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Fletcher S, Jenner K, Holland M, Khair K. Barriers to gene therapy, understanding the concerns people with haemophilia have: an exigency sub-study. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2024; 19:59. [PMID: 38341591 PMCID: PMC10859013 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-024-03068-2] [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: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gene therapy has the potential to offer people with haemophilia (PwH) a life free from bleeding and the burden posed by current treatment regimens. To date, gene therapy has only been available in clinical trial settings, to PwH without pre-existing or historical factor inhibitors, significant concomitant liver damage or pre-existing neutralising antibodies to the adeno-associated viruses used to deliver the therapy. Thus, most PwH treated at centres not currently involved in gene therapy trials, either as a referral/follow-up centre or as a dosing centre, have been unable to access the therapy. This Exigency sub-study aims to gain a greater understanding of the opinions of PwH in the United Kingdom who have not had access to gene therapy: asking what they understand, what concerns they have, and whether they perceive any barriers preventing their access to gene therapy. RESULTS Twenty-three PwH were approached; 14 consented, and one withdrew prior to interview. The mean age of the participants was 35.7 years (range 25-74 years). Eleven had haemophilia A and two haemophilia B. Two were treated with standard half-life factor products, five with extended half-life products, five with a FVIII mimetic and one with a clinical trial product. One family member (a participant's partner) was also interviewed. The participants identified four barriers to gene therapy: concerns about the process of gene therapy (Expectations), uncertainty about the results (outcomes), (Access) to treatment, and a lack of understanding about gene therapy (education). CONCLUSIONS This Exigency study subgroup sees gene therapy as a positive treatment development that promises an improved quality of life. For this participant group, four issues impact their decision to undergo gene therapy. If the promise of gene therapy is to be realised, these barriers need to be acknowledged and addressed by healthcare professionals, patient organisations, and gene therapy providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Fletcher
- Haemnet, London, N15 3JR, UK.
- Oxford Haemophilia and Thrombosis Centre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, OX3 7LE, UK.
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Hermans C, Gruel Y, Frenzel L, Krumb E. How to translate and implement the current science of gene therapy into haemophilia care? Ther Adv Hematol 2023; 14:20406207221145627. [PMID: 36654740 PMCID: PMC9841832 DOI: 10.1177/20406207221145627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene-based therapy opens an entirely new paradigm in managing people with haemophilia (PWH), offering them the possibility of a functional cure by enabling continuous expression of factor VIII (FVIII) or factor IX (FIX) after transfer of a functional gene designed to replace the PWH's own defective gene. In recent years, significant advances in gene therapy have been made, resulting in clotting factor activity attaining near-normal levels, as reflected by 'zero bleeding rates' in previously severely inflicted patients following a single administration of adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors. While this new approach represents a major advancement, there are still several issues that must be resolved before applying this technology in clinical practice. First, awareness, communication, and education about the therapeutic potential and modalities of gene therapy must be further strengthened. To this end, objective, unbiased, transparent, and regularly updated information must be shared, in an appropriate way and understandable language with the support of patients' organizations. Second, healthcare providers should adopt a patient-centred approach, as the 'one size fits all' approach is inappropriate when considering gene therapy. Instead, a holistic patient view taking into account their physical and mental dimensions, along with unexpressed expectations and preferences, is mandatory. Third, the consent procedure must be improved, ensuring that patients' interests are maximally protected. Finally, gene therapy is likely to be first delivered in a few centres, with the highest expertise and experience in this domain. Thus, patients should be managed based on a hub-and-spoke model, taking into account that the key to gene therapy's success lies in an optimal communication and collaboration both within and between haemophilia centres sharing their experiences in the frame of international registries. This review describes recent progress and explains outstanding hurdles that must be tackled to ease the implementation of this paradigm-changing new therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cedric Hermans
- Haemostasis and Thrombosis Unit, Division of Adult Haematology, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Avenue Hippocrate 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Yves Gruel
