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van der Schoot V, van der Meer E, Hillen MA, Yntema HG, Brunner HG, Oerlemans AJM. Exploring uncertainties regarding unsolicited findings in genetic testing. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2024; 119:108064. [PMID: 37976670 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2023.108064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Non-normative uncertainty (uncertainty about empirical facts) and normative uncertainty (uncertainty about moral values or beliefs) regarding unsolicited findings (UFs) might play an important role in clinical genetics. Identifying normative uncertainty is of special interest since it might guide towards novel directions for counseling practice. This study aims to gain insight into the role of non-normative and normative uncertainty regarding UFs, as expressed by counselees and counselors. METHODS We performed a secondary qualitative analysis of interviews with counselees (n = 20) and counselors (n = 20) who had been confronted with UFs. Following a deductive approach, we used Han et al.'s existing theoretical framework of uncertainty, in which we additionally incorporated normative uncertainty. RESULTS Major issues of non-normative uncertainty were practical and personal for counselees, whilst counselors' uncertainty pertained mainly to scientific issues. Normative uncertainty was a major theme throughout the interviews. We encountered the moral conflicts of autonomy vs. beneficence and non-maleficence and of autonomy vs. truthfulness. CONCLUSION Non-normative uncertainty regarding UFs highlights the need to gain more insight in their penetrance and clinical utility. This study suggests moral conflicts are a major source of feelings of uncertainty in clinical genetics. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Exploring counselees' non-normative uncertainties and normative conflicts seems a prerequisite to optimize genetic counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vyne van der Schoot
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Eline van der Meer
- IQ healthcare, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Marij A Hillen
- Department of Medical Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Helger G Yntema
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Han G Brunner
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands; GROW School for Development and Oncology, Maastricht University Maastricht, and the MHeNS School for Neuroscience, University of Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Anke J M Oerlemans
- IQ healthcare, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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Rahma AT, Abdullahi AS, Graziano G, Elbarazi I. The attitude and behaviors of the different spheres of the community of the United Arab Emirates toward the clinical utility and bioethics of secondary genetic findings: a cross-sectional study. Hum Genomics 2023; 17:98. [PMID: 37932866 PMCID: PMC10626730 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-023-00548-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Genome sequencing has utility, however, it may reveal secondary findings. While Western bioethicists have been occupied with managing secondary findings, specialists' attention in the Arabic countries has not yet been captured. We aim to explore the attitude of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) population toward secondary findings. METHOD We conducted a cross-sectional study between July and December 2022. The validated questionnaire was administered in English. The questionnaire consists of six sections addressing topics such as demographics, reactions to hypothetical genetic test results, disclosure of mutations to family members, willingness to seek genetic testing, and attitudes toward consanguinity. Chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests were used to investigate associations between categorical variables. RESULTS We had 343 participants of which the majority were female (67%). About four-fifths (82%) were willing to know the secondary findings, whether the condition has treatment or not. The most likely action to take among the participants was to know the secondary findings, so they can make life choices (61%). CONCLUSION These results can construct the framework of the bioethics of disclosing secondary findings in the Arab regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azhar T Rahma
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, 15551, UAE.
| | - Aminu S Abdullahi
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, 15551, UAE
| | | | - Iffat Elbarazi
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, 15551, UAE
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Geiger J, Fuchs J, Starke M, Neumann M, Baber R, Nussbeck SY, Kiehntopf M, Specht C, Illig T, Hummel M, Jahns R. GBA/GBN-position on the feedback of incidental findings in biobank-based research: consensus-based workflow for hospital-based biobanks. Eur J Hum Genet 2023; 31:1066-1072. [PMID: 36732662 PMCID: PMC10474025 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-023-01299-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Incidental research findings pose a considerable challenge to hospital-based research biobanks since they are acting as intermediaries between healthcare and research. In a joint action the centralized biobank ibdw (Interdisciplinary Bank of Biomaterials and Data Wuerzburg) together with local authorities drafted a coherent concept to manage incidental research findings in full compliance with relevant ethical and data privacy regulations. The concept was developed and elaborated in close collaboration with the German Biobank Alliance (GBA). Comprehensive documentation of all steps guarantees the traceability of the process. By a mandatory assessment of the findings prior to re-identification of the individual concerned, unnecessary measures can be avoided. The individual's "right not to know" is respected according to the stipulations of the informed consent. As a general principle any communication with the individual occurs exclusively through the hospital and by competent physicians with appropriate knowledge and communication skills. We propose this scheme as a blueprint for reporting workflows for incidental research findings at hospital-based biobanks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joerg Geiger
- Interdisciplinary Bank of Biomaterials and Data Wuerzburg (ibdw), University and University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany.
