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Church AJ, Wakefield CE, Hetherington K, Shern JF. Promise and Perils of Precision Oncology for Patients With Pediatric and Young Adult Sarcomas. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2024; 44:e432794. [PMID: 38924707 DOI: 10.1200/edbk_432794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
The completion of multiple national pediatric precision oncology platform trials and the incorporation of standardized molecular profiling into the diagnostic care of pediatric and young adult patients with sarcomas have proven the feasibility and potential of the approach. In this work, we explore the current state of the art of precision oncology for pediatric and young adults with sarcoma. We highlight important lessons learned and the challenges that should be addressed in the next generation of trials. The chapter outlines current efforts to improve standardization of molecular assays, harmonization of data collection, and novel molecular tools such as cell-free DNA analyses. Finally, we discuss the impacts and psychosocial outcomes experienced by patients and communication strategies for providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alanna J Church
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Claire E Wakefield
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Randwick, NSW, Australia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kate Hetherington
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Randwick, NSW, Australia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jack F Shern
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
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Daly R, Hetherington K, Wadling BR, Jacobs C, Karpelowsky J, Wakefield CE. It provides families with other avenues for treatment when there are no other options Surgeons' perspectives of being part of a precision medicine trial for poor prognosis paediatric cancer patients: A short report. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e7209. [PMID: 38716651 PMCID: PMC11077424 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.7209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Precision medicine is transforming cancer treatment, yet the perspectives of surgeons who often play a critical role in the delivery of precision medicine remain understudied. METHODS We conducted semi-structured interviews with 13 surgeons involved in a precision medicine trial for children with poor prognosis cancer. We explored knowledge of genetics, confidence with somatic and germline results, ratings of benefit to stakeholders and willingness to undertake surgical procedures. RESULTS Surgeons generally had positive attitudes towards precision medicine but expressed concerns about families' unrealistic expectations, mixed opinions on the benefits and the use of research-only biopsies. Most surgeons rated their genetics knowledge as 'good' (69%) and felt 'very confident' in identifying genetic specialists (66%), but 'not confident' (66.6%) in making treatment recommendations. Surgeons' willingness to undertake a procedure was influenced by potential patient benefit. CONCLUSIONS Our findings support the need for more workforce and training support for surgeons to fully engage with precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Daly
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical MedicineUNSW Medicine & Health, UNSWSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer CentreSydney Children's HospitalRandwickNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Kate Hetherington
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical MedicineUNSW Medicine & Health, UNSWSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer CentreSydney Children's HospitalRandwickNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Bethany R. Wadling
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical MedicineUNSW Medicine & Health, UNSWSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer CentreSydney Children's HospitalRandwickNew South WalesAustralia
- Graduate School of HealthUniversity of Technology SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Chris Jacobs
- Graduate School of HealthUniversity of Technology SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Jonathan Karpelowsky
- Department of Paediatric SurgeryChildren's Hospital at WestmeadWestmeadNew South WalesAustralia
- Children's Cancer Research UnitKids Research Institute, Children's Hospital at WestmeadWestmeadNew South WalesAustralia
- Division of Child and Adolescent HealthUniversity of SydneyCamperdownNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Claire E. Wakefield
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical MedicineUNSW Medicine & Health, UNSWSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer CentreSydney Children's HospitalRandwickNew South WalesAustralia
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Mazariego CG, McKay S, Tyedmers E, Kelada L, McGill BC, Daly R, Wakefield CE, Ziegler DS, Taylor N. Co-design of a paediatric oncology medicines database (ProCure) to support complex care provision for children with a hard-to-treat cancer. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1332434. [PMID: 38606155 PMCID: PMC11007026 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1332434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Paediatric oncologists often encounter challenges when seeking compassionate access to off-label therapies for their patients. This study employed implementation science and co-design techniques to develop the ProCure medicines database, with the goal of streamlining the application process and addressing identified barriers in paediatric oncology. Methods This study utilised an exploratory qualitative research design. Seventeen healthcare providers, including oncologists, nurse consultants, and allied health professionals, participated in semi-structured interviews guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) and a visual process map aid. Deductive qualitative data analysis, according to the CFIR constructs, identified key barriers and facilitators. Collaborative design sessions engaged multidisciplinary teams to develop the ProCure beta version. Results Barriers to off-label therapy access included resource-intensive applications, time sensitive decision-making, and complex pharmaceutical information. Facilitators included Drug Access Navigators, Molecular Tumour Boards, and a multi-disciplinary approach. ProCure addressed end-user needs by centralising medicines information. Additional features suggested by healthcare providers included blood-brain-barrier penetrability data and successful application examples. Conclusion ProCure represents a promising solution to the challenges paediatric oncologists face in accessing off-label therapies. By centralising information, it simplifies the application process, aids decision-making, and promotes a collaborative approach to patient care. The potential of the database to stream and enhance off-label therapy access underscores its relevance in improving paediatric oncology practise. Further research and implementation efforts are warranted to assess ProCure's real-world impact and refine its features based on user feedback.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn G. Mazariego
- School of Population Health, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Skye McKay
- School of Population Health, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Elijah Tyedmers
- School of Population Health, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Lauren Kelada
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Brittany C. McGill
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Rebecca Daly
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Claire E. Wakefield
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - David S. Ziegler
