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Robillard JM, Masellis M, Martin SE, Khachaturian AS, Dixon RA. The Return of Biomarker Results in Research: Balancing Complexity, Precision, and Ethical Responsibility. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 97:1083-1090. [PMID: 38306053 PMCID: PMC10836546 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230359] [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] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Recent research aimed at the discovery, integration, and communication of health outcome measures (or "biomarkers") in Alzheimer's disease has raised challenging questions related to whether, how and when results from these investigations should be disclosed to research participants. Reflecting the apparent heterogeneity of many neurodegenerative diseases, biomarker or other risk factor results are often probabilistic, interactive, multi-modal, and selective. Such characteristics make it very complex to summarize and communicate to clinicians, researchers, and research participants. Whereas the format and content of academic literature is well-managed by the peer-review process, reporting individualized results to participants involves complex, sensitive, and ethical considerations. This paper describes three key factors to consider in decisions about the return of results to research participants: complexity, precision, and responsibility. The paper also presents six practical recommendations for implementing meaningful and ethical communication with research participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie M Robillard
- Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- BC Children's and Women's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mario Masellis
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Susanna E Martin
- Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- BC Children's and Women's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Ara S Khachaturian
- The Campaign to Prevent Alzheimer's Disease 2020, Inc. Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Roger A Dixon
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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