1
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Lewis ACF, Chisholm RL, Connolly JJ, Esplin ED, Glessner J, Gordon A, Green RC, Hakonarson H, Harr M, Holm IA, Jarvik GP, Karlson E, Kenny EE, Kottyan L, Lennon N, Linder JE, Luo Y, Martin LJ, Perez E, Puckelwartz MJ, Rasmussen-Torvik LJ, Sabatello M, Sharp RR, Smoller JW, Sterling R, Terek S, Wei WQ, Fullerton SM. Managing differential performance of polygenic risk scores across groups: Real-world experience of the eMERGE Network. Am J Hum Genet 2024; 111:999-1005. [PMID: 38688278 PMCID: PMC11179244 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2024.04.005] [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: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The differential performance of polygenic risk scores (PRSs) by group is one of the major ethical barriers to their clinical use. It is also one of the main practical challenges for any implementation effort. The social repercussions of how people are grouped in PRS research must be considered in communications with research participants, including return of results. Here, we outline the decisions faced and choices made by a large multi-site clinical implementation study returning PRSs to diverse participants in handling this issue of differential performance. Our approach to managing the complexities associated with the differential performance of PRSs serves as a case study that can help future implementers of PRSs to plot an anticipatory course in response to this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna C F Lewis
- Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Ethics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Genetics, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Rex L Chisholm
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - John J Connolly
- Center for Applied Genomics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Joe Glessner
- Center for Applied Genomics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Adam Gordon
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Robert C Green
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA; Ariadne Labs, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hakon Hakonarson
- Center for Applied Genomics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, The Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Division of Human Genetics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Margaret Harr
- Center for Applied Genomics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ingrid A Holm
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gail P Jarvik
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Medicine and Department of Genome Science, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Karlson
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Mass General Brigham Personalized Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eimear E Kenny
- Institute for Genomic Health, Icahn School of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA; Center for Clinical Translational Genomics, Icahn School of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA; Division of Genomic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA; Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Leah Kottyan
- Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Niall Lennon
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jodell E Linder
- Vanderbilt Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Yuan Luo
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Lisa J Martin
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA; University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Emma Perez
- Mass General Brigham Personalized Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Megan J Puckelwartz
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Laura J Rasmussen-Torvik
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA; Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Maya Sabatello
- Center for Precision Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York City, NY, USA; Division of Ethics, Department of Medical Humanities and Ethics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York City, NY, USA
| | | | - Jordan W Smoller
- Center for Precision Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Psychiatric & Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit, Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Rene Sterling
- Division of Genomics and Society, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Shannon Terek
- Center for Applied Genomics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Wei-Qi Wei
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Stephanie M Fullerton
- Department of Bioethics & Humanities, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
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Sabatello M, Bakken S, Chung WK, Cohn E, Crew KD, Kiryluk K, Kukafka R, Weng C, Appelbaum PS. Return of polygenic risk scores in research: Stakeholders' views on the eMERGE-IV study. HGG ADVANCES 2024; 5:100281. [PMID: 38414240 PMCID: PMC10950748 DOI: 10.1016/j.xhgg.2024.100281] [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: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Research on polygenic risk scores (PRSs) for common, genetically complex chronic diseases aims to improve health-related predictions, tailor risk-reducing interventions, and improve health outcomes. Yet, the study and use of PRSs in clinical settings raise equity, clinical, and regulatory challenges that can be greater for individuals from historically marginalized racial, ethnic, and other minoritized communities. As part of the National Human Genome Research Institute-funded Electronic Medical Records and Genomics IV Network, we conducted online focus groups with patients/community members, clinicians, and members of institutional review boards to explore their views on key issues, including PRS research, return of PRS results, clinical translation, and barriers and facilitators to health