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Children’s Cancer Institute Australia, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Natalie Taylor
- School of Population Health, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Bhatia K, Sandhu V, Wong MH, Iyer P, Bhatt S. Therapeutic biomarkers in acute myeloid leukemia: functional and genomic approaches. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1275251. [PMID: 38410111 PMCID: PMC10894932 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1275251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is clinically and genetically a heterogeneous disease characterized by clonal expansion of abnormal hematopoietic progenitors. Genomic approaches to precision medicine have been implemented to direct targeted therapy for subgroups of AML patients, for instance, IDH inhibitors for IDH1/2 mutated patients, and FLT3 inhibitors with FLT3 mutated patients. While next generation sequencing for genetic mutations has improved treatment outcomes, only a fraction of AML patients benefit due to the low prevalence of actionable targets. In recent years, the adoption of newer functional technologies for quantitative phenotypic analysis and patient-derived avatar models has strengthened the potential for generalized functional precision medicine approach. However, functional approach requires robust standardization for multiple variables such as functional parameters, time of drug exposure and drug concentration for making in vitro predictions. In this review, we first summarize genomic and functional therapeutic biomarkers adopted for AML therapy, followed by challenges associated with these approaches, and finally, the future strategies to enhance the implementation of precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karanpreet Bhatia
- Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Vedant Sandhu
- Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mei Hsuan Wong
- Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Prasad Iyer
- Children's Blood and Cancer Centre, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Duke-National University of Singapore (NUS) Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shruti Bhatt
- Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Gereis JM, Hetherington K, Robertson EG, Daly R, Donoghoe MW, Ziegler DS, Marshall GM, Lau LMS, Marron JM, Wakefield CE. Parents' and adolescents' perspectives and understanding of information about childhood cancer precision medicine. Cancer 2023; 129:3645-3655. [PMID: 37376781 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.34914] [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: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Precision medicine is projected to become integral to childhood cancer care. As such, it is essential to support families to understand what precision medicine entails. METHODS A total of 182 parents and 23 adolescent patients participating in Precision Medicine for Children with Cancer (PRISM), an Australian precision medicine clinical trial for high-risk childhood cancer, completed questionnaires after study enrollment (time 0 [T0]). Of the parents, 108 completed a questionnaire and 45 completed an interview following return of precision medicine results (time 1 [T1]). We analyzed the mixed-methods data comprising measures exploring families' perceptions and understanding of PRISM's participant information sheet and consent form (PISCF), and factors associated with understanding. RESULTS Most parents were satisfied with the PISCF, rating it as at least "somewhat" clearly presented (n = 160/175; 91%) and informative (n = 158/175; 90%). Many suggested improvements including the use of clearer language and a more visually engaging format. Parents' actual understanding of precision medicine was low on average, but scores improved between T0 and T1 (55.8/100-60.0/100; p = .012). Parents from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds (n = 42/177; 25%) had lower actual understanding scores than those from a Western/European background whose first language was English (p = .010). There was little correlation between parents' perceived and actual understanding scores (p = .794; Pearson correlation -0.020; 95% CI, -0.169 to 0.116). Most adolescent patients read the PISCF either "briefly" or "not at all" (70%) and had a perceived understanding score of 63.6/100 on average. CONCLUSIONS Our study revealed gaps in families' understanding of childhood cancer precision medicine. We highlighted areas for potential intervention such as through targeted information resources. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY Precision medicine is projected to become part of the standard of care for children with cancer. Precision medicine aims to give the right treatment to the right patient and involves several complex techniques, many of which may be challenging to understand. Our study analyzed questionnaire and interview data from parents and adolescent patients enrolled in an Australian precision medicine trial. Findings revealed gaps in families' understanding of childhood cancer precision medicine. Drawing on parents' suggestions and the literature, we make brief recommendations about improving information provision to families, such as through targeted information resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Gereis
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kate Hetherington
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Eden G Robertson
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rebecca Daly
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mark W Donoghoe
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
- Stats Central, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David S Ziegler
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
- Children's Cancer Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Glenn M Marshall
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
- Children's Cancer Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Loretta M S Lau
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
- Children's Cancer Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jonathan M Marron
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Center for Bioethics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Claire E Wakefield
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
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McGill BC, Wakefield CE, Tucker KM, Daly RA, Donoghoe MW, Vetsch J, Warby M, Fuentes‐Bolanos NA, Barlow‐Stewart K, Kirk J, Courtney E, O’Brien TA, Marshall GM, Pinese M, Cowley MJ, Tyrrell V, Deyell RJ, Ziegler DS, Hetherington K. Parents' expectations, preferences, and recall of germline findings in a childhood cancer precision medicine trial. Cancer 2023; 129:3620-3632. [PMID: 37382186 PMCID: PMC10952780 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.34917] [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: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Germline genome sequencing in childhood cancer precision medicine trials may reveal pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in cancer predisposition genes in more than 10% of children. These findings can have implications for diagnosis, treatment, and the child's and family's future cancer risk. Understanding parents' perspectives of germline genome sequencing is critical to successful clinical implementation. METHODS A total of 182 parents of 144 children (<18 years of age) with poor-prognosis cancers enrolled in the Precision Medicine for Children with Cancer trial completed a questionnaire at enrollment and after the return of their child's results, including clinically relevant germline findings (received by 13% of parents). Parents' expectations of germline genome sequencing, return of results preferences, and recall of results received were assessed. Forty-five parents (of 43 children) were interviewed in depth. RESULTS At trial enrollment, most parents (63%) believed it was at least "somewhat likely" that their child would receive a clinically relevant germline finding. Almost all expressed a preference to receive a broad range of germline genomic findings, including variants of uncertain significance (88%). Some (29%) inaccurately recalled receiving a clinically relevant germline finding. Qualitatively, parents expressed confusion and uncertainty after the return of their child's genome sequencing results by their child's clinician. CONCLUSIONS Many parents of children with poor-prognosis childhood cancer enrolled in a precision medicine trial expect their child may have an underlying cancer predisposition syndrome. They wish to receive a wide scope of information from germline genome sequencing but may feel confused by the reporting of trial results.