| | - Joerg Fuchs
- Interdisciplinary Bank of Biomaterials and Data Wuerzburg (ibdw), University and University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Madeline Starke
- Interdisciplinary Bank of Biomaterials and Data Wuerzburg (ibdw), University and University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Michael Neumann
- Interdisciplinary Bank of Biomaterials and Data Wuerzburg (ibdw), University and University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Ronny Baber
- Leipzig Medical Biobank, University Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sara Y Nussbeck
- University Medical Center Goettingen, Central Biobank, UMG, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Michael Kiehntopf
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics and Integrated Biobank Jena (IBBJ), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Cornelia Specht
- German Biobank Node, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Michael Hummel
- German Biobank Node, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Roland Jahns
- Interdisciplinary Bank of Biomaterials and Data Wuerzburg (ibdw), University and University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
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Botes M. Regulating scientific and technological uncertainty: The precautionary principle in the context of human genomics and AI. S AFR J SCI 2023; 119:15037. [PMID: 39328368 PMCID: PMC11426231 DOI: 10.17159/sajs.2023/15037] [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: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Considered in isolation, the ethical and societal challenges posed by genomics and artificial intelligence (AI) are profound and include issues relating to autonomy, privacy, equality, bias, discrimination, and the abuse of power, amongst others. When these two technologies are combined, the ethical, legal and societal issues increase substantially, become much more complex, and can be scaled enormously, which increases the impact. Adding to these complexities, both genomics and AI-enabled technologies are rife with scientific and technological uncertainties, which makes the regulation of these technologies not only challenging in itself, but also creates legal uncertainties. In science, the precautionary principle has been used globally to govern uncertainty, with the specific aim to prevent irreversible harm to human beings. The regulation of uncertainties in AI-enabled technologies is based on risk as set out in the AI Regulation that was recently proposed by the European Commission. However, when genomics and artificial intelligence are combined, not only do uncertainties double, but the current regulation of such uncertainties towards the safe use thereof for humans seems contradictory, considering the different approaches followed by science and technology in this regard. In this article, I explore the regulation of both scientific and technological uncertainties and argue that the application of the precautionary principle in the context of human genomics and AI seems to be the most effective way to regulate the uncertainties brought about by the combination of these two technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marietjie Botes
- SnT Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability, and Trust, University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
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Tommel J, Kenis D, Lambrechts N, Brohet RM, Swysen J, Mollen L, Hoefmans MJF, Pusparum M, Evers AWM, Ertaylan G, Roos M, Hens K, Houwink EJF. Personal Genomes in Practice: Exploring Citizen and Healthcare Professionals' Perspectives on Personalized Genomic Medicine and Personal Health Data Spaces Using a Mixed-Methods Design. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:786. [PMID: 37107544 PMCID: PMC10137790 DOI: 10.3390/genes14040786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Ongoing health challenges, such as the increased global burden of chronic disease, are increasingly answered by calls for personalized approaches to healthcare. Genomic medicine, a vital component of these personalization strategies, is applied in risk assessment, prevention, prognostication, and therapeutic targeting. However, several practical, ethical, and technological challenges remain. Across Europe, Personal Health Data Space (PHDS) projects are under development aiming to establish patient-centered, interoperable data ecosystems balancing data access, control, and use for individual citizens to complement the research and commercial focus of the European Health Data Space provisions. The current study explores healthcare users' and health care professionals' perspectives on personalized genomic medicine and PHDS solutions, in casu the Personal Genetic Locker (PGL). A mixed-methods design was used, including surveys, interviews, and focus groups. Several meta-themes were generated from the data: (i) participants were interested in genomic information; (ii) participants valued data control, robust infrastructure, and sharing data with non-commercial stakeholders; (iii) autonomy was a central concern for all participants; (iv) institutional and interpersonal trust were highly significant for genomic medicine; and (v) participants encouraged the implementation of PHDSs since PHDSs were thought to promote the use of genomic data and enhance patients' control over their data. To conclude, we formulated several facilitators to implement genomic medicine in healthcare based on the perspectives of a diverse set of stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Tommel
- Health, Medical, and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Leiden University, Wassenaarseweg 52, 2333 AK Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Daan Kenis
- Department of Philosophy, University of Antwerp, Rodestraat 14, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Richard M. Brohet
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, Isala Hospital, Dokter van Heesweg 2, 8025 AB Zwolle, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Murih Pusparum
- VITO Health, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium
- Data Science Institute, I-Biostat, Hasselt University, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Andrea W. M. Evers
