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Best MC, Butow P, Savard J, Jacobs C, Bartley N, Davies G, Napier CE, Ballinger ML, Thomas DM, Biesecker B, Tucker KM, Juraskova I, Meiser B, Schlub T, Newson AJ. Preferences for return of germline genome sequencing results for cancer patients and their genetic relatives in a research setting. Eur J Hum Genet 2022; 30:930-937. [PMID: 35277654 PMCID: PMC9349221 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-022-01069-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Germline genome sequencing (GS) holds great promise for cancer prevention by identifying cancer risk and guiding prevention strategies, however research evidence is mixed regarding patient preferences for receiving GS results. The aim of this study was to discern preferences for return of results by cancer patients who have actually undergone GS. We conducted a mixed methods study with a cohort of cancer probands (n = 335) and their genetic relatives (n = 199) undergoing GS in a research setting. Both groups completed surveys when giving consent. A subset of participants (n = 40) completed semi-structured interviews. A significantly higher percentage of probands thought people would like to be informed about genetic conditions for which there is prevention or treatment that can change cancer risk compared to conditions for which there is no prevention or treatment (93% [311] versus 65% [216]; p < 0.001). Similar results were obtained for relatives (91% [180] versus 61% [121]; p < 0.001). Themes identified in the analysis of interviews were: (1) Recognised benefits of GS, (2) Balancing benefits with risks, (3) Uncertain results are perceived as unhelpful and (4) Competing obligations. While utility was an important discriminator in what was seen as valuable for this cohort, there was a variety of responses. In view of varied participant preferences regarding return of results, it is important to ensure patient understanding of test validity and identify individual choices at the time of consent to GS. The nature and value of the information, and a contextual understanding of researcher obligations should guide result return.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan C Best
- Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia. .,Institute for Ethics and Society, University of Notre Dame Australia, Sydney, WA, Australia.
| | - Phyllis Butow
- Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Chris Jacobs
- Graduate School of Health, University of Technology, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nicole Bartley
- Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Grace Davies
- Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Christine E Napier
- Cancer Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mandy L Ballinger
- Cancer Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - David M Thomas
- Cancer Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Katherine M Tucker
- Hereditary Cancer Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ilona Juraskova
- Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Bettina Meiser
- Psychosocial Research Group, University of NSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Timothy Schlub
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ainsley J Newson
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Seidi C, Patrão M, Guerra S, Oliveira CR, Mendes Á, Sousa L. The Experience of Receiving and Transmitting a Genetic Disease. JOURNAL OF CONSTRUCTIVIST PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/10720537.2022.2037113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Seidi
- Departamento de Educação e Psicologia, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Marta Patrão
- Departamento de Ciências Sociais, Políticas e do Território, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Sara Guerra
- Cintesis.ua, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
- Instituto Superior de Serviço Social do Porto, Senhora da Hora, Portugal
| | - Carla Roma Oliveira
- Departamento de Educação e Psicologia, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
- Cintesis.ua, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
- UnIGENe, IBMC- Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology, i3S – Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Álvaro Mendes
- UnIGENe, IBMC- Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology, i3S – Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- CGPP – Centre for Predictive and Preventive Genetics, IBMC- Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology, i3S – Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Liliana Sousa
- Departamento de Educação e Psicologia, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
- Cintesis.ua, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
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A tailored approach to informing relatives at risk of inherited cardiac conditions: results of a randomised controlled trial. Eur J Hum Genet 2022; 30:203-210. [PMID: 34815540 PMCID: PMC8821591 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-021-00993-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
If undetected, inherited cardiac conditions can lead to sudden cardiac death, while treatment options are available. Predictive DNA testing is therefore advised for at-risk relatives, and probands are currently asked to inform relatives about this. However, fewer than half of relatives attend genetic counselling. In this trial, we compared a tailored approach to informing relatives, in which probands were asked whether they preferred relatives to be informed by themselves or by the genetic counsellor, with current practice. Our primary outcome was uptake of genetic counselling in relatives in the first year after test result disclosure. Secondary outcomes were evaluation of the approach and impact on psychological/family functioning measured 3 (T1) and 9 (T2) months post-disclosure via telephone interviews and questionnaires. We included 96 probands; 482 relatives were eligible for counselling and genetic testing. We observed no significant difference in uptake of genetic counselling between the control (38%) and the intervention (37%) group (p = 0.973). Nor were there significant differences between groups in impact on family/psychological functioning. Significantly more probands in the tailored group were satisfied (p = 0.001) and felt supported (p = 0.003) by the approach, although they also felt somewhat coerced to inform relatives (p < 0.001) and perceived room for improvement (p < 0.001). To conclude, we observed no differences in uptake and impact on family/psychological functioning between the current and tailored approach, but probands in the tailored group more often felt satisfied. Further research on barriers to relatives attending genetic counselling and on how to optimize the provision of a tailored approach is needed.
