Family communication of genetic test results and uptake of genetic testing in a diverse population of BRCA1 and BRCA2 (BRCA1/2) carriers

Purpose Short-term reactions to BRCA1 and BRCA2 (BRCA1/2) genetic test results have been described in several reports, but the long-terms effects of testing have not been examined extensively. Methods We conducted an observational study to characterize the long-term impact of genetic testing for BRCA1/2 mutations in 167 women who had received genetic test results at least 4 years ago. We also evaluated the relationship between genetic testing–specific reactions and breast and ovarian cancer screening to determine the behavioral significance of adverse reactions. Results Seventy-four percent of women were not experiencing any distress regarding their test result, 41% were not experiencing any uncertainty, and 51% had a score for positive experiences that was suggestive of low levels of adverse reactions in terms of family support and communication. Mutation carriers (odds ratio, 3.96; 95% CI, 1.44 to 10.89; P = .01) were most likely to experience distress. Only less time since disclosure was related significantly to experiencing uncertainty (odds ratio, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.44 to 0.88; P = .008). In terms of cancer screening, 81% of women had a mammogram during the year before study enrollment, 25% had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 20% had a transvaginal ultrasound, and 20% had a CA-125. Experiencing distress was associated significantly with having a CA-125 (χ2 = 3.89, P = .05), and uncertainty was associated with having an MRI (χ2 = 8.90, P = .003). Conclusion Our findings show that women are not likely to experience genetic testing concerns several years after receiving BRCA1/2 test results; distress and uncertainty are not likely to have adverse effects on screening among women at risk for hereditary disease.

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IMProving care After inherited Cancer Testing (IMPACT) study: protocol of a randomized trial evaluating the efficacy of two interventions designed to improve cancer risk management and family communication of genetic test results

BMC Cancer ◽

10.1186/s12885-021-08822-4 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Deborah Cragun ◽

Jason Beckstead ◽

Meagan Farmer ◽

Gillian Hooker ◽

Marleah Dean ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Management ◽

Genetic Testing ◽

Family Communication ◽

Genetic Test ◽

Test Results ◽

Impact Study ◽

Inherited Cancer ◽

Genetic Test Results ◽

Cancer Risk Management

Abstract Background Implementing genetic testing for inherited cancer predisposition into routine clinical care offers a tremendous opportunity for cancer prevention and early detection. However, genetic testing itself does not improve outcomes; rather, outcomes depend on implemented follow-up care. The IMPACT study is a hybrid type I randomized effectiveness-implementation trial to simultaneously evaluate the effectiveness of two interventions for individuals with inherited cancer predisposition focused on: 1) increasing family communication (FC) of genetic test results; and 2) improving engagement with guideline-based cancer risk management (CRM). Methods This prospective study will recruit a racially, geographically, and socioeconomically diverse population of individuals with a documented pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) variant in an inherited cancer gene. Eligible participants will be asked to complete an initial trial survey and randomly assigned to one of three arms: A) GeneSHARE, a website designed to increase FC of genetic test results; B) My Gene Counsel’s Living Lab Report, a digital tool designed to improve understanding of genetic test results and next steps, including CRM guidelines; or C) a control arm in which participants continue receiving standard care. Follow-up surveys will be conducted at 1, 3, and 12 months following randomization. These surveys include single-item measures, scales, and indices related to: 1) FC and CRM behaviors and behavioral factors following the COM-B theoretical framework (i.e., capability, opportunity, and motivation); 2) implementation outcomes (i.e., acceptability, appropriateness, exposure, and reach); and 3) other contextual factors (i.e., sociodemographic and clinical factors, and uncertainty, distress, and positive aspects of genetic test results). The primary outcomes are an increase in FC of genetic test results (Arm A) and improved engagement with guideline-based CRM without overtreatment or undertreatment (Arm B) by the 12-month follow-up survey. Discussion Our interventions are designed to shift the paradigm by which individuals with P/LP variants in inherited cancer genes are provided with information to enhance FC of genetic test results and engagement with guideline-based CRM. The information gathered through evaluating the effectiveness and implementation of these real-world approaches is needed to modify and scale up adaptive, stepped interventions that have the potential to maximize FC and CRM. Trial registration This study is registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04763915, date registered: February 21, 2021). Protocol version September 17th, 2021 Amendment Number 04.