- Health, Medical, and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Leiden University, Wassenaarseweg 52, 2333 AK Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Marco Roos
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Kristien Hens
- Department of Philosophy, University of Antwerp, Rodestraat 14, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Elisa J. F. Houwink
- Department of Family Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 221 Fourth Avenue SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care (PHEG), Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
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O’Shea R, Wood A, Patel C, McCarthy HJ, Mallawaarachchi A, Quinlan C, Simons C, Stark Z, Mallett AJ. Participant Choice towards Receiving Potential Additional Findings in an Australian Nephrology Research Genomics Study. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:1804. [PMID: 36292688 PMCID: PMC9601985 DOI: 10.3390/genes13101804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The choices of participants in nephrology research genomics studies about receiving additional findings (AFs) are unclear as are participant factors that might influence those choices. Methods: Participant choices and factors potentially impacting decisions about AFs were examined in an Australian study applying research genomic testing following uninformative diagnostic genetic testing for suspected monogenic kidney disease. Results: 93% of participants (195/210) chose to receive potential AFs. There were no statistically significant differences between those consenting to receive AFs or not in terms of gender (p = 0.97), median age (p = 0.56), being personally affected by the inherited kidney disease of interest (p = 0.38), or by the inheritance pattern (p = 0.12-0.19). Participants were more likely to choose not to receive AFs if the family proband presented in adulthood (p = 0.01), if there was family history of another genetic disorder (p = 0.01), and where the consent process was undertaken by an adult nephrologist (p = 0.01). Conclusion: The majority of participants in this nephrology research genomics study chose to receive potential AFs. Younger age of the family proband, family history of an alternate genetic disorder, and consenting by some multidisciplinary team members might impact upon participant choices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosie O’Shea
- KidGen Collaborative, Australian Genomics Health Alliance, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Alasdair Wood
- KidGen Collaborative, Australian Genomics Health Alliance, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Chirag Patel
- KidGen Collaborative, Australian Genomics Health Alliance, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
- Genetic Health Queensland, Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia
| | - Hugh J. McCarthy
- KidGen Collaborative, Australian Genomics Health Alliance, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
- Departments of Nephrology, Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Amali Mallawaarachchi
- KidGen Collaborative, Australian Genomics Health Alliance, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Catherine Quinlan
- KidGen Collaborative, Australian Genomics Health Alliance, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Nephrology, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Cas Simons
- KidGen Collaborative, Australian Genomics Health Alliance, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Zornitza Stark
- KidGen Collaborative, Australian Genomics Health Alliance, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Service, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Andrew J. Mallett
- KidGen Collaborative, Australian Genomics Health Alliance, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Renal Medicine, Townsville University Hospital, Townsville, QLD 4814, Australia
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- College of Medicine & Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4814, Australia
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Incidental Findings in Study Participants: What Is the Researcher’s Obligation? Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13101702. [PMID: 36292587 PMCID: PMC9601588 DOI: 10.3390/genes13101702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: As technology advances and genomic testing becomes commonplace, incidental findings, or the discovery of unrelated results, have increased. The American College of Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) established recommendations for the return of pathologic variants in 78 genes in the clinical setting based on medically actionable conditions from genes linked with preventable or treatable diseases. However, the lack of policy in the research setting poses a serious ethical dilemma for researchers, potentially threatening the participant’s trust and willingness to contribute to a process with more significant risk than benefit. Purpose: Our goal was to determine the preferred ethical approach to handling incidental research findings and suggest a new standard for investigators and participants. Methods: By employing Wueste’s IAJD Framework of ethical evaluation, the current research policy, as well as a proposed policy, were analyzed, and then a policy analysis was employed to ascertain feasibility. Results and Discussion: The current policy of leaving the decision of returning incidental findings up to the researcher’s discretion is an ethical failure from the consequential, deontological, and intellectual freedom perspectives. However, the proposed policy of implementing the ACMG guidance for researchers to satisfy ethical demands reinforces its moral fortitude. In a period of increasing public awareness, the community, which is the prospective research pool, has increased demands for autonomy and less paternalistic behavior from medicine and science. This paper synthesizes recommendations by numerous organizations to establish a mutually beneficial policy that will ensure the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) goal, stated in the 2014 Joint Rule, of making participants “partners” in research a reality.