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Mendes Á, Sequeiros J, Clarke AJ. Between responsibility and desire: Accounts of reproductive decisions from those at risk for or affected by late-onset neurological diseases. J Genet Couns 2021; 30:1480-1490. [PMID: 33893685 DOI: 10.1002/jgc4.1415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
This paper explores ways in which genetic risk foregrounds forms of responsibility while dealing with reproduction. We analyzed individual and family semi-structured interviews (n = 35) with people at-risk for or affected by transthyretin-related familial amyloid polyneuropathy (TTR-FAP) and Machado-Joseph disease (MJD), which are late-onset neurological diseases. Although generally considered as rare diseases, some areas in Portugal present the world's highest frequency for MJD and TTR-FAP. Thematic analysis of the data revealed that participants drew on various - sometimes ambivalent and competing - understandings of their genetic risk and their wish to have children. Some participants perceived the avoidance of genetic risk to be responsible behavior, while, for others, responsibility entailed accepting risks because they prioritized values such as parenthood, family relationships and the value of life, above any question of genetic disease. Some participants shared accounts that were fraught with ambivalence, repentance and guilt, especially when children were born before participants knew of their own or their partner's risk. Participants' accounts also showed they make continued efforts to see themselves as responsible persons and to appear responsible in the eyes of others. We discuss findings in the context of participants' negotiation between genetic risk and their sense of responsibility toward themselves and others; we conclude that "genetic responsibility" is present not only in accounts of those who chose not to have children but also in those who make an informed decision to have at-risk children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Álvaro Mendes
- UnIGENe and CGPP - Centre for Predictive and Preventive Genetics, IBMC - Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology, i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Jorge Sequeiros
- UnIGENe and CGPP - Centre for Predictive and Preventive Genetics, IBMC - Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology, i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Angus J Clarke
- Division of Cancer & Genetics, Institute of Medical Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, UK
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Da Silva JD, Teixeira-Castro A, Maciel P. From Pathogenesis to Novel Therapeutics for Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3: Evading Potholes on the Way to Translation. Neurotherapeutics 2019; 16:1009-1031. [PMID: 31691128 PMCID: PMC6985322 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-019-00798-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3), also known as Machado-Joseph disease (MJD), is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by a polyglutamine expansion in the ATXN3 gene. In spite of the identification of a clear monogenic cause 25 years ago, the pathological process still puzzles researchers, impairing prospects for an effective therapy. Here, we propose the disruption of protein homeostasis as the hub of SCA3 pathogenesis, being the molecular mechanisms and cellular pathways that are deregulated in SCA3 downstream consequences of the misfolding and aggregation of ATXN3. Moreover, we attempt to provide a realistic perspective on how the translational/clinical research in SCA3 should evolve. This was based on molecular findings, clinical and epidemiological characteristics, studies of proposed treatments in other conditions, and how that information is essential for their (re-)application in SCA3. This review thus aims i) to critically evaluate the current state of research on SCA3, from fundamental to translational and clinical perspectives; ii) to bring up the current key questions that remain unanswered in this disorder; and iii) to provide a frame on how those answers should be pursued.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Diogo Da Silva
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Andreia Teixeira-Castro
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Maciel
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
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