behavioral changes in response to PRS results. Across stakeholder groups, our findings indicate support for PRS development and a strong interest in having PRS results returned to research participants. However, we also found multi-level barriers and significant differences in stakeholders' views about what is needed and possible for successful implementation. These include researcher-participant interaction formats, health and genomic literacy, and a range of structural barriers, such as financial instability, insurance coverage, and the absence of health-supporting infrastructure and affordable healthy food options in poorer neighborhoods. Our findings highlight the need to revisit and implement measures in PRS studies (e.g., incentives and resources for follow-up care), as well as system-level policies to promote equity in genomic research and health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Sabatello
- Center for Precision Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Division of Ethics, Department of Medical Humanities and Ethics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Suzanne Bakken
- School of Nursing and Department of Biomedical Informatic, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Wendy K Chung
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Elizabeth Cohn
- Northwell Health 600 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Katherine D Crew
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Krzysztof Kiryluk
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Rita Kukafka
- Departments of Biomedical Informatics and Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Chunhua Weng
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Paul S Appelbaum
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
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3
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Maldonado BL, Piqué DG, Kaplan RC, Claw KG, Gignoux CR. Genetic risk prediction in Hispanics/Latinos: milestones, challenges, and social-ethical considerations. J Community Genet 2023; 14:543-553. [PMID: 37962783 PMCID: PMC10725387 DOI: 10.1007/s12687-023-00686-4] [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: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have allowed the identification of disease-associated variants, which can be leveraged to build polygenic scores (PGSs). Even though PGSs can be a valuable tool in personalized medicine, their predictive power is limited in populations of non-European ancestry, particularly in admixed populations. Recent efforts have focused on increasing racial and ethnic diversity in GWAS, thus, addressing some of the limitations of genetic risk prediction in these populations. Even with these efforts, few studies focus exclusively on Hispanics/Latinos. Additionally, Hispanic/Latino populations are often considered a single population despite varying admixture proportions between and within ethnic groups, diverse genetic heterogeneity, and demographic history. Combined with highly heterogeneous environmental and socioeconomic exposures, this diversity can reduce the transferability of genetic risk prediction models. Given the recent increase of genomic studies that include Hispanics/Latinos, we review the milestones and efforts that focus on genetic risk prediction, summarize the potential for improving PGS transferability, and highlight the challenges yet to be addressed. Additionally, we summarize social-ethical considerations and provide ideas to promote genetic risk prediction models that can be implemented equitably.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betzaida L Maldonado
- Human Medical Genetics & Genomics Graduate Program, University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
- Colorado Center for Personalized Medicine, University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - Daniel G Piqué
- Colorado Center for Personalized Medicine, University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Section of Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Robert C Kaplan
- Department of Epidemiology & Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Katrina G Claw
- Human Medical Genetics & Genomics Graduate Program, University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Colorado Center for Personalized Medicine, University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Christopher R Gignoux
- Human Medical Genetics & Genomics Graduate Program, University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Colorado Center for Personalized Medicine, University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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4
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Lazaro G. When Positive is Negative: Health Literacy Barriers to Patient Access to Clinical Laboratory Test Results. J Appl Lab Med 2023; 8:1133-1147. [PMID: 37681277 PMCID: PMC10756206 DOI: 10.1093/jalm/jfad045] [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: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health literacy is a multidimensional set of skills (e.g., narrative, numeracy, digital, medication) that patients need to access and understand health information timely and accurately to make evidence-based informed decisions. CONTENT Multiple barriers prevent patients from effectively interacting with health information. The most salient barriers are poor overall health literacy skills and linguistic proficiency in English. As patients prefer direct access to laboratory test results, especially those of routine tests, contextualization and provider-directed interpretation of results are required to foster shared decision-making to address their healthcare issues and improve health outcomes. SUMMARY The use of systematic approaches that account for poor health literacy skills and include culturally and linguistically appropriate planning and availability of resources is warranted at individual and population health levels (e.g., human-centered design of patient portals).