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García Montes R, Corral Liria I, Jimenez Fernandez R, Rodriguez Vázquez R, Becerro de Bengoa Vallejo R, Losa Iglesias M. Personal Tools and Psychosocial Resources of Resilient Gender-Based Violence Women. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18168306. [PMID: 34444054 PMCID: PMC8394460 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Gender-based violence is considered a serious social and public health problem. Overcoming this situation implies a process that results in the favorable biopsychosocial rehabilitation of the resilience of women. The objective of this study was to analyze the tools, resources and personal and psychosocial mechanisms used by women survivors of gender-based violence. The design was an interpretative phenomenology. It was carried out with 22 women who have overcome gender-based violence. Data were collected through personal interviews and narration. The results were grouped into four themes: “Process of violence”, “Social resources for coping and overcoming GBV”, “Personal tools for coping and overcoming GBV” and “Feelings identified, from the abuse stage to the survival stage”. Several studies concluded that overcoming abuse is influenced by the women’s social network, and it can be the action of these people determining their survival to gender violence. Despite the recognized usefulness of these available resources, it would be desirable to strengthen them in order to be able to drive more women toward survival, assuming a strengthening of coping and overcoming, without forgetting the importance of other support mechanisms, such as their family and group therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebeca García Montes
- Nursing and Stomatology Department, Health Sciences Faculty, King Juan Carlos University of Madrid, 28922 Madrid, Spain; (R.G.M.); (R.J.F.); (R.R.V.); (M.L.I.)
| | - Inmaculada Corral Liria
- Nursing and Stomatology Department, Health Sciences Faculty, King Juan Carlos University of Madrid, 28922 Madrid, Spain; (R.G.M.); (R.J.F.); (R.R.V.); (M.L.I.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Raquel Jimenez Fernandez
- Nursing and Stomatology Department, Health Sciences Faculty, King Juan Carlos University of Madrid, 28922 Madrid, Spain; (R.G.M.); (R.J.F.); (R.R.V.); (M.L.I.)
| | - Rocío Rodriguez Vázquez
- Nursing and Stomatology Department, Health Sciences Faculty, King Juan Carlos University of Madrid, 28922 Madrid, Spain; (R.G.M.); (R.J.F.); (R.R.V.); (M.L.I.)
| | | | - Marta Losa Iglesias
- Nursing and Stomatology Department, Health Sciences Faculty, King Juan Carlos University of Madrid, 28922 Madrid, Spain; (R.G.M.); (R.J.F.); (R.R.V.); (M.L.I.)
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9
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Burdon KP. The utility of genomic testing in the ophthalmology clinic: A review. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2021; 49:615-625. [PMID: 34231298 DOI: 10.1111/ceo.13970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Genomic testing assesses many genes in one test. It is often used in the diagnosis of heterogeneous single gene disorders where pathogenic variation in one of many genes are known to cause similar phenotypes, or where a clinical diagnosis is difficult to reach. In the ophthalmic setting, genomic testing can be used to diagnose several groups of diseases, including inherited retinal dystrophies, paediatric cataract, glaucoma and anterior segment dysgenesis and other syndromic developmental disorders with eye involvement. The testing can encompass several modalities ranging from whole genome sequencing to exome sequencing or targeted gene panels. The advantages to the patient of receiving a molecular diagnosis include an end to the diagnostic odyssey, determination of prognosis and clarification of treatment, access to accurate genetic counselling, and confirming eligibility for clinical trials or genetic specific therapies. Genomic testing is a powerful addition to the diagnosis and management of inherited eye disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn P Burdon
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
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Cléophat JE, Dorval M, El Haffaf Z, Chiquette J, Collins S, Malo B, Fradet V, Joly Y, Nabi H. Whether, when, how, and how much? General public's and cancer patients' views about the disclosure of genomic secondary findings. BMC Med Genomics 2021; 14:167. [PMID: 34174888 PMCID: PMC8236159 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-021-01016-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data on the modalities of disclosing genomic secondary findings (SFs) remain scarce. We explore cancer patients' and the general public's perspectives about disclosing genomic SFs and the modalities of such disclosure. METHODS Sixty-one cancer patients (n = 29) and members of the public (n = 32) participated in eight focus groups in Montreal and Quebec City, Canada. They were asked to provide their perspectives of five fictitious vignettes related to medically actionable and non-actionable SFs. Two researchers used a codification framework to conduct a thematic content analysis