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Capalbo A, de Wert G, Mertes H, Klausner L, Coonen E, Spinella F, Van de Velde H, Viville S, Sermon K, Vermeulen N, Lencz T, Carmi S. Screening embryos for polygenic disease risk: a review of epidemiological, clinical, and ethical considerations. Hum Reprod Update 2024:dmae012. [PMID: 38805697 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmae012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The genetic composition of embryos generated by in vitro fertilization (IVF) can be examined with preimplantation genetic testing (PGT). Until recently, PGT was limited to detecting single-gene, high-risk pathogenic variants, large structural variants, and aneuploidy. Recent advances have made genome-wide genotyping of IVF embryos feasible and affordable, raising the possibility of screening embryos for their risk of polygenic diseases such as breast cancer, hypertension, diabetes, or schizophrenia. Despite a heated debate around this new technology, called polygenic embryo screening (PES; also PGT-P), it is already available to IVF patients in some countries. Several articles have studied epidemiological, clinical, and ethical perspectives on PES; however, a comprehensive, principled review of this emerging field is missing. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review has four main goals. First, given the interdisciplinary nature of PES studies, we aim to provide a self-contained educational background about PES to reproductive specialists interested in the subject. Second, we provide a comprehensive and critical review of arguments for and against the introduction of PES, crystallizing and prioritizing the key issues. We also cover the attitudes of IVF patients, clinicians, and the public towards PES. Third, we distinguish between possible future groups of PES patients, highlighting the benefits and harms pertaining to each group. Finally, our review, which is supported by ESHRE, is intended to aid healthcare professionals and policymakers in decision-making regarding whether to introduce PES in the clinic, and if so, how, and to whom. SEARCH METHODS We searched for PubMed-indexed articles published between 1/1/2003 and 1/3/2024 using the terms 'polygenic embryo screening', 'polygenic preimplantation', and 'PGT-P'. We limited the review to primary research papers in English whose main focus was PES for medical conditions. We also included papers that did not appear in the search but were deemed relevant. OUTCOMES The main theoretical benefit of PES is a reduction in lifetime polygenic disease risk for children born after screening. The magnitude of the risk reduction has been predicted based on statistical modelling, simulations, and sibling pair analyses. Results based on all methods suggest that under the best-case scenario, large relative risk reductions are possible for one or more diseases. However, as these models abstract several practical limitations, the realized benefits may be smaller, particularly due to a limited number of embryos and unclear future accuracy of the risk estimates. PES may negatively impact patients and their future children, as well as society. The main personal harms are an unindicated IVF treatment, a possible reduction in IVF success rates, and patient confusion, incomplete counselling, and choice overload. The main possible societal harms include discarded embryos, an increasing demand for 'designer babies', overemphasis of the genetic determinants of disease, unequal access, and lower utility in people of non-European ancestries. Benefits and harms will vary across the main potential patient groups, comprising patients already requiring IVF, fertile people with a history of a severe polygenic disease, and fertile healthy people. In the United States, the attitudes of IVF patients and the public towards PES seem positive, while healthcare professionals are cautious, sceptical about clinical utility, and concerned about patient counselling. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The theoretical potential of PES to reduce risk across multiple polygenic diseases requires further research into its benefits and harms. Given the large number of practical limitations and possible harms, particularly unnecessary IVF treatments and discarded viable embryos, PES should be offered only within a research context before further clarity is achieved regarding its balance of benefits and harms. The gap in attitudes between healthcare professionals and the public needs to be narrowed by expanding public and patient education and providing resources for informative and unbiased genetic counselling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Capalbo
- Juno Genetics, Department of Reproductive Genetics, Rome, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), Department of Medical Genetics, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Guido de Wert
- Department of Health, Ethics & Society, CAPHRI-School for Public Health and Primary Care and GROW School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Heidi Mertes
- Department of Philosophy and Moral Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Liraz Klausner
- Braun School of Public Health and Community Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Edith Coonen
- Departments of Clinical Genetics and Reproductive Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, GROW, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Francesca Spinella
- Eurofins GENOMA Group Srl, Molecular Genetics Laboratories, Department of Scientific Communication, Rome, Italy
| | - Hilde Van de Velde
- Research Group Genetics Reproduction and Development (GRAD), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium
- Brussels IVF, UZ Brussel, Brussel, Belgium
| | - Stephane Viville
- Laboratoire de Génétique Médicale LGM, Institut de Génétique Médicale d'Alsace IGMA, INSERM UMR 1112, Université de Strasbourg, France
- Laboratoire de Diagnostic Génétique, Unité de Génétique de l'infertilité (UF3472), Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Karen Sermon
- Research Group Genetics Reproduction and Development (GRAD), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium
| | | | - Todd Lencz
- Institute of Behavioral Science, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, USA
- Departments of Psychiatry and Molecular Medicine, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY 11549, USA
| | - Shai Carmi
