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1.
Public Health Genomics ; 27(1): 100-109, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39173603

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: When a pathogenic BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation is identified in a family, cascade genetic testing of family members is recommended since the results may inform screening or treatment decisions in men and women. However, rates of cascade testing are low, and men are considerably less likely than women to pursue cascade testing. To facilitate cascade testing in men, we designed a Web-based genetic education tool that addressed barriers to cascade testing, was individually tailored, delivered proactively, and could be used in lieu of pretest genetic counseling to streamline the cascade testing process. METHODS: We randomized 63 untested men from hereditary cancer families to Web-based genetic education (WGE) versus enhanced usual care (EUC). WGE participants were provided access to a genetic education website after which they could accept or decline genetic testing or opt for pretest genetic counseling. EUC participants received an informational brochure and a letter informing them of their eligibility for genetic testing and recommending they schedule genetic counseling. The primary outcome was the uptake of genetic testing. RESULTS: Men in the WGE group were more likely to complete genetic counseling and/or genetic testing (43% vs. 12.1%; χ2 [n = 63, df = 1] = 7.77, p = 0.005). WGE participants were also more likely to complete genetic testing compared to men in the EUC group (30% vs. 9.1%; χ2 [n = 63, df = 1] = 4.46, p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: This preliminary trial suggests that a streamlined approach to genetic testing using proactively delivered genetic education may reduce barriers to cascade testing for at-risk men, leading to increased uptake. These results should be interpreted cautiously given the select sample and high rate of non-response.


Subject(s)
BRCA2 Protein , Genetic Counseling , Genetic Testing , Humans , Male , Genetic Testing/methods , Female , Middle Aged , Genetic Counseling/methods , Adult , BRCA2 Protein/genetics , Genetic Predisposition to Disease , BRCA1 Protein/genetics , Ovarian Neoplasms/genetics , Ovarian Neoplasms/diagnosis , Mutation , Patient Education as Topic/methods , Aged , Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome/genetics , Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome/diagnosis
2.
Pediatr Ann ; 53(7): e269-e271, 2024 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38949875

ABSTRACT

Fragile X syndrome is the most commonly inherited form of intellectual disability. Identifying fragile X syndrome at a young age can be quite challenging because the classical physical features usually present in late childhood or early adolescence; therefore, it is important to consider genetic testing for all males with unexplained developmental delays, intellectual disability, and autism, females with developmental delays, intellectual disability or autism, and a family history of fragile X gene disorders. There is no specific treatment to manage fragile X syndrome. Still, a prompt referral for early intervention is essential to help maximize the child's learning potential, as well as a referral to child psychology if any behavioral concerns are present. It is of paramount importance for families with a history of fragile X syndrome to have access to genetic counseling as it can aid in future reproductive decisions and the risk of future recurrences of this condition. [Pediatr Ann. 2024;53(7):e269-e271.].


Subject(s)
Fragile X Syndrome , Fragile X Syndrome/diagnosis , Fragile X Syndrome/genetics , Humans , Child , Male , Genetic Testing/methods , Female , Genetic Counseling/methods , Pediatricians , Adolescent , Pediatrics/methods
4.
J Med Genet ; 61(8): 727-733, 2024 Jul 19.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38834294

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This document addresses the clinical application of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies for prenatal genetic diagnosis and aims to establish clinical practice recommendations in Spain to ensure uniformity in implementing these technologies into prenatal care. METHODS: A joint committee of expert obstetricians and geneticists was created to review the existing literature on fetal NGS for genetic diagnosis and to make recommendations for Spanish healthcare professionals. RESULTS: This guideline summarises technical aspects of NGS technologies, clinical indications in prenatal setting, considerations regarding findings to be reported, genetic counselling considerations as well as data storage and protection policies. CONCLUSIONS: This document provides updated recommendations for the use of NGS diagnostic tests in prenatal diagnosis. These recommendations should be periodically reviewed as our knowledge of the clinical utility of NGS technologies, applied during pregnancy, may advance.


Subject(s)
High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing , Prenatal Diagnosis , Humans , Prenatal Diagnosis/methods , Prenatal Diagnosis/standards , Pregnancy , High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing/methods , High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing/standards , Female , Spain , Genetic Testing/methods , Genetic Testing/standards , Genetic Counseling/methods , Genetic Counseling/standards , Obstetrics/standards , Obstetrics/methods , Gynecology/standards
5.
Genes (Basel) ; 15(6)2024 May 31.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38927651

ABSTRACT

Genetic counseling and treatment options for rare developmental disabilities (DDs) have been revolutionized by the opportunities made possible by using massively parallel sequencing for diagnostic purposes [...].