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerardo Lazaro
- Division of Laboratory Systems, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
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5
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Riddle L, Joseph G, Caruncho M, Koenig BA, James JE. The role of polygenic risk scores in breast cancer risk perception and decision-making. J Community Genet 2023; 14:489-501. [PMID: 37311883 PMCID: PMC10576692 DOI: 10.1007/s12687-023-00655-x] [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: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Polygenic risk scores (PRS) have the potential to improve the accuracy of clinical risk assessments, yet questions about their clinical validity and readiness for clinical implementation persist. Understanding how individuals integrate and act on the information provided by PRS is critical for their effective integration into routine clinical care, yet few studies have examined how individuals respond to the receipt of polygenic risk information. We conducted an embedded Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI) study to examine if and how unaffected participants in a US population breast cancer screening trial understood and utilized PRS, as part of a multifactorial risk score combining traditional risk factors with a genetic risk assessment, to make screening and risk-reduction decisions. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 24 trial participants who were designated at elevated risk for breast cancer due to their combined risk score. Interviews were analyzed using a grounded theory approach. Participants understood PRS conceptually and accepted it as one of many risk factors to consider, yet the value and meaning they ascribed to this risk estimate varied. Most participants reported financial and insurance barriers to enhanced screening with MRI and were not interested in taking risk-reducing medications. These findings contribute to our understanding of how PRS may be best translated from research to clinical care. Furthermore, they illuminate ethical concerns about identifying risk and making recommendations based on polygenic risk in a population screening context where many may have trouble accessing appropriate care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie Riddle
- Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Galen Joseph
- Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Mikaella Caruncho
- Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Barbara Ann Koenig
- Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Institute for Health and Aging, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer Elyse James
- Institute for Health and Aging, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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6
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Connolly JJ, Berner ES, Smith M, Levy S, Terek S, Harr M, Karavite D, Suckiel S, Holm IA, Dufendach K, Nelson C, Khan A, Chisholm RL, Allworth A, Wei WQ, Bland HT, Clayton EW, Soper ER, Linder JE, Limdi NA, Miller A, Nigbur S, Bangash H, Hamed M, Sherafati A, Lewis ACF, Perez E, Orlando LA, Rakhra-Burris TK, Al-Dulaimi M, Cifric S, Scherr CL, Wynn J, Hakonarson H, Sabatello M. Education and electronic medical records and genomics network, challenges, and lessons learned from a large-scale clinical trial using polygenic risk scores. Genet Med 2023; 25:100906. [PMID: 37246632 PMCID: PMC10527667 DOI: 10.1016/j.gim.2023.100906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Polygenic risk scores (PRS) have potential to improve health care by identifying individuals that have elevated risk for common complex conditions. Use of PRS in clinical practice, however, requires careful assessment of the needs and capabilities of patients, providers, and health care systems. The electronic Medical Records and Genomics (eMERGE) network is conducting a collaborative study which will return PRS to 25,000 pediatric and adult participants. All participants will receive a risk report, potentially classifying them as high risk (∼2-10% per condition) for 1 or more of 10 conditions based on PRS. The study population is enriched by participants from racial and ethnic minority populations, underserved populations, and populations who experience poorer medical outcomes. All 10 eMERGE clinical sites conducted focus groups, interviews, and/or surveys to understand educational needs among key stakeholders-participants, providers, and/or study staff. Together, these studies highlighted the need for tools that address the perceived benefit/value of PRS, types of education/support needed, accessibility, and PRS-related knowledge and understanding. Based on findings from these preliminary studies, the network harmonized training initiatives and formal/informal educational resources. This paper summarizes eMERGE's collective approach to assessing educational needs and developing educational approaches for primary stakeholders. It discusses challenges encountered and solutions provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- John J Connolly
- Center for Applied Genomics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA.
| | - Eta S Berner
- Department of Health Services Administration, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Maureen Smith
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Samuel Levy
- Center for Applied Genomics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA
| | - Shannon Terek
- Center for Applied Genomics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA
| | - Margaret Harr
- Center for Applied Genomics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA
| | - Dean Karavite
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA
| | - Sabrina Suckiel
- The Institute for Genomic Health, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Ingrid A Holm
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Kevin Dufendach
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Catrina Nelson
- Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Atlas Khan
- Division of Nephrology, Dept of Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Rex L Chisholm
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Aimee Allworth
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Wei-Qi Wei
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Harris T Bland
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Ellen Wright Clayton
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN; Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN; Vanderbilt University Law School, Nashville, TN
| | - Emily R Soper
- The Institute for Genomic Health, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY; Division of Genomic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Jodell E Linder
- Vanderbilt Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Nita A Limdi
- Department of Neurology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Alexandra Miller
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN; Department of Clinical Genomics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Scott Nigbur
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Hana Bangash
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Marwan Hamed
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Alborz Sherafati
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Anna C F Lewis
- Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Ethics, Harvard, MA; Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Emma Perez
- Mass General Brigham Personalized Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | | | | | | | - Selma Cifric
- Department of Biology, The College of Idaho, Caldwell, ID
| | - Courtney Lynam Scherr
- School of Communication | Department of Communication Studies, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Julia Wynn
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Hakon Hakonarson
- Center for Applied Genomics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA; Department of Pediatrics, The Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA; Division of Human Genetics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA; Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Maya Sabatello
- Center for Precision Medicine & Genomics, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY; Division of Ethics, Department of Medical Humanities & Ethics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY.