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Wakefield CE, Hetherington K, Robertson EG, Donoghoe MW, Hunter JD, Vetsch J, Marron JM, Tucker KM, Marshall GM, Broom A, Haber M, Tyrrell V, Malkin D, Lau L, Mateos MK, O'Brien TA, Ziegler DS. Hopes, concerns, satisfaction and regret in a precision medicine trial for childhood cancer: a mixed-methods study of parent and patient perspectives. Br J Cancer 2023; 129:1634-1644. [PMID: 37726477 PMCID: PMC10645918 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02429-1] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Paediatric precision oncology aims to match therapeutic agents to driver gene targets. We investigated whether parents and patients regret participation in precision medicine trials, particularly when their hopes are unfulfilled. METHODS Parents and adolescent patients completed questionnaires at trial enrolment (T0) and after receiving results (T1). Parents opted-in to an interview at T1. Bereaved parents completed a questionnaire 6-months post-bereavement (T1B). We analysed quantitative data with R and qualitative data thematically with NVivo, before integrating all data for interpretation. RESULTS 182 parents and 23 patients completed T0; 108/182 parents and 8/23 patients completed T1; 27/98 bereaved parents completed T1B; and 45/108 parents were interviewed. At enrolment, participants held concurrent hopes that precision medicine would benefit future children and their child. Participants expressed concern regarding wait-times for receipt of results. Most participants found the trial beneficial and not burdensome, including bereaved parents. Participants reported high trial satisfaction (median scores: parents: 93/100; patients: 80/100). Participants expressed few regrets (parent median scores: parents: 10/100; bereaved parents: 15/100; patient regret: 2/8 expressed minimal regret). CONCLUSIONS Even when trial outcomes did not match their hopes, parents and patients rarely regretted participating in a childhood cancer precision medicine trial. These data are critical for integrating participants' views into future precision medicine delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire E Wakefield
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Kate Hetherington
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Eden G Robertson
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mark W Donoghoe
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Stats Central, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Clinical Research Unit, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jacqueline D Hunter
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Women's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Janine Vetsch
- Department of Health, Institute of Applied Nursing Science, Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Jonathan M Marron
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Center for Bioethics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Katherine M Tucker
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hereditary Cancer Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia
- Prince of Wales Clinical School, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, 2052, NSW, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Glenn M Marshall
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Children's Cancer Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Alexander Broom
- Sydney Centre for Healthy Societies, School of Social and Political Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Michelle Haber
- Children's Cancer Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Vanessa Tyrrell
- Children's Cancer Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - David Malkin
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Departments of Pediatrics and Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Loretta Lau
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Children's Cancer Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Marion K Mateos
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Children's Cancer Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Tracey A O'Brien
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Children's Cancer Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - David S Ziegler
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Children's Cancer Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Daly R, Hetherington K, Hazell E, Wadling BR, Tyrrell V, Tucker KM, Marshall GM, Ziegler DS, Lau LMS, Trahair TN, O'Brien TA, Collins K, Gifford AJ, Haber M, Pinese M, Malkin D, Cowley MJ, Karpelowsky J, Drew D, Jacobs C, Wakefield CE. Precision Medicine Is Changing the Roles of Healthcare Professionals, Scientists, and Research Staff: Learnings from a Childhood Cancer Precision Medicine Trial. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1033. [PMID: 37511646 PMCID: PMC10381580 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13071033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Precision medicine programs aim to utilize novel technologies to identify personalized treatments for children with cancer. Delivering these programs requires interdisciplinary efforts, yet the many groups involved are understudied. This study explored the experiences of a broad range of professionals delivering Australia's first precision medicine trial for children with poor-prognosis cancer: the PRecISion Medicine for Children with Cancer (PRISM) national clinical trial of the Zero Childhood Cancer Program. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 85 PRISM professionals from eight professional groups, including oncologists, surgeons, clinical research associates, scientists, genetic professionals, pathologists, animal care technicians, and nurses. We analyzed interviews thematically. Professionals shared that precision medicine can add complexity to their role and result in less certain outcomes for families. Although many participants described experiencing a greater emotional impact from their work, most expressed very positive views about the impact of precision medicine on their profession and its future potential. Most reported navigating precision medicine without formal training. Each group described unique challenges involved in adapting to precision medicine in their profession. Addressing training gaps and meeting the specific needs of many professional groups involved in precision medicine will be essential to ensure the successful implementation of standard care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Daly
- Discipline of Pediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Kate Hetherington
- Discipline of Pediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Emily Hazell
- Discipline of Pediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
- Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Bethany R Wadling
- Discipline of Pediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
- Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Vanessa Tyrrell