Subject(s)
Genetic Counseling , Phenotype , Rare Diseases , Humans , Rare Diseases/genetics , Rare Diseases/diagnosis , Rare Diseases/therapy , Genetic Counseling/methods , High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing/methods , Genetic Testing/methods , Developmental Disabilities/genetics , Developmental Disabilities/diagnosis , Developmental Disabilities/therapy
6.
Genet Med ; 26(7): 101137, 2024 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38814327

ABSTRACT

Carrier screening has historically assessed a relatively small number of autosomal recessive and X-linked conditions selected based on frequency in a specific subpopulation and association with severe morbidity or mortality. Advances in genomic technologies enable simultaneous screening of individuals for several conditions. The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics recently published a clinical practice resource that presents a framework when offering screening for autosomal recessive and X-linked conditions during pregnancy and preconception and recommends a tier-based approach when considering the number of conditions to screen for and their frequency within the US population in general. This laboratory technical standard aims to complement the practice resource and to put forth considerations for clinical laboratories and clinicians who offer preconception/prenatal carrier screening.


Subject(s)
Genetic Carrier Screening , Genetic Testing , Genetics, Medical , Genomics , Prenatal Diagnosis , Humans , Genetic Carrier Screening/methods , Genetic Carrier Screening/standards , Pregnancy , Female , Genomics/methods , Genomics/standards , Prenatal Diagnosis/methods , Prenatal Diagnosis/standards , Genetic Testing/standards , Genetic Testing/methods , Genetics, Medical/standards , United States , Preconception Care/methods , Preconception Care/standards , Genetic Counseling/standards , Genetic Counseling/methods
7.
Recenti Prog Med ; 115(5): 218-231, 2024 May.
Article in Italian | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38708533

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Given the significance of healthcare decisions in women with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations and their impact on patients' lives, this study aims to map the existing literature on decision regret in women with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. METHODS: A scoping review was conducted in the following databases: PubMed, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, Cochrane, and Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria focused on decision regret in the female population with BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 mutations, with no restrictions on the methodologies of the included studies, but only in the English language. The selection process led to the inclusion of 13 studies. RESULTS: The analysis revealed a significant trend toward decision regret among patients facing complex medical choices. The quality of healthcare communication, decision support, and genetic counselling emerged as key factors influencing patients' perceptions and experiences, with direct implications for their quality of life and psychological well-being. The results suggest that these decisions considerably impact patients, both in terms of clinical outcomes and emotional experiences. DISCUSSION: The investigation highlights the vital importance of a personalized care approach, emphasizing the critical role of managing patients' emotional and psychological complexity. Managing decision regret requires acute attention to individual needs and effective communication to mitigate emotional impact and improve patient outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Insights from a nursing perspective in the analysis of results indicate the need for informed, empathetic, and integrated care that considers the emotional complexity of women with BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 mutations in their lives and health choices.


Subject(s)
BRCA1 Protein , BRCA2 Protein , Breast Neoplasms , Decision Making , Emotions , Mutation , Quality of Life , Humans , Female , BRCA1 Protein/genetics , BRCA2 Protein/genetics , Breast Neoplasms/genetics , Breast Neoplasms/psychology , Genetic Counseling/psychology , Genetic Counseling/methods , Genes, BRCA1 , Communication , Decision Support Techniques , Genes, BRCA2
8.
Support Care Cancer ; 32(6): 359, 2024 May 16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38753118

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study aims to shed light on the rather neglected area of research of psychological distress in women facing genetic counselling in Turkey, where few institutions providing such counselling exist. METHODS: 105 breast cancer patients presenting for genetic testing completed a sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire as well as validated structured questionnaires including the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S/T) and the Health Motivation Sub-dimension of Champion's Health Belief Model Scale. RESULTS: 69.5% of the participants had lost a family member from cancer; 80% said the term "cancer" elicited negative thoughts (e.g., death, fear, and incurable disease). 62.9% and 37.1% attributed cancer to stress or sorrow, and genetic susceptibility, respectively. There was a negative association between health motivation and BDI scores (r:-0.433, p < 0.001). Married individuals had higher BDI and STAI-S scores (p = 0.001, p = 0.01 respectively), as well as lower STAI-T scores (p = 0.006). BDI, STAI-S and STAI-T scores were higher in those refusing genetic testing (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.003 respectively) and those with metastases (p = 0.03, p = 0.01, p = 0.03 respectively). Furthermore, individuals with low health motivation were more likely to exhibit high BDI scores (p < 0.001) and low STAI-T scores (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Common perceptions and beliefs about cancer and genetic testing during genetic counselling were found to have a negative impact on distress in high-risk women with breast cancer. The negative relationship between psychological distress and health motivation may reduce patients' compliance with genetic counselling recommendations. A comprehensive psychological evaluation should be considered as an important part of genetic counselling.


