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Best S, Fehlberg Z, Richards C, Quinn MCJ, Lunke S, Spurdle AB, Kassahn KS, Patel C, Vears DF, Goranitis I, Lynch F, Robertson A, Tudini E, Christodoulou J, Scott H, McGaughran J, Stark Z. Reanalysis of genomic data in rare disease: current practice and attitudes among Australian clinical and laboratory genetics services. Eur J Hum Genet 2024:10.1038/s41431-024-01633-8. [PMID: 38796577 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-024-01633-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Reanalyzing stored genomic data over time is highly effective in increasing diagnostic yield in rare disease. Automation holds the promise of delivering the benefits of reanalysis at scale. Our study aimed to understand current reanalysis practices among Australian clinical and laboratory genetics services and explore attitudes towards large-scale automated re-analysis. We collected audit data regarding testing and reanalysis volumes, policies and procedures from all Australian diagnostic laboratories providing rare disease genomic testing. A genetic health professionals' survey explored current practices, barriers to reanalysis, preferences and attitudes towards automation. Between 2018 and 2021, Australian diagnostic laboratories performed over 25,000 new genomic tests and 950 reanalyses, predominantly in response to clinician requests. Laboratory and clinical genetic health professionals (N = 134) identified workforce capacity as the principal barrier to reanalysis. No specific laboratory or clinical guidelines for genomic data reanalysis or policies were identified nationally. Perceptions of acceptability and feasibility of automating reanalysis were positive, with professionals emphasizing clinical and workflow benefits. In conclusion, there is a large and rapidly growing unmet need for reanalysis of existing genomic data. Beyond developing scalable automated reanalysis pipelines, leadership and policy are needed to successfully transform service delivery models and maximize clinical benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Best
- Australian Genomics, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre Alliance, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Zoe Fehlberg
- Australian Genomics, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Christopher Richards
- Centre for Population Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Centre for Population Genomics, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Michael C J Quinn
- Australian Genomics, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Genetic Health Queensland, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Sebastian Lunke
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Amanda B Spurdle
- Population Health Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Karin S Kassahn
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Pathology, SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Chirag Patel
- Genetic Health Queensland, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Danya F Vears
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ilias Goranitis
- Australian Genomics, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Fiona Lynch
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Alan Robertson
- Population Health Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- The Genomic Institute, Department of Health, Queensland Government, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Emma Tudini
- Australian Genomics, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Population Health Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - John Christodoulou
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Hamish Scott
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Pathology, SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Genetics and Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Centre for Cancer Biology, An alliance between SA Pathology and the University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Julie McGaughran
- Genetic Health Queensland, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Zornitza Stark
- Australian Genomics, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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Outram SM, Rego S, Norstad M, Ackerman S. The Need to Standardize the Reanalysis of Genomic Sequencing Results: Findings from Interviews with Underserved Families in Genomic Research. JOURNAL OF BIOETHICAL INQUIRY 2023:10.1007/s11673-023-10267-2. [PMID: 37624546 DOI: 10.1007/s11673-023-10267-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
The reanalysis of genomic sequencing results has the potential to provide results that are of considerable medical and personal importance to recipients. Employing interviews with forty-seven predominantly medically underserved families and ethnographic observations we argue that there is pressing need to standardize the approach taken to reanalysis. Our findings highlight that study participants were unclear as to the likelihood of reanalysis happening, the process of initiating reanalysis, and whether they would receive revised results. Their reflections mirror the lack a specific focus upon reanalysis within consent and results sessions as observed in clinical settings. Mechanisms need to be put into place that standardize the approach to reanalysis in research and in clinical contexts. This would enable clinicians and genetic counsellors to communicate clearly with research participants with respect to potential for reanalysis of results and the process of reanalysis. We argue that that the role of reanalysis is too important to be referred to in an ad-hoc manner. Furthermore, the ad-hoc nature of the current process may increase health inequities given the likelihood that only those families who have the means to press for reanalysis are likely to receive it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon M Outram
- Program in Bioethics, Institute for Health & Aging/Department of Social & Behavioral Sciences, University of California, 490 Illinois St., Floor 12, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
| | - Shannon Rego
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Matthew Norstad