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Family communication of genetic test results among women with inherited breast cancer genes

Journal of Genetic Counseling ◽

10.1002/jgc4.1356 ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Deborah Cragun ◽

Anne Weidner ◽

Ann Tezak ◽

Kate Clouse ◽

Tuya Pal

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Family Communication ◽

Genetic Test ◽

Test Results ◽

Cancer Genes ◽

Genetic Test Results ◽

Inherited Breast Cancer ◽

Breast Cancer Genes

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Randomized trial of web-based genetic education versus usual care in advanced cancer patients undergoing tumor genetic testing: Results from the ECOG-ACRIN NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP; EAQ152) COMET trial.

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2020.38.15_suppl.2008 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 38 (15_suppl) ◽

pp. 2008-2008

Author(s):

Angela R. Bradbury ◽

Ju-Whei Lee ◽

Jill B Gaieski ◽

Shuli Li ◽

Ilana F Gareen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Genetic Testing ◽

Usual Care ◽

Genetic Test ◽

Genetic Knowledge ◽

Test Results ◽

Advanced Cancer Patients ◽

Web Based ◽

Genetic Test Results ◽

Anxiety Depression ◽

Web Intervention

2008 Background: Enthusiasm for precision oncology may obscure the complex psychosocial and ethical considerations for tumor genetic testing. Low patient genetic knowledge has been documented and heightens the risk for adverse experiences. We developed a web-based intervention to increase genetic knowledge and decrease distress among advanced cancer patients undergoing tumor genetic testing. Methods: 594 patients (80% from NCORP Community Sites) were recruited and randomized to web-intervention (n = 293) or usual care (n = 301), prior to receipt of tumor genetic test results. Primary outcomes were genetic knowledge, anxiety, depression, and cancer-specific distress measured at T0 (prior to intervention), T1 (post-intervention), T2 (after receipt of tumor results) and T3 (3 months post receipt of tumor results). Secondary outcomes included satisfaction, regret and disappointment. The effect of web-intervention was evaluated using t-test, multiple linear regression and logistic regression, with an intent-to-treat approach. Results: Patients randomized to web-intervention had better knowledge improvement than those randomized to usual care (T1-T0, p < 0.0001; T2-T0, p = 0.003). No difference was observed in change scores for anxiety, depression or cancer-specific distress. To find the moderators of intervention effect (including sex, age, education, and literacy) two 2-way interactions were noted with statistical significance: higher depression among those in the intervention arm versus the control arm for patients with lower literacy (p = 0.03); and lower cancer-specific distress among women in the intervention arm than with usual care but no such effect noted in men (p = 0.01). 71% of patients reported receiving tumor test results and this did not differ by arm. Only 20% of patients reported regret and disappointment at T2, which was more likely for those without a mutation of interest (MOI) detected vs those with a MOI detected (OR = 2.08, 95% CI, 1.13 to 3.83, p = 0.02). Conclusions: Web-based education prior to receipt of tumor genetic test results increases patient understanding of tumor genetic testing. While the intervention did not significantly reduce distress, results suggest that women who received the intervention had lower cancer-specific distress than those with usual care. Future refinements to the web-intervention are needed to address low literacy groups, men and patients with no actionable results. Clinical trial information: NCT02823652.

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Is no news good news? Inconclusive genetic test results in BRCA1 and BRCA2 from patients and professionals' perspectives

Hereditary Cancer in Clinical Practice ◽

10.1186/1897-4287-8-1 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 20

Author(s):

Audrey Ardern-Jones ◽

Regina Kenen ◽

Elly Lynch ◽

Rebecca Doherty ◽

Rosalind Eeles

Keyword(s):

Genetic Test ◽

Good News ◽

Test Results ◽

Brca1 And Brca2 ◽

Genetic Test Results

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Case-finding and genetic testing for familial hypercholesterolaemia in primary care

Heart ◽

10.1136/heartjnl-2021-319742 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. heartjnl-2021-319742

Author(s):

Nadeem Qureshi ◽

Ralph Kwame Akyea ◽

Brittany Dutton ◽

Steve E Humphries ◽

Hasidah Abdul Hamid ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Primary Care ◽