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7
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Stallings SC, Richmond J, Canedo JR, Beard K, Bonnet K, Schlundt DG, Wilkins CH, Aldrich MC. Assessing patient-level knowledge of precision medicine in a community health center setting. J Community Genet 2023; 14:197-210. [PMID: 36609637 PMCID: PMC10104983 DOI: 10.1007/s12687-023-00632-4] [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: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
As precision medicine approaches are implemented, cancer treatment decisions have come to require comprehension of genetic tests and their role in risk stratification and treatment options. Acceptance and implementation of precision medicine requires patient understanding of numeracy, genetic literacy, health literacy, and medical trust. Implementing precision medicine in a US federally qualified community health center (FQCHC) setting has received little attention. Using a mixed-methods approach, we sought to identify patient-level factors influencing the understanding of cancer risk and precision medicine among FQCHC patients. We enrolled 26 English-speaking adults aged 40-79 years. Participants enrolled in focus groups and completed surveys to assess patient-level understanding of precision medicine, numeracy, and health literacy. The majority of participants were female (77%) and self-identified as African American (89%). Approximately one-third reported having a high school degree or less. While health literacy was generally high, 42% felt that genes or genetics had little impact on health and most (69%) reported little familiarity with precision medicine. Many participants reported that trust in their providers was extremely or very important when receiving genetic tests. Numeracy levels were moderate, with nearly half reporting some discomfort working with fractions and 38% finding numerical information only occasionally useful. Findings suggest that patients may lack familiarity with precision medicine concepts relevant for understanding cancer treatment decisions. Future educational efforts may help bridge the gap in patient understanding and facilitate equitable opportunities for precision medicine for all patients, including those seeking care from community health centers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C. Stallings
- Department of Medicine, Division of Genetic Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN USA
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN USA
| | - Jennifer Richmond
- Department of Medicine, Division of Genetic Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN USA
| | - Juan R. Canedo
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY USA
| | - Katina Beard
- Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center, Nashville, TN USA
| | - Kemberlee Bonnet
- Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN USA
- Qualitative Research Core, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN USA
| | - David G. Schlundt
- Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN USA
- Qualitative Research Core, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN USA
| | - Consuelo H. Wilkins
- Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN USA
| | - Melinda C. Aldrich
- Department of Medicine, Division of Genetic Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN USA
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN USA
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN USA
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8
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Kerman BJ, Brunette CA, Harris EJ, Antwi AA, Lemke AA, Vassy JL. Primary care physician use of patient race and polygenic risk scores in medical decision-making. Genet Med 2023; 25:100800. [PMID: 36748708 PMCID: PMC10085844 DOI: 10.1016/j.gim.2023.100800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The use of patient race in medicine is controversial for its potential either to exacerbate or address health disparities. Polygenic risk scores (PRSs) have emerged as a tool for risk stratification models used in preventive medicine. We examined whether PRS results affect primary care physician (PCP) medical decision-making and whether that effect varies by patient race. METHODS Using an online survey with a randomized experimental design among PCPs in a national database, we ascertained decision-making around atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease prevention and prostate cancer screening for case scenario patients who were clinically identical except for randomized reported race. RESULTS Across 369 PCPs (email open rate = 10.8%, partial completion rate = 93.7%), recommendations varied with PRS results in expected directions (low-risk results, no available PRS results, and high-risk results). Still, physicians randomized to scenarios with Black patients were more likely to recommend statin therapy than those randomized to scenarios with White patients (odds ratio = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.16-2.59, P = .007) despite otherwise identical clinical profiles and independent of PRS results. Similarly, physicians were more likely to recommend prostate cancer screening for Black patients than for White patients (odds ratio = 1.58, 95% CI = 1.06-2.35, P = .025) despite otherwise identical clinical and genetic profiles. CONCLUSION Despite advances in precision risk stratification, physicians will likely continue to use patient race implicitly or explicitly in medical decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J Kerman
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Primary Care, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | | | - Elizabeth J Harris
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA
| | | | - Amy A Lemke
- Norton Children's Research Institute, Affiliated with the University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY
| | - Jason L Vassy
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Primary Care, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA; Precision Population Health, Ariadne Labs, Boston, MA.