- Discipline of Pediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Children's Cancer Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Katherine M Tucker
- Hereditary Cancer Centre, Department of Medical Oncology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
- Prince of Wales Clinical School, UNSW Sydney, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Glenn M Marshall
- Discipline of Pediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Children's Cancer Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - David S Ziegler
- Discipline of Pediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Children's Cancer Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Loretta M S Lau
- Discipline of Pediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Children's Cancer Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Toby N Trahair
- Discipline of Pediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Children's Cancer Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Tracey A O'Brien
- Discipline of Pediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Children's Cancer Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Kiri Collins
- Children's Cancer Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Andrew J Gifford
- Discipline of Pediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Children's Cancer Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Anatomical Pathology, NSW Health Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Michelle Haber
- Children's Cancer Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Mark Pinese
- Discipline of Pediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Children's Cancer Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - David Malkin
- Division of Haematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Mark J Cowley
- Discipline of Pediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Children's Cancer Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Kinghorn Centre for Clinical Genomics, Garvan Institute, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Jonathan Karpelowsky
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
- Children's Cancer Research Unit, Kids Research Institute, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
- Division of Child and Adolescent Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Donna Drew
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Chris Jacobs
- Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Claire E Wakefield
- Discipline of Pediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
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9
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Subasri M, Cressman C, Arje D, Schreyer L, Cooper E, Patel K, Ungar WJ, Barwick M, Denburg A, Hayeems RZ. Translating Precision Health for Pediatrics: A Scoping Review. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:children10050897. [PMID: 37238445 DOI: 10.3390/children10050897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Precision health aims to personalize treatment and prevention strategies based on individual genetic differences. While it has significantly improved healthcare for specific patient groups, broader translation faces challenges with evidence development, evidence appraisal, and implementation. These challenges are compounded in child health as existing methods fail to incorporate the physiology and socio-biology unique to childhood. This scoping review synthesizes the existing literature on evidence development, appraisal, prioritization, and implementation of precision child health. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase were searched. The included articles were related to pediatrics, precision health, and the translational pathway. Articles were excluded if they were too narrow in scope. In total, 74 articles identified challenges and solutions for putting pediatric precision health interventions into practice. The literature reinforced the unique attributes of children and their implications for study design and identified major themes for the value assessment of precision health interventions for children, including clinical benefit, cost-effectiveness, stakeholder values and preferences, and ethics and equity. Tackling these identified challenges will require developing international data networks and guidelines, re-thinking methods for value assessment, and broadening stakeholder support for the effective implementation of precision health within healthcare organizations. This research was funded by the SickKids Precision Child Health Catalyst Grant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathushan Subasri
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences Program, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Celine Cressman
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences Program, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Danielle Arje
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences Program, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Leighton Schreyer
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences Program, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Erin Cooper
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences Program, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Komal Patel
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences Program, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Wendy J Ungar
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences Program, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
- Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 3M6, Canada
| | - Melanie Barwick
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences Program, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
- Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 3M6, Canada
| | - Avram Denburg
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences Program, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
- Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 3M6, Canada
- Division of Haematology/Oncology, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Robin Z Hayeems
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences Program, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
- Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 3M6, Canada
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10
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Hetherington K, Wakefield CE, Kunalan KPK, Donoghoe MW, McGill BC, Fardell JE, Daly R, Deyell RJ, Ziegler DS. Quality of Life (QoL) of Children and Adolescents Participating in a Precision Medicine Trial for High-Risk Childhood Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:5310. [PMID: 36358729 PMCID: PMC9656810 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14215310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Precision medicine is changing the treatment of childhood cancer globally, however little is known about quality of life (QoL) in children and adolescents participating in precision medicine trials. We examined QoL among patients enrolled in PRISM, the Zero Childhood Cancer Program's precision medicine trial for high-risk childhood cancer. We assessed patient QoL via self-report (aged 12-17 years) and parent-proxy (aged 4-17 years) completion of the EQ-5D-Y. We analysed data using descriptive statistics and regression models. Patients (n = 23) and parents (n = 136) provided data after trial enrolment and following receipt of trial results and treatment recommendations (n = 8 patients, n = 84 parents). At enrolment, most patients were experiencing at least some difficulty across more than one QoL domain (81% patient self-report, 83% parent report). We did not find strong evidence of a change in QoL between timepoints, or of demographic or disease factors that predicted parent-reported patient QoL (EQ-VAS) at enrolment. There was strong evidence that receiving a treatment recommendation but not a change in cancer therapy was associated with poorer parent-reported patient QoL (EQ-VAS; Mdiff = -22.5, 95% CI: -36.5 to -8.5, p = 0.006). Future research needs to better understand the relationship between treatment decisions and QoL and would benefit from integrating assessment of QoL into routine clinical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Hetherington