Genetic Testing ◽

Familial Hypercholesterolaemia ◽

Genetic Test ◽

Significant Proportion ◽

Case Finding ◽

Test Results ◽

Family History Questionnaire ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Genetic Test Results

ObjectiveFamilial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is a common inherited disorder that remains mostly undetected in the general population. Through FH case-finding and direct access to genetic testing in primary care, this intervention study described the genetic and lipid profile of patients found at increased risk of FH and the outcomes in those with positive genetic test results.MethodsIn 14 Central England general practices, a novel case-finding tool (Familial Hypercholetserolaemia Case Ascertainment Tool, FAMCAT1) was applied to the electronic health records of 86 219 patients with cholesterol readings (44.5% of total practices’ population), identifying 3375 at increased risk of FH. Of these, a cohort of 336 consenting to completing Family History Questionnaire and detailed review of their clinical data, were offered FH genetic testing in primary care.ResultsGenetic testing was completed by 283 patients, newly identifying 16 with genetically confirmed FH and 10 with variants of unknown significance. All 26 (9%) were recommended for referral and 19 attended specialist assessment. In a further 153 (54%) patients, the test suggested polygenic hypercholesterolaemia who were managed in primary care. Total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels were higher in those patients with FH-causing variants than those with other genetic test results (p=0.010 and p=0.002).ConclusionElectronic case-finding and genetic testing in primary care could improve identification of FH; and the better targeting of patients for specialist assessment. A significant proportion of patients identified at risk of FH are likely to have polygenic hypercholesterolaemia. There needs to be a clearer management plan for these individuals in primary care.Trial registration numberNCT03934320.

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Genetic testing for Parkinson disease

Neurology Clinical Practice ◽

10.1212/cpj.0000000000000831 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 10.1212/CPJ.0000000000000831

Author(s):

Lola Cook ◽

Jeanine Schulze ◽

Catherine Kopil ◽

Tara Hastings ◽

Anna Naito ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Genetic Testing ◽

Parkinson Disease ◽

Clinical Utility ◽

Genetic Test ◽

Genomic Testing ◽

Test Results ◽

Genetic Test Results ◽

Genetic Status ◽

Genetic Landscape ◽

Busy Clinician

Purpose of reviewWith the advent of precision medicine and demand for genomic testing information, we may question whether it is time to offer genetic testing to our patients with Parkinson disease (PD). This review updates the current genetic landscape of PD, describes what genetic testing may offer, provides strategies for evaluating whom to test, and provides resources for the busy clinician.Recent findingsPatients with PD and their relatives, in various settings, have expressed an interest in learning their PD genetic status; however, physicians may be hesitant to widely offer testing due to the perceived low clinical utility of PD genetic test results. The rise of clinical trials available for patients with gene-specific PD and emerging information on genotype-phenotype correlations are starting to shift this discussion about testing.SummaryBy learning more about the various genetic testing options for PD and utility of results for patients and their care, clinicians may become more comfortable with widespread PD genetic testing in the research and clinical setting.

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The positive impact of implementing an onsite guideline-based genetic testing procedure for prostate cancer in a multidisciplinary uro-oncology clinic.

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2021.39.6_suppl.234 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 39 (6_suppl) ◽

pp. 234-234

Author(s):

Siddharth Ramanathan ◽

Sadhna Ramanathan ◽

Andrew Korman ◽

Samer Ballouz ◽

Michael Ghilezan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Prostate Cancer ◽

Genetic Testing ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Genetic Test ◽