of the group discussion transcripts. RESULTS Cancer patients and members of the public were open to receive genomic SFs, considering their potential clinical and personal utility. They believed that the right to know or not and share or not such findings should remain the patient's decision. They thought that the disclosure of SFs should be made mainly in person by the prescribing clinician. Maintaining confidentiality when so requested and preventing genetic discrimination were considered essential. CONCLUSION Participants in this study welcomed the prospect of disclosing genomic SFs, as long as the right to choose to know or not to know is preserved. They called for the development of policies and practice guidelines that aim to protect genetic information confidentiality as well as the autonomy, physical and psychosocial wellbeing of patients and families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jude Emmanuel Cléophat
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Oncology Division, Research Center of the CHU de Québec-Laval University, Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, 1050, chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec, QC, G1S 4L8, Canada
| | - Michel Dorval
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Oncology Division, Research Center of the CHU de Québec-Laval University, Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, 1050, chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec, QC, G1S 4L8, Canada
- Laval University Cancer Research Center, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Research Center of the Chaudière-Appalaches Integrated Center for Health and Social Services, Lévis, QC, Canada
| | - Zaki El Haffaf
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Hospital Center of the University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Oncology Division, Research Center of the Hospital Center of the University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jocelyne Chiquette
- Oncology Division, Research Center of the CHU de Québec-Laval University, Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, 1050, chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec, QC, G1S 4L8, Canada
- Department of Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | | | - Benjamin Malo
- Infectious and Immune Diseases Division, Research center of the Quebec City University Hospital, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Vincent Fradet
- Oncology Division, Research Center of the CHU de Québec-Laval University, Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, 1050, chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec, QC, G1S 4L8, Canada
- Laval University Cancer Research Center, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Yann Joly
- Center of Genomics and Policy, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Hermann Nabi
- Oncology Division, Research Center of the CHU de Québec-Laval University, Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, 1050, chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec, QC, G1S 4L8, Canada.
- Laval University Cancer Research Center, Quebec City, QC, Canada.
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada.
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11
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Stakeholder views on opportunistic genomic screening in the Netherlands: a qualitative study. Eur J Hum Genet 2021; 29:949-956. [PMID: 33619333 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-021-00828-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome sequencing can be used to actively search for genetic variants unrelated to the initial clinical question. While such 'opportunistic genomic screening' (OGS) has been proposed in the USA, a European discussion on the ethics of OGS is only starting. Should testing for selected 'secondary findings' be offered to patients who need genetic sequencing? Using focus groups and interviews, we explored views on OGS in adults and minors from three perspectives: policy experts (n = 9), health professionals (n = 8) and patient representatives (n = 7). A thematic approach was used to analyze the data. There was consensus that OGS should be evaluated in terms of the classical 'screening' framework, rather than as a form of 'good patient care'. Accordingly, stakeholders agreed that professionals do not have a 'fiduciary duty' to look for secondary findings. Adding screening to clinical care was only conceivable with the patient's informed consent. In general, stakeholders were reluctant towards OGS. Arguments for regarding OGS being premature included lack of evidence regarding its clinical utility, also in view of uncertainties regarding general population penetrance, and concerns about both its psychosocial impact and respect for autonomy. All groups agreed that OGS means unequal access, which was seen as problematic. Yet, despite their concerns, stakeholders felt that offering screening for certain actionable pathogenic variants with known high penetrance could potentially be valuable in certain contexts for both adults and minors. Pharmacogenetic variants were regarded as a category by itself, for which OGS could potentially be beneficial.