- Discipline of Paediatrics, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Claire E. Wakefield
- Discipline of Paediatrics, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Kavitha P. K. Kunalan
- Discipline of Paediatrics, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Mark W. Donoghoe
- Discipline of Paediatrics, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
- Stats Central, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Brittany C. McGill
- Discipline of Paediatrics, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Joanna E. Fardell
- Discipline of Paediatrics, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
- Western Sydney Youth Cancer Service, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Rebecca Daly
- Discipline of Paediatrics, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
| | | | - David S. Ziegler
- Discipline of Paediatrics, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia
- Children’s Cancer Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
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11
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Smith J, Braithwaite J, O'Brien TA, Smith S, Tyrrell VJ, Mould EVA, Long JC, Rapport F. The Voices of Stakeholders Involved in Precision Medicine: The Co-Design and Evaluation of Qualitative Indicators of Intervention Acceptability, Fidelity and Context in PRecISion Medicine for Children With Cancer in Australia. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2022; 32:1865-1880. [PMID: 36066496 DOI: 10.1177/10497323221120501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
We report a novel approach of amalgamating implementation outcomes of acceptability and fidelity alongside context as a new way of qualitatively evaluating implementation outcomes and context of a precision medicine intervention. A rapid qualitative online proforma was co-designed with stakeholders and sent to a purposive sample of healthcare professionals involved in an early-phase clinical trial intervention. Data were analysed using Framework Analysis. A total of 24 out of 68 proformas were returned. Although some participants raised concerns about drug medication access issues, the main intervention was well accepted and understood across professional groups. Comprehension was enhanced through exposure to specialist multidisciplinary meeting arrangements. In conclusion, a rapid data collection tool and framework are now available to assess readily measurable, qualitative indicators of acceptability, fidelity of receipt and contextual fit within the dynamic precision medicine context.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Smith
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, 208044Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jeffrey Braithwaite
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, 208044Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Tracey A O'Brien
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Women's and Children's Health, 7800University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Stephanie Smith
- School of Population Health, 1649Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA, Australia
- Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Vanessa J Tyrrell
- Children's Cancer Institute, 188680Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Emily V A Mould
- Children's Cancer Institute, 188680Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Janet C Long
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, 208044Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Frances Rapport
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, 208044Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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12
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Sansom-Daly UM, McLoone JK, Touyz L, Signorelli C. New Frontiers in Child, Adolescent and Young Adult Psycho-Oncology Survivorship Care. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:4335. [PMID: 36139504 PMCID: PMC9496797 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14184335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The landscape of cancer survivorship has changed considerably from Fitzhugh Mullan's conceptualization of the three sequential phases or 'seasons of survival' that an individual might expect to pass through, from the acute (cancer diagnosis and treatment), extended (the period following treatment), and permanent (survivorship, aligned with cure) survivorship phases [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Ursula M. Sansom-Daly
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
- Discipline of Paediatrics & Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, Randwick Clinical Campus, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia
- Sydney Youth Cancer Service, Nelune Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Jordana K. McLoone
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
- Discipline of Paediatrics & Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, Randwick Clinical Campus, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Lauren Touyz
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
- Discipline of Paediatrics & Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, Randwick Clinical Campus, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Christina Signorelli
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
- Discipline of Paediatrics & Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, Randwick Clinical Campus, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia
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13
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Hunter JD, Robertson EG, Hetherington K, Ziegler DS, Marshall GM, Kirk J, Marron JM, Denburg AE, Barlow-Stewart K, Warby M, Tucker KM, Lee BM, O’Brien TA, Wakefield CE. What’s in a Name? Parents’ and Healthcare Professionals’ Preferred Terminology for Pathogenic Variants in Childhood Cancer Predisposition Genes. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12081327. [PMID: 36013276 PMCID: PMC9410181 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12081327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Current literature/guidelines regarding the most appropriate term to communicate a cancer-related disease-causing germline variant in childhood cancer lack consensus. Guidelines also rarely address preferences of patients/families. We aimed to assess preferences of parents of children with cancer, genetics professionals, and pediatric oncologists towards terminology to describe a disease-causing germline variant in childhood cancer. Using semi-structured interviews we asked participants their most/least preferred terms from; ‘faulty gene,’ ‘altered gene,’ ‘gene change,’ and ‘genetic variant,’ analyzing responses with directed content analysis. Twenty-five parents, 6 genetics professionals, and 29 oncologists participated. An equal number of parents most preferred ‘gene change,’ ‘altered gene,’ or ‘genetic variant’ (n = 8/25). Parents least preferred ‘faulty gene’ (n = 18/25). Half the genetics professionals most preferred ‘faulty gene’ (n = 3/6); however this was least preferred by the remaining genetics professionals (n = 3/6). Many oncologists most preferred ‘genetic variant’ (n = 11/29) and least preferred ‘faulty gene’ (n = 19/29). Participants across all groups perceived ‘faulty gene’ as having negative connotations, potentially placing blame/guilt on parents/children. Health professionals described challenges selecting a term that was scientifically accurate, easily understood and not distressing to families. Lack of consensus highlights the need to be guided by families’ preferred terminology, while providing accurate explanations regarding implications of genetic findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline D. Hunter