- Program in Bioethics, Institute for Health & Aging/Department of Social & Behavioral Sciences, University of California, 490 Illinois St., Floor 12, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Sara Ackerman
- Program in Bioethics, Institute for Health & Aging/Department of Social & Behavioral Sciences, University of California, 490 Illinois St., Floor 12, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
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3
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Makhnoon S, Davidson E, Shirts B, Arun B, Shete S. Practices and Views of US Oncologists and Genetic Counselors Regarding Patient Recontact After Variant Reclassification: Results of a Nationwide Survey. JCO Precis Oncol 2023; 7:e2300079. [PMID: 37384863 PMCID: PMC10581618 DOI: 10.1200/po.23.00079] [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: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Over a 5-year or 10-year period, between 6% and 15% of germline cancer genetic variants undergo reclassification. Up-to-date interpretation can clarify a variant's clinical significance and guide patient management. As the frequency of reclassifications increase, the issue of whether, how, when, and which providers should recontact patients with information about reclassification becomes important. However, the field lacks research evidence and definitive guidance from professional organizations about how providers should recontact patients. We compared the perspectives of US oncologists and cancer genetic counselors (GCs) to describe their practices and views regarding recontact. MATERIALS AND METHODS We developed a survey using themes identified from semistructured interviews with oncologists and GCs and administered it in a national sample of oncologists and GCs between July and September 2022. RESULTS In total, 634 respondents completed the survey including 349 oncologists and 285 GCs. On frequency of recontacting patients with reclassified results, 40% of GCs reported recontacting often compared with 12.5% of oncologists. Neither group reported recording patient preference for recontact on electronic medical record (EMR). Both groups agreed that all reclassified variants, even those that do not affect clinical management, should be returned to patients. They also reported that recontact via EMR messages, mailed letters, and phone calls from GC assistants were more suitable for downgrades. By contrast, face-to-face meetings and phone calls were preferred for upgrades. Remarkably, oncologists were more likely to endorse face-to-face return of results and were more likely to endorse return through a nongenetics provider compared to GCs. CONCLUSION These data on current recontact practices and opinions provide a foundation for developing guidelines with explicit recommendations on patient recontact that can help maximize clinical effect while considering provider preferences for recontact within resource-constrained genomic practice settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukh Makhnoon
- Peter O'Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Elenita Davidson
- Department of Behavioral Science, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TTX
| | - Brian Shirts
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Banu Arun
- Clinical Cancer Genetics, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Sanjay Shete
- Department of Epidemiology, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
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Mackley MP, Chad L. Equity implications of patient-initiated recontact and follow-up in clinical genetics. Eur J Hum Genet 2023; 31:495-496. [PMID: 36959498 PMCID: PMC10172361 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-023-01341-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Michael P Mackley
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Clinical and Metabolic Genetics, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Lauren Chad
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Clinical and Metabolic Genetics, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department Bioethics, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Mighton C, Shickh S, Aguda V, Krishnapillai S, Adi-Wauran E, Bombard Y. From the patient to the population: Use of genomics for population screening. Front Genet 2022; 13:893832. [PMID: 36353115 PMCID: PMC9637971 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.893832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Genomic medicine is expanding from a focus on diagnosis at the patient level to prevention at the population level given the ongoing under-ascertainment of high-risk and actionable genetic conditions using current strategies, particularly hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC), Lynch Syndrome (LS) and familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). The availability of large-scale next-generation sequencing strategies and preventive options for these conditions makes it increasingly feasible to screen pre-symptomatic individuals through public health-based approaches, rather than restricting testing to high-risk groups. This raises anew, and with urgency, questions about the limits of screening as well as the moral authority and capacity to screen for genetic conditions at a population level. We aimed to answer some of these critical questions by using the WHO Wilson and Jungner criteria to guide a synthesis of current evidence on population genomic screening for HBOC, LS, and FH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Mighton
- Genomics Health Services Research Program, St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Salma Shickh
- Genomics Health Services Research Program, St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Vernie Aguda
- Genomics Health Services Research Program, St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Centre for Medical Education, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Suvetha Krishnapillai
- Genomics Health Services Research Program, St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ella Adi-Wauran
- Genomics Health Services Research Program, St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yvonne Bombard
- Genomics Health Services Research Program, St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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6