- Braun School of Public Health and Community Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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Wang D, Song X, Zhu X, Yan L, Zhi X, Yan J, Liang H, Qiao J. Outcomes and the effect of PGT-M in women with hormone-related hereditary tumor syndrome. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1378019. [PMID: 38800375 PMCID: PMC11127562 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1378019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose To review the outcome of PGT-M in hormone-related hereditary tumor syndrome and evaluate the effect of ovarian induction on tumor growth in those patients. Methods Medical records of PGT-M were retrospectively analyzed in patients with hormone-related heritage tumors in our reproductive center. A total of eleven women with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) (including BRCA1/2 mutation carriers), and Lynch syndrome (including MMR gene mutation carriers) were included. Thirteen IVF/PGT-M cycles were performed. Eleven for PGT-M and two for fertility preservation. The ovulation protocol, numbers of oocytes retrieved and two pronuclei (2PN) zygotes, PGT-M results, and clinical outcomes were analyzed. Tumor progression was also estimated by comparing transvaginal ultrasound (TVS), MR, CT, or colonoscopy according to the follow-up requirements of different tumors. Results Eleven IVF/PGT-M cycles were performed with an antagonist protocol; Two cycles were performed with a mild stimulation protocol. The total dose of gonadotropin (Gn) was 1827 IU per patient (range from 1200 to 2625 IU). The median number of oocytes retrieved was 13 (range from 4 to 30), and the median number of 2PN zygotes was 8 (range from 2 to 16). A total of 32 embryos underwent PGT-M, and 9 (28.1%) embryos were suitable for transfer. Six transfer cycles were performed, and 5 cycles got clinical pregnancy (83%) with five newborns (83%). The follow-up examinations conducted 10-18 months after PGT-M/delivery revealed no new lesions or tumor progression. Conclusion PGT-M results can provide important information for improving the consultation of hormone-related heritage tumor patients regarding their fertility preservation and reproductive options. Ovarian induction for women with hormone-related hereditary tumor syndrome is not associated with tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingran Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xueling Song
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohui Zhu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Liying Yan
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xu Zhi
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Yan
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Huamao Liang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Qiao
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
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Gudapati S, Chaudhari K, Shrivastava D, Yelne S. Advancements and Applications of Preimplantation Genetic Testing in In Vitro Fertilization: A Comprehensive Review. Cureus 2024; 16:e57357. [PMID: 38694414 PMCID: PMC11061269 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.57357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) has become an integral component of assisted reproductive technology (ART), offering couples the opportunity to screen embryos for genetic abnormalities before implantation during in vitro fertilization (IVF). This comprehensive review explores the advancements and applications of PGT in IVF, covering its various types, technological developments, clinical applications, efficacy, challenges, regulatory aspects, and future directions. The evolution of PGT techniques, including next-generation sequencing (NGS) and comparative genomic hybridization (CGH), has significantly enhanced the accuracy and reliability of genetic testing in embryos. PGT holds profound implications for the future of ART by improving IVF success rates, reducing the incidence of genetic disorders, and mitigating the emotional and financial burdens associated with failed pregnancies and genetic diseases. Recommendations for clinicians, researchers, and policymakers include staying updated on the latest PGT techniques and guidelines, exploring innovative technologies, establishing clear regulatory frameworks, and fostering collaboration to maximize the potential benefits of PGT in assisted reproduction. Overall, this review provides valuable insights into the current state of PGT and its implications for the field of reproductive medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sravya Gudapati
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Kamlesh Chaudhari
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Deepti Shrivastava
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Seema Yelne
- Nursing, Shalinitai Meghe College of Nursing, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
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Calosci D, Passaglia L, Gabbiato I, Cartisano F, Affuso R, Sorrentino U, Zuccarello D. Public Awareness and Acceptability of PGT-M in Cancer Predisposition Syndromes. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:2069. [PMID: 38003012 PMCID: PMC10671058 DOI: 10.3390/genes14112069] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer Predisposition Syndromes (CPSs), also known as Hereditary Cancer Syndromes (HCSs), represent a group of genetic disorders associated with an increased lifetime risk of developing cancer. In this article, we provide an overview of the reproductive options for patients diagnosed with CPS, focusing on the emerging role of Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic disorders (PGT-M). Specifically, we conducted a literature review about the awareness and acceptability of its application to CPSs. Based on the available data, the awareness of the applicability of PGT-M for CPSs appears to be limited among both patients and physicians, and a heterogeneous set of factors seems to influence the acceptability of the procedure. Our findings highlight the need for increasing education about the use of PGT-M for CPSs. In this context, guidelines developed by professional or institutional bodies would represent a useful reference tool to assist healthcare professionals in providing proper preconception counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Calosci
- Clinical Genetics Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 3, 35128 Padova, Italy; (L.P.); (I.G.); (F.C.); (R.A.); (U.S.)
| | - Lisa Passaglia
- Clinical Genetics Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 3, 35128 Padova, Italy; (L.P.); (I.G.); (F.C.); (R.A.); (U.S.)
| | - Ilaria Gabbiato
- Clinical Genetics Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 3, 35128 Padova, Italy; (L.P.); (I.G.); (F.C.); (R.A.); (U.S.)
| | - Francesca Cartisano
- Clinical Genetics Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 3, 35128 Padova, Italy; (L.P.); (I.G.); (F.C.); (R.A.); (U.S.)
| | - Rebecca Affuso
- Clinical Genetics Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 3, 35128 Padova, Italy; (L.P.); (I.G.); (F.C.); (R.A.); (U.S.)
| | - Ugo Sorrentino
- Clinical Genetics Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 3, 35128 Padova, Italy; (L.P.); (I.G.); (F.C.); (R.A.); (U.S.)
| | - Daniela Zuccarello
- Department of Lab Medicine Unit of Clinical Genetics and Epidemiology, University Hospital of Padova, Via Giustiniani 3, 35128 Padova, Italy;
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