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-4-39-110-680
| | - Eden G. Robertson
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Kate Hetherington
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - David S. Ziegler
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Children’s Cancer Institute, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2750, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Glenn M. Marshall
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Children’s Cancer Institute, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2750, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Judy Kirk
- The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Familial Cancer Service, Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Jonathan M. Marron
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Center for Bioethics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Avram E. Denburg
- Division of Haematology/Oncology, Department of Paediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Kristine Barlow-Stewart
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Children’s Cancer Institute, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2750, Australia
- Northern Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Meera Warby
- Hereditary Cancer Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Katherine M. Tucker
- Hereditary Cancer Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Brittany M. Lee
- Seattle Children’s Hospital and Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Tracey A. O’Brien
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Claire E. Wakefield
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
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14
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Johnson LM, Mandrell BN, Li C, Lu Z, Gattuso J, Harrison LW, Mori M, Ouma AA, Pritchard M, Sharp KMH, Nichols KE. Managing Pandora's Box: Familial Expectations around the Return of (Future) Germline Results. AJOB Empir Bioeth 2022; 13:152-165. [PMID: 35471132 DOI: 10.1080/23294515.2022.2063994] [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] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pediatric oncology patients are increasingly being offered germline testing to diagnose underlying cancer predispositions. Meanwhile, as understanding of variant pathogenicity evolves, planned reanalysis of genomic results has been suggested. Little is known regarding the types of genomic information that parents and their adolescent children with cancer prefer to receive at the time of testing or their expectations around the future return of genomic results. METHODS Parents and adolescent children with cancer eligible for genomic testing for cancer predisposition were surveyed regarding their attitudes and expectations for receiving current and future germline results (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02530658). RESULTS All parents (100%) desired to learn about results for treatable or preventable conditions, with 92.4% wanting results even when there is no treatment or prevention. Parents expressed less interest in receiving uncertain results for themselves (88.3%) than for their children (95.3%). Most parents (95.9%) and adolescents (87.9%) believed that providers have a responsibility to share new or updated germline results indefinitely or at any point during follow-up care. Fewer parents (67.5%) indicated that they would want results if their child was deceased: 10.3% would not want to be contacted, 19.3% were uncertain. CONCLUSIONS Expectations for return of new or updated genomic results are high among pediatric oncology families, although up to one third of parents have reservations about receiving such information in the event of their child's death. These results underscore the importance of high-quality pre-and post-test counseling, conducted by individuals trained in consenting around genomic testing to elicit family preferences and align expectations around the return of germline results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liza-Marie Johnson
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Belinda N Mandrell
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Nursing Research, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Chen Li
- Department of Biostatistics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Zhaohua Lu
- Department of Biostatistics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Jami Gattuso
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Nursing Research, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Lynn W Harrison
- Department of Oncology, Division of Cancer Predisposition, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Motomi Mori
- Department of Biostatistics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Annastasia A Ouma
- Department of Oncology, Division of Cancer Predisposition, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Michele Pritchard
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Nursing Research, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | | | - Kim E Nichols
- Department of Oncology, Division of Cancer Predisposition, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
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15
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Rahman B, McEwen A, Phillips JL, Tucker K, Goldstein D, Jacobs C. Genetic and genomic learning needs of oncologists and oncology nurses in the era of precision medicine: a scoping review. Per Med 2022; 19:139-153. [PMID: 35060769 DOI: 10.2217/pme-2021-0096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Genetic and genomic data are increasingly guiding clinical care for cancer patients. To meet the growing demand for precision medicine, patient-facing oncology staff will be a part of leading the provision of genomic testing. A scoping review was undertaken to identify the range of genetic and genomic learning needs of oncologists and oncology nurses. Learning needs were reported relating to interpretation of genomic data, clinical decision-making, patient communication and counseling, and fundamentals of genetics and genomics. There was a lack of empirical research specific to oncology nurses and their learning needs in tumor sequencing. Our findings suggest that oncologists and oncology nurses need tailored support, education and training to improve their confidence and skills in adopting genomic testing into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belinda Rahman
- Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Alison McEwen
- Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jane L Phillips
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, QLD, Australia.,IMPACCT, University of Technology Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Katherine Tucker
- Hereditary Cancer Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital, NSW, Australia.,Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, NSW, Australia
| | - David Goldstein
- Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, NSW, Australia
| | - Chris Jacobs
- Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, NSW, Australia
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16