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Richardson B, Fitzgerald-Butt SM, Spoonamore KG, Wetherill L, Helm BM, Breman AM. Management of amended variant classification laboratory reports by genetic counselors in the United States and Canada: An exploratory study. J Genet Couns 2021; 31:479-488. [PMID: 34570930 DOI: 10.1002/jgc4.1514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
For the past two decades, the guidelines put forth by the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) detailing providers' clinical responsibility to recontact patients have remained mostly unchanged, despite evolving variant interpretation practices which have yielded substantial rates of reclassification and amended reports. In fact, there is little information regarding genetic counselors' roles in informing patients of reclassified variants, or the process by which these amended reports are currently being handled. In this study, we developed a survey to measure current experiences with amended variant reports and preferences for ideal management, which was completed by 96 genetic counselors from the United States and Canada. All respondents indicated they were the individuals responsible for disclosing initial positive genetic testing results and any clinically actionable reclassified variant reports, and over half (56%) received at least a few amended variant reports each year. Nearly a quarter (20/87) of respondents reported having a standard operating procedure (SOP) for managing amended reports and all were very satisfied (12/20) or satisfied (8/20) with the SOP. Of those without a protocol, 76% (51/67) would prefer to have an SOP implemented. Respondents reported a preference for (1) laboratories to send amended variant reports directly to the genetic counselor or ordering physician through email or an online portal, and (2) notification to patients ideally occurring through a phone call. In the event that the original genetic counselor is inaccessible, respondents reported a preference for reports to be sent directly to another genetic counselor (36%) on the team or the clinic in general (27%). Information from this study provides insight into the current practices of genetic counselors as applied to amended reports and what improvements may increase the efficiency of the reporting process. Moreover, these results suggest a need for an updated statement addressing duty to recontact, specifically as it applies to amended variant reports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke Richardson
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Sara M Fitzgerald-Butt
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Katherine G Spoonamore
- Department of Medicine, Krannert Institute of Cardiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Leah Wetherill
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Benjamin M Helm
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Fairbanks School of Public Health, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Amy M Breman
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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Doheny S. Recontacting in medical genetics: the implications of a broadening knowledge base. Hum Genet 2021; 141:1045-1051. [PMID: 34459979 PMCID: PMC9160136 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-021-02353-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The practice of recontacting patients has a long history in medicine but emerged as an issue in genetics as the rapid expansion of knowledge and of testing capacity raised questions about whether, when and how to recontact patients. Until recently, the debate on recontacting has focussed on theoretical concerns of experts. The publication of empirical research into the views of patients, clinicians, laboratories and services in a number of countries has changed this. These studies have filled out, and altered our view of, this issue. Whereas debates on the duty to recontact have explored all aspects of recontact practice, recent contributions have been developing a more nuanced view of recontacting. The result is a narrowing of the scope of the duty, so that a norm on recontacting focuses on the practice of reaching out to discharged patients. This brings into focus the importance of the consent conversation, the resource implications of this duty, and the role of the patient in recontacting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane Doheny
- Cardiff University Institute of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff, SGM, UK.
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Mighton C, Shickh S, Uleryk E, Pechlivanoglou P, Bombard Y. Clinical and psychological outcomes of receiving a variant of uncertain significance from multigene panel testing or genomic sequencing: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Genet Med 2020; 23:22-33. [PMID: 32921787 DOI: 10.1038/s41436-020-00957-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This study systematically reviewed and synthesized the literature on psychological and clinical outcomes of receiving a variant of uncertain significance (VUS) from multigene panel testing or genomic sequencing. MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched. Two reviewers screened studies and extracted data. Data were synthesized through meta-analysis and meta-aggregation. The search identified 4539 unique studies and 15 were included in the review. Patients with VUS reported higher genetic test-specific concerns on the Multidimensional Impact of Cancer Risk Assessment (MICRA) scale than patients with negative results (mean difference 3.73 [95% CI 0.80 to 6.66] P = 0.0126), and lower than patients with positive results (mean difference -7.01 [95% CI -11.31 to -2.71], P = 0.0014). Patients with VUS and patients with negative results were similarly likely to have a change in their clinical management (OR 1.41 [95% CI 0.90 to 2.21], P = 0.182), and less likely to have a change in management than patients with positive results (OR 0.09 [95% CI 0.05 to 0.19], P < 0.0001). Factors that contributed to how patients responded to their VUS included their interpretation of the result and their health-care provider's counseling and recommendations. Review findings suggest there may be a need for practice guidelines or clinical decision support tools for VUS disclosure and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Mighton