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9
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Park JK, Lu CY. Polygenic Scores in the Direct-to-Consumer Setting: Challenges and Opportunities for a New Era in Consumer Genetic Testing. J Pers Med 2023; 13:jpm13040573. [PMID: 37108959 PMCID: PMC10144199 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13040573] [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: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic tests have generated considerable scholarly attention and public intrigue. Although the current consumer genetic testing regime relies on the reporting of individual variants of interest to consumers, there has recently been interest in the possibility of integrating polygenic scores (PGS), which aggregate genetic liability for disease across the entire genome. While PGS have thus far been extensively explored as clinical and public health tools, the use of PGS in consumer genetic testing has not yet received systematic attention, even though they are already in use for some consumer genetic tests. In this narrative review, we highlight the ethical, legal, and social implications of the use of PGS in DTC genetic tests and synthesize existing solutions to these concerns. We organize these concerns into three domains: (1) industry variation; (2) privacy and commercialization; and (3) patient safety and risk. While previously expressed concerns in these domains will remain relevant, the emergence of PGS-based DTC genetic tests raises challenges that will require novel approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin K Park
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Christine Y Lu
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney and the Northern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW 2077, Australia
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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Wand H, Kalia SS, Helm BM, Suckiel SA, Brockman D, Vriesen N, Goudar RK, Austin J, Yanes T. Clinical genetic counseling and translation considerations for polygenic scores in personalized risk assessments: A Practice Resource from the National Society of Genetic Counselors. J Genet Couns 2023. [PMID: 36617640 DOI: 10.1002/jgc4.1668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Polygenic scores (PGS) are primed for use in personalized risk assessments for common, complex conditions and population health screening. Although there is growing evidence supporting the clinical validity of these scores in certain diseases, presently, there is no consensus on best practices for constructing PGS or demonstrated clinical utility in practice. Despite these evidence gaps, individuals can access their PGS information through commercial entities, research programs, and clinical programs. This prompts the immediate need for educational resources for clinicians encountering PGS information in clinical practice. This practice resource is intended to increase genetic counselors' and other healthcare providers' understanding and comfort with PGS used in personalized risk assessments. Drawing on best practices in clinical genomics, we discuss the unique considerations for polygenic-based (1) testing, (2) clinical genetic counseling, and (3) translation to population health services. This practice resource outlines the emerging uses of PGS, as well as the critical limitations of this technology that need to be addressed before wide-scale implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Wand
- Department of Cardiology and Biomedical Data Sciences, Stanford Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Sarah S Kalia
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Benjamin M Helm
- Department of Medical & Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Indiana University Fairbanks School of Public Health, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Sabrina A Suckiel
- Institute for Genomic Health & Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Natalie Vriesen
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Women's Health, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Ranjit K Goudar
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia, USA.,Virginia Oncology Associates, Hereditary Cancer Clinic, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
| | - Jehannine Austin
- Departments of Psychiatry & Medical Genitics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Tatiane Yanes
- Dermatology Research Centre, The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Communicating Personal Melanoma Polygenic Risk Information: Participants’ Experiences of Genetic Counseling in a Community-Based Study. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12101581. [PMID: 36294720 PMCID: PMC9605561 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12101581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Personalized polygenic risk information may be used to guide risk-based melanoma prevention and early detection at a population scale, but research on communicating this information is limited. This mixed-methods study aimed to assess the acceptability of a genetic counselor (GC) phone call in communicating polygenic risk information in the Melanoma Genomics Managing Your Risk randomized controlled trial. Participants (n = 509) received personalized melanoma polygenic risk information, an educational booklet on melanoma prevention, and a GC phone call, which was audio-recorded. Participants completed the Genetic Counseling Satisfaction Survey 1-month after receiving their risk information (n = 346). A subgroup took part in a qualitative interview post-study completion (n = 20). Survey data were analyzed descriptively using SPSS, and thematic analysis of the qualitative data was conducted using NVivo 12.0 software. The survey showed a high level of acceptability for the GC phone call (mean satisfaction score overall: 4.3 out of 5, standard deviation (SD): 0.6) with differences according to gender (mean score for women: 4.4, SD: 0.6 vs. men: 4.2, SD: 0.7; p = 0.005), health literacy (lower literacy: 4.1, SD: 0.8; average: 4.3, SD: 0.6; higher: 4.4, SD: 0.6: p = 0.02) and polygenic risk group (low risk: 4.5, SD: 0.5, SD: average: 4.3, SD: 0.7, high: 4.3, SD: 0.7; p = 0.03). During the GC phone calls, the discussion predominately related to the impact of past sun exposure on personal melanoma risk. Together our findings point to the importance of further exploring educational and support needs and preferences for communicating personalized melanoma risk among population subgroups, including diverse literacy levels.
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