- Centre Régional de Traitement de l’Hémophilie, Hôpital Trousseau, CHRU de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Laurent Frenzel
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Hematological Disorders and Therapeutical Implications, Labex GR-Ex, Imagine Institute, Inserm, Paris Descartes – Sorbonne Paris Cité University, Paris, France
- Hematology unit care, Hemophilia Center, Necker Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Evelien Krumb
- Haemostasis and Thrombosis Unit, Division of Adult Haematology, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Brussels, Belgium
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Limjoco J, Thornburg CD. Gene Therapy for Hemophilia A: A Mixed Methods Study of Patient Preferences and Shared Decision-Making. Patient Prefer Adherence 2023; 17:1093-1105. [PMID: 37102127 PMCID: PMC10123005 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s406894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose As gene therapies for hemophilia are incorporated into clinical practice, shared decision-making (SDM) is recommended for implementation. SDM tools may facilitate informed decision-making for gene therapy and other novel therapies. Objective To inform the development of SDM tools for hemophilia gene therapy. Patients and Methods Men with severe hemophilia were recruited from the National Hemophilia Foundation (NHF) Community Voices in Research (CVR). Semi-structured interviews were completed, and the interviews were transcribed verbatim for quantitative and qualitative analysis. Results Twenty-five men with severe hemophilia A participated. All participants reported treatment with prophylaxis, nine (36%) on continuous prophylaxis with clotting factor, one (4%) on intermittent prophylaxis with clotting factor, and 15 (60%) on continuous prophylaxis with emicizumab. Ten (40%) indicated that they are excited about gene therapy, 12 (48%) indicated that they are hopeful about gene therapy, one (4%) indicated that they are worried or scared about gene therapy, and one (4%) indicated that they do not have strong feelings about gene therapy. Participants reported engaging Hemophilia Treatment Center, family, and the hemophilia community in their decision-making process. The most reported information needs are efficacy, safety, cost/insurance, mechanism of action, and follow-up. In addition, key information themes that emerged were patient testimonials, hard data and statistics, and comparison to other products. Twenty-two (88%) indicated that a SDM tool would be useful when discussing gene therapy with their hemophilia team. Two indicated that they do their own research, and the tool would not add anything. One needed more information to provide an answer. Conclusion These data highlight the utility of a SDM tool for hemophilia gene therapy and key information needs. Data including comparison to other treatments should be provided along with patient testimonials in a transparent format. Patients will engage the Hemophilia Treatment Center, family, and community members in the decision-making process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Limjoco
- Hemophilia and Thrombosis Treatment Center, Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Courtney D Thornburg
- Hemophilia and Thrombosis Treatment Center, Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, UC San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Correspondence: Courtney D Thornburg, Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego, 3020 Children’s Way, MC 5035, San Diego, CA, 92123, USA, Tel +1 858-966-5811, Fax +1 858-966-8035, Email
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Hermans C, Noone D, Benson G, Dolan G, Eichler H, Jiménez-Yuste V, Königs C, Lobet S, Pollard D, Zupančić-Šalek S, Mancuso ME. Hemophilia treatment in 2021: Choosing the"optimal" treatment using an integrative, patient-oriented approach to shared decision-making between patients and clinicians. Blood Rev 2021; 52:100890. [PMID: 34736780 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2021.100890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The mainstay of hemophilia treatment is to prevent bleeding through regular long-term prophylaxis and to control acute breakthrough bleeds. Various treatment options are currently available for prophylaxis, and treatment decision-making is a challenging and multifaceted process of identifying the most appropriate option for each patient. A multidisciplinary expert panel convened to develop a practical, patient-oriented algorithm to facilitate shared treatment decision-making between clinicians and patients. Key variables were identified, and an algorithm proposed based on five variables: bleeding phenotype, musculoskeletal status, treatment adherence, venous access, and lifestyle. A complementary, patient-focused preference tool was also hypothesized, with the aim of exploring individual patients' priorities, preferences, and goals. It is hoped that the proposed algorithm and the hypothesized patient preference tool will assist in selecting a treatment for each patient that is as efficient as possible in preventing bleeds while also accounting for the patient's expectations and priorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cedric Hermans
- Haemostasis and Thrombosis Unit, Division of Haematology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Brussels, Belgium.