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Pollard S, Dunne J, Costa S, Regier DA. Stakeholder Perspectives on Navigating Evidentiary and Decision Uncertainty in Precision Oncology. J Pers Med 2022; 12:22. [PMID: 35055337 PMCID: PMC8778253 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12010022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Precision oncology has the potential to improve patient health and wellbeing through targeted prevention and treatment. Owing to uncertain clinical and economic outcomes, reimbursement has been limited. The objective of this pan-Canadian qualitative study was to investigate barriers to precision oncology implementation from the perspectives of health system stakeholders. (2) Methods: We conducted 32 semi-structured interviews with health technology decision makers (n = 14) and clinicians (n = 18) experienced with precision oncology. Participants were recruited using a purposive sampling technique. Interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. Recruitment continued until two qualitative analysts reached agreement that thematic saturation was reached. (3) Results: While cautiously optimistic about the potential for enhanced therapeutic alignment, participants identified multiple decisional challenges under conditions of evidentiary uncertainty. Decision makers voiced concern over resource requirements alongside small benefitting patient populations and limited evidence supporting patient and health system impacts. Clinicians were comparatively tolerant of evidentiary uncertainty guiding clinical decision-making practices. Clinicians applied a broader definition of patient benefit, focusing on the ability to assist patients making informed clinical decisions. (4) Conclusions: Sustainable precision oncology must balance demand with evidence demonstrating benefit. We show that clinicians and decision makers vary in their tolerance for evolving knowledge, suggesting a need to establish evidentiary standards supporting precision oncology reimbursement decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Pollard
- Cancer Control Research, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4C2, Canada; (S.P.); (J.D.); (S.C.)
| | - Jessica Dunne
- Cancer Control Research, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4C2, Canada; (S.P.); (J.D.); (S.C.)
| | - Sarah Costa
- Cancer Control Research, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4C2, Canada; (S.P.); (J.D.); (S.C.)
| | - Dean A. Regier
- Cancer Control Research, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4C2, Canada; (S.P.); (J.D.); (S.C.)
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
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17
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Hamilton JG, Banerjee SC, Carlsson SV, Vera J, Lynch KA, Sar-Graycar L, Martin CM, Parker PA, Hay JL. Clinician perspectives on communication and implementation challenges in precision oncology. Per Med 2021; 18:559-572. [PMID: 34674550 DOI: 10.2217/pme-2021-0048] [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] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Aim: To describe patient communication challenges encountered by oncology clinicians, which represent a fundamental barrier to implementing precision oncology. Materials & methods: We conducted three focus groups including breast, melanoma and thoracic oncology clinicians regarding their precision oncology communication experiences. Transcripts were reviewed and coded using inductive thematic text analysis. Results: We identified four themes: varied definitions of precision oncology exist, clinicians and patients face unique challenges to precision oncology implementation, patient communication challenges engendered or heightened by precision oncology implementation and clinician communication solutions and training needs. Conclusion: This study elucidated clinicians' perspectives on implementing precision oncology and related communication challenges. Understanding these challenges and developing strategies to help clinicians navigate these discussions are critical for ensuring that patients reap the full benefits of precision oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jada G Hamilton
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10022, USA.,Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA.,Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Smita C Banerjee
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10022, USA.,Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Sigrid V Carlsson
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA.,Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10017, USA.,Department of Urology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jacqueline Vera
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10022, USA
| | - Kathleen A Lynch
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10022, USA
| | - Lili Sar-Graycar
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10022, USA
| | - Chloé M Martin
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10022, USA
| | - Patricia A Parker
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10022, USA.,Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Jennifer L Hay
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10022, USA.,Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
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Erdmann A, Rehmann-Sutter C, Bozzaro C. Patients' and professionals' views related to ethical issues in precision medicine: a mixed research synthesis. BMC Med Ethics 2021; 22:116. [PMID: 34465328 PMCID: PMC8406914 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-021-00682-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Precision medicine development is driven by the possibilities of next generation sequencing, information technology and artificial intelligence and thus, raises a number of ethical questions. Empirical studies have investigated such issues from the perspectives of health care professionals, researchers and patients. We synthesize the results from these studies in this review. METHODS We used a systematic strategy to search, screen and assess the literature for eligibility related to our research question. The initial search for empirical studies in five data bases provided 665 different records and we selected 92 of these publications for inclusion in this review. Data were extracted in a spreadsheet and categorized into different topics representing the views on ethical issues in precision medicine. RESULTS Many patients and professionals expect high benefits from precision medicine and have a positive attitude towards it. However, patients and professionals also perceive some risks. Commonly perceived risks include: lack of evidence for accuracy of tests and efficacy of treatments; limited knowledge of patients, which makes informed consent more difficult; possible unavailability of access to precision medicine for underprivileged people and ethnic minorities; misuse of data by insurance companies and employers, potential of racial stigmatization due to genetic information; unwanted communication of incidental findings; changes in doctor-patient-relationship through focusing on data; and the problem that patients could feel under pressure to optimize their health. CONCLUSIONS National legislation and guidelines already minimize many risks associated with precision medicine. However, from our perspective some problems require more attention. Should hopes for precision medicine's benefits be fulfilled, then the ethical principle of justice would require an unlimited access to precision medicine for all people. The potential for autonomous patients' decisions must be greatly enhanced by improvements in patient education. Harm from test results must be avoided in any case by the highest possible data security level and communication guidelines. Changes in the doctor-patient relationship and the impact of precision medicine on the quality of life should be further investigated. Additionally, the cost-effectiveness of precision medicine should be further examined, in order to avoid malinvestment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke Erdmann
- Institute for Experimental Medicine, Medical Ethics Working Group, Kiel University (CAU), Kiel, Germany.
