted treatment in a way that is unique to each individual patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maritha J Kotze
- Division of Anatomical Pathology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University , Cape Town , South Africa
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Fisher E, Achilles S, Tönnies H. Predictive genetic testing, risk communication, and risk perception: an international expert meeting in Berlin, Germany. J Community Genet 2013; 5:1-5. [PMID: 24323368 DOI: 10.1007/s12687-013-0177-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2013] [Accepted: 11/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Eva Fisher
- Administrative Office of the German Commission on Genetic Testing, Robert Koch-Institute, Nordufer 20, 13353, Berlin, Germany,
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