| | | | - Gary Benson
- Haemophilia and Thrombosis Centre, Belfast City Hospital, Belfast, Ireland
| | - Gerry Dolan
- Centre for Haemostasis and Thrombosis, St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK
| | - Hermann Eichler
- University and University Hospital of Saarland, Institute of Clinical Haemostaseology and Transfusion Medicine, Homburg, Saar, Germany
| | - Víctor Jiménez-Yuste
- Hospital Universitario La Paz, Unidad de Coagulopatías, Servicio de Hematología, Autonoma University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Christoph Königs
- Clinical and Molecular Haemostasis, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Sébastien Lobet
- Haemostasis and Thrombosis Unit, Division of Haematology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Brussels, Belgium; Neuromusculoskeletal Lab (NMSK), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Debra Pollard
- Katharine Dormandy Haemophilia & Thrombosis Centre, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Maria Elisa Mancuso
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemorrhagic Diseases, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
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Woollard L, Gorman R, Rosenfelt DJ. Improving patient informed consent for haemophilia gene therapy: the case for change. THERAPEUTIC ADVANCES IN RARE DISEASE 2021; 2:26330040211047244. [PMID: 37181114 PMCID: PMC10032461 DOI: 10.1177/26330040211047244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus-based gene therapy points to a coming transformation in the treatment of people living with haemophilia, promising sustained bleed control and potential improvement in quality of life. Nevertheless, the consequences of introducing new genetic material are not trivial. The perceived benefits should not minimise the challenges facing patients in understanding the long-term risks and providing a valid and meaningful informed consent, whether in a research or clinical setting. Informed consent is a fundamentally important doctrine in both medical ethics and health law, upholding an individual's right to define their personal goals and make their own autonomous choices. Patients should be enabled to recognise their clinical situation, understand the implications of treatment and integrate every facet of their life into their decision. This review describes informed consent processes for haemophilia gene therapy clinical trials, factors affecting patients' decision making and the availability of patient-centred decision support interventions, to ensure that patients' interests are being protected. Regulatory guidance has been published for physicians and manufacturers in haemophilia on informed consent, including for gene therapy, while best-practice recommendations for patient-physician discussions are available. In all settings, however, communicating and presenting highly technical and complex therapeutic information is challenging, especially where multiple barriers to scientific knowledge and health literacy exist. We propose several evidence-informed strategies to enhance the consent procedure, such as utilising validated literacy and knowledge assessment tools as well as participatory learning environments over an extended period, to ensure that patients are fully cognisant of the consent they give or deny. Further research is needed to define new, creative approaches for patient education and the upholding of ethical values in the informed consent process for gene therapy. The lessons learnt and approaches developed within haemophilia could set the gold standard for good practice in ensuring ethical preparedness amidst advances in genetic therapies. Plain language summary Improving the informed consent process for people living with haemophilia considering gene therapy. Gene therapy is the process of replacing faulty genes with healthy ones. In haemophilia, gene therapy involves introducing a working copy of the gene for the clotting factor that patients are missing. Following treatment, patients should begin producing their own clotting factor normally. However, people living with haemophilia (PwH) need to be fully informed regarding the potential benefits and risks of gene therapy and what this means for them, whether as part of a research study or routine medical care.Patients must be respected and supported to make decisions about their own health and wellbeing, recognising their legal and moral right to set personal goals and make treatment choices. For this to happen in practice, patients should be aware of their individual health needs, understand the effects of treatment and consider lifestyle preferences in relation to their decisions. This article attempts to describe how informed consent is obtained in haemophilia gene therapy clinical trials, what affects a patient's ability to make decisions and the availability of information and support to respect and protect the interests of PwH.Regulators responsible for approving medical products have published guidance on informed consent for physicians and pharmaceutical manufacturers in haemophilia, including for gene therapy. Recommendations have been made about the best ways for PwH to discuss gene therapy with their physicians. Yet, poor communication of complex topics, such as gene therapy, can be problematic, especially if patients lack the skills and confidence to understand and discuss the science, or for physicians with limited time in clinic.We propose strategies to improve the consent process, so patients can feel more able to make informed decisions about new treatments. Further research is needed to find new, creative approaches for educating patients and ensuring that the informed consent process for gene therapy in haemophilia is ethical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Woollard
- On The Pulse Consultancy, Ltd., 14 Church View,
Wixoe, Sudbury, CO10 8UH, UK
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