Positive Impact ◽

Consensus Conference ◽

Successful Implementation ◽

Test Results ◽

Genetic Test Results ◽

To Receive

234 Background: Prior to the guidelines set forth by the 2017 Philadelphia consensus conference, genetic testing for prostate cancer was conducted based on personal and family history of malignancies pursuant to NCCN recommendations. The 2017 guidelines expanded testing criteria to included age at diagnosis, metastatic disease, and tumor sequencing. In spite of these advancements, limited literature is available regarding successful implementation of a streamlined system for genetic testing in prostate cancer. This paper explores the benefits of implementing an on-site guideline-based genetic testing process for prostate cancer patients treated at a multi-disciplinary uro-oncology practice. Methods: Data was retrospectively reviewed for 561 prostate cancer patients seen in a multi-disciplinary uro-oncology clinic since January 2017. Prior to January, 1, 2019 genetic testing was recommended to patients based on NCCN guidelines, and swabs for testing were procured off-site less than 1 mile from the clinic (n=107). After January, 1, 2019 genetic testing was recommended based on the guidelines set forth by the Philadelphia consensus conference, and swabs for testing were procured at the clinic itself (n=454). Results: A statistically significant increase in compliance with genetic testing was observed after the implementation of an on-site, guideline-based testing process. Patient compliance with genetic testing increased from 33.6% to 96.5%. The time to receive the genetic test results (calculated as the time between referral for genetic testing and obtaining the test results) was also significantly improved from 38 days to 21 days. Conclusions: The implementation of an on-site, guideline-based genetic testing model for prostate cancer patients significantly improved compliance with genetic testing to 96.5% and decreased the time to receive genetic test results by 17 days. Overall, adopting a guide-line based model with on-site genetic testing has the potential to significantly improve the detection rate for pathogenic and actionable mutations, increase the utilization of targeted therapies, and increase cascade testing to include at-risk family members.

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Integration of germline multigene panel testing into breast and gynecologic oncology clinics.

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2020.39.28_suppl.164 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 39 (28_suppl) ◽

pp. 164-164

Author(s):

Mariella Tejada ◽

June YiJuan Hou ◽

Katherine D. Crew ◽

Melissa Kate Accordino ◽

Kevin Kalinsky ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Decision Making ◽

Genetic Testing ◽

Clinical Decision Making ◽

Genetic Test ◽

Gynecologic Oncology ◽

Clinical Decision ◽

Test Results ◽

Panel Testing ◽

Genetic Test Results

164 Background: Germline genetic testing plays an important role in informing cancer screening and risk-reducing strategies, as well as treatment decisions with PARP inhibitors for BRCA-associated malignancies. Referrals to clinical genetics for pre-test counseling and results disclosure can be delayed due to financial and logistical barriers, which may ultimately delay clinical decision-making. Our study objective was to understand patient attitudes, knowledge, and anxiety/distress with point-of-care (POC) genetic testing in breast and gynecologic oncology clinics. Methods: We enrolled patients with early-stage breast cancer undergoing neoadjuvant treatment, metastatic breast cancer, ovarian cancer, or endometrial cancer undergoing POC multigene panel testing with their primary oncologist, rather than a genetic counselor. Pre-test counseling came from discussion with their primary oncologist. Participants completed a survey at time of genetic testing and one after return of genetic test results. Validated measures of genetic testing knowledge, cancer-related distress, and attitudes towards genetic testing were included. Descriptive statistics were generated for all data collected and paired t-tests were conducted for baseline and follow-up comparisons. Results: We enrolled 106 subjects, of which 97 completed the baseline survey. All participants were female with a mean age of 61.5 years (SD 13.5). The cohort consisted of participants with the following tumor types: 80 breast, 2 ovarian, and 16 endometrial. Almost 44% of women identified as Hispanic/Latina, 55% had highest level of education of community/technical college or less, and 51.2% reported annual incomes of less than $50,000. Forty-seven percent of participants had adequate baseline genetic testing knowledge scores (defined as at least 50% correct responses). A majority of participants (86.6%) had positive attitudes toward undergoing genetic testing. Results of genetic testing revealed 11 participants (11.3%) with pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants (of which 36.3% were in BRCA1/2), 25 (25.8%) with variants of unknown significance (VUS), and 61 (62.9%) with benign or likely benign results. The mean cancer-related distress score (scale from 15 to 60, higher score indicates higher levels of distress) was 32.78 (SD 9.74) at baseline and 26.5 (SD 8.9) after receiving genetic testing results (p = 0.002). Genetic test results informed cancer treatment decisions regarding medications and surgery in 15% and 13% of patients, respectively, the majority of which were breast cancer patients. Conclusions: As genetic testing is more frequently used for clinical decision-making it is important to develop ways to efficiently integrate POC testing in the oncology clinics. We demonstrated that POC genetic testing for breast and gynecologic cancers is feasible and can inform clinical decision-making.

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