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Kelly MA, Leader JB, Wain KE, Bodian D, Oetjens MT, Ledbetter DH, Martin CL, Strande NT. Leveraging population-based exome screening to impact clinical care: The evolution of variant assessment in the Geisinger MyCode research project. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS PART C-SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2021; 187:83-94. [PMID: 33576083 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.31887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Exome and genome sequencing are increasingly utilized in research studies and clinical care and can provide clinically relevant information beyond the initial intent for sequencing, including medically actionable secondary findings. Despite ongoing debate about sharing this information with patients and participants, a growing number of clinical laboratories and research programs routinely report secondary findings that increase the risk for selected diseases. Recently, there has been a push to maximize the potential benefit of this practice by implementing proactive genomic screening at the population level irrespective of medical history, but the feasibility of deploying population-scale proactive genomic screening requires scaling key elements of the genomic data evaluation process. Herein, we describe the motivation, development, and implementation of a population-scale variant-first screening pipeline combining bioinformatics-based filtering with a manual review process to screen for clinically relevant findings in research exomes generated through the DiscovEHR collaboration within Geisinger's MyCode® research project. Consistent with other studies, this pipeline yields a screen-positive detection rate between 2.1 and 2.6% (depending on inclusion of those with prior indication-based testing) in 130,048 adult MyCode patient-participants screened for clinically relevant findings in 60 genes. Our variant-first pipeline affords cost and time savings by filtering out negative cases, thereby avoiding analysis of each exome one-by-one, as typically employed in the diagnostic setting. While research is still needed to fully appreciate the benefits of population genomic screening, MyCode provides the first demonstration of a program at scale to help shape how population genomic screening is integrated into routine clinical care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Karen E Wain
- Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Dale Bodian
- Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pennsylvania, USA
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Opportunistic genomic screening. Recommendations of the European Society of Human Genetics. Eur J Hum Genet 2020; 29:365-377. [PMID: 33223530 PMCID: PMC7940405 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-020-00758-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
If genome sequencing is performed in health care, in theory the opportunity arises to take a further look at the data: opportunistic genomic screening (OGS). The European Society of Human Genetics (ESHG) in 2013 recommended that genome analysis should be restricted to the original health problem at least for the time being. Other organizations have argued that ‘actionable’ genetic variants should or could be reported (including American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics, French Society of Predictive and Personalized Medicine, Genomics England). They argue that the opportunity should be used to routinely and systematically look for secondary findings—so-called opportunistic screening. From a normative perspective, the distinguishing characteristic of screening is not so much its context (whether public health or health care), but the lack of an indication for having this specific test or investigation in those to whom screening is offered. Screening entails a more precarious benefits-to-risks balance. The ESHG continues to recommend a cautious approach to opportunistic screening. Proportionality and autonomy must be guaranteed, and in collectively funded health-care systems the potential benefits must be balanced against health care expenditures. With regard to genome sequencing in pediatrics, ESHG argues that it is premature to look for later-onset conditions in children. Counseling should be offered and informed consent is and should be a central ethical norm. Depending on developing evidence on penetrance, actionability, and available resources, OGS pilots may be justified to generate data for a future, informed, comparative analysis of OGS and its main alternatives, such as cascade testing.
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Caenazzo L, Tozzo P, Dierickx K. New Frontiers and Old Challenges: How to Manage Incidental Findings When Forensic Diagnosis Goes Beyond. Diagnostics (Basel) 2020; 10:diagnostics10090731. [PMID: 32971910 PMCID: PMC7555971 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics10090731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Incidental findings (IFs) are well known in medical research and clinical practice as unexpected findings having potential health or reproductive importance for an individual. IFs are discovered under different contexts but do not fall within the aim of a study, and/or are unanticipated or unintentionally revealed, and/or are not the specific focus or target of the particular research or clinical query. Today, in forensic settings, we can consider as incidental findings all the information that is neither related to the cause of death nor to the dynamic of the event or the scope of the forensic investigation. The question whether and how professionals should consider traditional values as guiding notions in the reporting of IFs in the context of forensic assessments is the focus of this article. We propose a descriptive analysis, which focuses on the forensic field, describing forensic situations in which IFs may occur, and whether and to whom they may be disclosed. Some considerations will be provided regarding forensic experts concerning their moral commitment to warn relatives about IFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Caenazzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Forensic Genetics, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy;
| | - Pamela Tozzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Forensic Genetics, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0498-272-234
| | - Kris Dierickx
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, Faculty of Medicine—KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 35 Box 7001, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
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