Subject(s)
Breast Neoplasms , Genetic Counseling , Psychological Distress , Humans , Female , Breast Neoplasms/psychology , Breast Neoplasms/genetics , Turkey , Genetic Counseling/psychology , Genetic Counseling/methods , Middle Aged , Adult , Surveys and Questionnaires , Stress, Psychological/etiology , Genetic Predisposition to Disease/psychology , Psychiatric Status Rating Scales , Aged , Motivation , Anxiety/etiology , Anxiety/epidemiology , Anxiety/psychology , Genetic Testing , Cross-Sectional Studies
9.
Curr Opin Cardiol ; 39(4): 364-370, 2024 Jul 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38652248

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The incorporation of genetic counseling and testing is essential to evaluation and management of thoracic aortic disease in patients under 60 years of age and those with family histories suspicious for heritable thoracic aortic disease and disorders associated with increased risk for acute type-A aortic dissection. RECENT FINDINGS: As many as 20% of individuals with thoracic aortic disease under the age of 60 years have autosomal dominant patterns of inheritance. A considerable number of heritability factors remain undefined for these families. SUMMARY: Genetic aortopathy programs require a collaborative approach including cardiovascular specialists and surgeons, medical geneticists, genetic counselors, and allied healthcare professionals. Comprehensive evaluation and management of these patients includes collection of detailed phenotypic data to inform the broader community and identify new associated and causative genes of interest, genetic modifiers, and other risk factors. These programs optimize outcomes and reduce the overall burden in the population of acute aortic dissection and related comorbidities.


Subject(s)
Aortic Diseases , Humans , Aortic Diseases/genetics , Aortic Diseases/therapy , Aortic Diseases/diagnosis , Genetic Counseling/methods , Genetic Testing/methods , Program Development , Aortic Dissection/genetics , Aortic Dissection/diagnosis , Aortic Dissection/therapy , Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic/genetics , Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic/diagnosis , Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic/therapy , Patient Care Team , Genetic Predisposition to Disease , Middle Aged
10.
Gynecol Oncol ; 183: 115-119, 2024 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38676973

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems such as ChatGPT can take medical examinations and counsel patients regarding medical diagnosis. We aim to quantify the accuracy of the ChatGPT V3.4 in answering commonly asked questions pertaining to genetic testing and counseling for gynecologic cancers. METHODS: Forty questions were formulated in conjunction with gynecologic oncologists and adapted from professional society guidelines and ChatGPT version 3.5 was queried, the version that is readily available to the public. The two categories of questions were genetic counseling guidelines and questions pertaining to specific genetic disorders. The answers were scored by two attending Gynecologic Oncologists according to the following scale: 1) correct and comprehensive, 2) correct but not comprehensive, 3) some correct, some incorrect, and 4) completely incorrect. Scoring discrepancies were resolved by additional third reviewer. The proportion of responses earning each score were calculated overall and within each question category. RESULTS: ChatGPT provided correct and comprehensive answers to 33/40 (82.5%) questions, correct but not comprehensive answers to 6/40 (15%) questions, partially incorrect answers to 1/40 (2.5%) questions, and completely incorrect answers to 0/40 (0%) questions. The genetic counseling category of questions had the highest proportion of answers that were both correct and comprehensive with ChatGPT answering all 20/20 questions with 100% accuracy and were comprehensive in responses. ChatGPT performed equally in the specific genetic disorders category, with 88.2% (15/17) and 66.6% (2/3) correct and comprehensive answers to questions pertaining to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer and Lynch syndrome questions respectively. CONCLUSION: ChatGPT accurately answers questions about genetic syndromes, genetic testing, and counseling in majority of the studied questions. These data suggest this powerful tool can be utilized as a patient resource for genetic counseling questions, though more data input from gynecologic oncologists would be needed to educate patients on genetic syndromes.