| | | | - Claudia Bozzaro
- Institute for Experimental Medicine, Medical Ethics Working Group, Kiel University (CAU), Kiel, Germany
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De Abreu Lourenco R, McCarthy MC, McMillan LJ, Sullivan M, Gillam L. Understanding decisions to participate in genomic medicine in children's cancer care: A comparison of what influences parents, health care providers, and the general community. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2021; 68:e29101. [PMID: 34089211 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The emerging role of genomically guided precision medicine in pediatric cancer care presents significant clinical, practical, and ethical challenges. We investigated the factors that influence decision-making in genomic medicine from the perspective of different stakeholders in the context of difficult-to-treat childhood cancer. METHODS Health care providers (HCPs), parents of childhood cancer survivors, and general community members completed an online discrete choice experiment survey. Respondents considered whether to recommend (HCPs) or choose (parents/community) a genomically guided approach to pediatric cancer treatment. Respondents completed eight choice questions varying by survival benefit, prognosis, likelihood of finding a target, quality of life (QoL), HCP/parent preference, need for biopsy, cost, and who pays. Data were analyzed using a probability regression model, with findings expressed as relative importance, stated importance, and marginal willingness to pay (mWTP). RESULTS One hundred twenty-six HCPs, 130 parents, and 531 community members participated. The probability of recommending/choosing genomically guided treatment increased significantly with better prognosis, survival benefit, improvements in QoL, and decision-making partner support. It decreased with increasing costs and if parents paid for treatment. HCPs were more responsive to all factors but were most influenced by survival outcomes, and parents and community members by QoL. In contrast to these forced choice preference results, HCPs stated they were most influenced by QoL and community members by survival. CONCLUSION Our findings support the primacy of QoL in genomic decision-making, with some differences across stakeholders in the other factors influencing decision-making. These findings emphasize the need for high-quality information giving and communication to support genomic medicine choices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard De Abreu Lourenco
- Centre for Health Economics Research and Evaluation, University of Technology Sydney, Haymarket, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Maria C McCarthy
- Clinical Sciences, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Children's Cancer Centre, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Laura J McMillan
- Clinical Sciences, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael Sullivan
- Children's Cancer Centre, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lyn Gillam
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Bioethics, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Pediatric Oncologists' Experiences Returning and Incorporating Genomic Sequencing Results into Cancer Care. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11060570. [PMID: 34207141 PMCID: PMC8235493 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11060570] [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: 05/15/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Pediatric oncologists’ perspectives around returning and incorporating tumor and germline genomic sequencing (GS) results into cancer care are not well-described. To inform optimization of cancer genomics communication, we assessed oncologists’ experiences with return of genomic results (ROR), including their preparation/readiness for ROR, collaboration with genetic counselors (GCs) during ROR, and perceived challenges. The BASIC3 study paired pediatric oncologists with GCs to return results to patients’ families. We thematically analyzed 24 interviews with 12 oncologists at two post-ROR time points. Oncologists found pre-ROR meetings with GCs and geneticists essential to interpreting patients’ reports and communicating results to families. Most oncologists took a collaborative ROR approach where they discussed tumor findings and GCs discussed germline findings. Oncologists perceived many roles for GCs during ROR, including answering families’ questions and describing information in lay language. Challenges identified included conveying uncertain information in accessible language, limits of oncologists’ genetics expertise, and navigating families’ emotional responses. Oncologists emphasized how GCs’ and geneticists’ support was essential to ROR, especially for germline findings. GS can be successfully integrated into cancer care, but to account for the GC shortage, alternative ROR models and access to genetics resources will be needed to better support families and avoid burdening oncologists.
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