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Genomics Health Services Research Program, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Salma Shickh
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Genomics Health Services Research Program, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Petros Pechlivanoglou
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yvonne Bombard
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Genomics Health Services Research Program, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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10
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El Mecky J, Johansson L, Plantinga M, Fenwick A, Lucassen A, Dijkhuizen T, van der Hout A, Lyle K, van Langen I. Reinterpretation, reclassification, and its downstream effects: challenges for clinical laboratory geneticists. BMC Med Genomics 2019; 12:170. [PMID: 31779608 PMCID: PMC6883538 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-019-0612-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, the amount of genomic data produced in clinical genetics services has increased significantly due to the advent of next-generation sequencing. This influx of genomic information leads to continuous changes in knowledge on how genetic variants relate to hereditary disease. These changes can have important consequences for patients who have had genetic testing in the past, as new information may affect their clinical management. When and how patients should be recontacted after new genetic information becomes available has been investigated extensively. However, the issue of how to handle the changing nature of genetic information remains underexplored in a laboratory setting, despite it being the first stage at which changes in genetic data are identified and managed. METHODS The authors organized a 7-day online focus group discussion. Fifteen clinical laboratory geneticists took part. All (nine) Dutch clinical molecular genetics diagnostic laboratories were represented. RESULTS Laboratories in our study reinterpret genetic variants reactively, e.g. at the request of a clinician or following identification of a previously classified variant in a new patient. Participants currently deemed active, periodic reinterpretation to be unfeasible and opinions differed on whether it is desirable, particularly regarding patient autonomy and the main responsibilities of the laboratory. The efficacy of reinterpretation was questioned in the presence of other strategies, such as reanalysis and resequencing of DNA. Despite absence of formal policy regarding when to issue a new report for clinicians due to reclassified genetic data, participants indicated similar practice across all laboratories. However, practice differed significantly between laboratory geneticists regarding the reporting of VUS reclassifications. CONCLUSION Based on the results, the authors formulated five challenges needing to be addressed in future laboratory guidelines: 1. Should active reinterpretation of variants be conducted by the laboratory as a routine practice? 2. How does reinterpretation initiated by the laboratory relate to patient expectations and consent? 3. When should reinterpreted data be considered clinically significant and communicated from laboratory to clinician? 4. Should reinterpretation, reanalysis or a new test be conducted? 5. How are reclassifications perceived and how might this affect laboratory practice?
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia El Mecky
- Department of Clinical Genetics, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands. .,Clinical Ethics and Law Southampton, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
| | - Lennart Johansson
- Department of Clinical Genetics, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Mirjam Plantinga
- Department of Clinical Genetics, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Angela Fenwick
- Clinical Ethics and Law Southampton, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Anneke Lucassen
- Clinical Ethics and Law Southampton, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Trijnie Dijkhuizen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Annemieke van der Hout
- Department of Clinical Genetics, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Kate Lyle
- Clinical Ethics and Law Southampton, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Irene van Langen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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11
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Variant classification changes over time in BRCA1 and BRCA2. Genet Med 2019; 21:2248-2254. [PMID: 30971832 DOI: 10.1038/s41436-019-0493-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To report BRCA1 and BRCA2 (BRCA1/2) variant reassessments and reclassifications between 2012 and 2017 at the Advanced Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory (AMDL) in Toronto, Canada, which provides BRCA1/2 testing for patients in Ontario, and to compare AMDL variant classifications with submissions in ClinVar. METHODS Variants were assessed using a standardized variant assessment tool based on the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics/Association for Molecular Pathology's guidelines and tracked in an in-house database. Variants were shared through the Canadian Open Genetics Repository and submitted to ClinVar for comparison against other laboratories. RESULTS AMDL identified 1209 BRCA1/2 variants between 2012 and 2017. During this period, 32.9% (398/1209) of variants were reassessed and 12.4% (150/1209) were reclassified. The majority of reclassified variants were downgraded (112/150, 74.7%). Of the reclassified variants, 63.3% (95/150) were reclassified to benign, 20.7% (31/150) to likely benign, 10.0% (15/150) to variant of uncertain significance, 2.0% (3/150) to likely pathogenic, and 4.0% (6/150) to pathogenic. Discordant ClinVar submissions were found for 40.4% (488/1209) of variants. CONCLUSION BRCA1/2 variants may be reclassified over time. Reclassification presents ethical and practical challenges related to recontacting patients. Data sharing is essential to improve variant interpretation, to help patients receive appropriate care based on their genetic results.
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