Subject(s)
Genetic Counseling , Genetic Testing , Genital Neoplasms, Female , Humans , Female , Genetic Counseling/methods , Genital Neoplasms, Female/genetics , Genital Neoplasms, Female/diagnosis , Genetic Testing/methods , Artificial Intelligence , Surveys and Questionnaires
11.
JCO Precis Oncol ; 8: e2300552, 2024 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38452310

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Germline genetic testing (GT) is important for prostate cancer (PCA) management, clinical trial eligibility, and hereditary cancer risk. However, GT is underutilized and there is a shortage of genetic counselors. To address these gaps, a patient-driven, pretest genetic education webtool was designed and studied compared with traditional genetic counseling (GC) to inform strategies for expanding access to genetic services. METHODS: Technology-enhanced acceleration of germline evaluation for therapy (TARGET) was a multicenter, noninferiority, randomized trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04447703) comparing a nine-module patient-driven genetic education webtool versus pretest GC. Participants completed surveys measuring decisional conflict, satisfaction, and attitudes toward GT at baseline, after pretest education/counseling, and after GT result disclosure. The primary end point was noninferiority in reducing decisional conflict between webtool and GC using the validated Decisional Conflict Scale. Mixed-effects regression modeling was used to compare decisional conflict between groups. Participants opting for GT received a 51-gene panel, with results delivered to participants and their providers. RESULTS: The analytic data set includes primary outcome data from 315 participants (GC [n = 162] and webtool [n = 153]). Mean difference in decisional conflict score changes between groups was -0.04 (one-sided 95% CI, -∞ to 2.54; P = .01), suggesting the patient-driven webtool was noninferior to GC. Overall, 145 (89.5%) GC and 120 (78.4%) in the webtool arm underwent GT, with pathogenic variants in 15.8% (8.7% in PCA genes). Satisfaction did not differ significantly between arms; knowledge of cancer genetics was higher but attitudes toward GT were less favorable in the webtool arm. CONCLUSION: The results of the TARGET study support the use of patient-driven digital webtools for expanding access to pretest genetic education for PCA GT. Further studies to optimize patient experience and evaluate them in diverse patient populations are warranted.


Subject(s)
Genetic Counseling , Prostatic Neoplasms , Humans , Male , Genetic Counseling/methods , Genetic Testing , Germ Cells , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Prostatic Neoplasms/diagnosis , Prostatic Neoplasms/genetics , Prostatic Neoplasms/therapy
13.
Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet ; 195(6): e32978, 2024 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38511665

ABSTRACT

Studies have consistently shown that psychiatric genetic counseling (pGC) helps people with psychiatric conditions by increasing empowerment and self-efficacy, and addressing emotions like guilt. Yet, it is not routinely provided. Genetic counselors and trainees express low confidence in their ability to provide meaningful pGC, especially in the absence of adequate training. Therefore, to address this gap a "Psychiatric Genetic Counseling for Genetic Counselors" (PG4GC) workshop was developed and delivered to 13 groups of participants (primarily qualified genetic counselors and trainees) between 2015 and 2023 (10 workshops were delivered in-person, and three virtually). Participants completed quantitative questionnaires both before and after completing the workshop to assess their comfort, knowledge, behavior, and feeling of being equipped to provide pGC. In total, 232 individuals completed the pre-workshop questionnaire and 154 completed the post-workshop questionnaire. Participants felt more comfortable, knowledgeable, and equipped to provide pGC, and reported being more likely to address psychiatric concerns after the workshop, regardless of whether they were trainees or practicing professionals and whether they completed the workshop in-person or virtually. This study suggests that the PG4GC workshop is an effective educational tool in pGC training that may aid in broader implementation of the service.


Subject(s)
Counselors , Genetic Counseling , Humans , Genetic Counseling/methods , Genetic Counseling/psychology , Surveys and Questionnaires , Counselors/education , Counselors/psychology , Female , Male , Adult , Mental Disorders/genetics , Education/methods , Psychiatry/education
14.
Heart Fail Rev ; 29(3): 663-674, 2024 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38308002

ABSTRACT

Over the last years, there has been a growing interest in the clinical manifestations and outcomes of cardiomyopathies in women. Peripartum cardiomyopathy is the only women-specific cardiomyopathy. In cardiomyopathies with X-linked transmission, women are not simply healthy carriers of the disorder, but can show a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations ranging from mild to severe manifestations because of heterogeneous patterns of X-chromosome inactivation. In mitochondrial disorders with a matrilinear transmission, cardiomyopathy is part of a systemic disorder affecting both men and women. Even some inherited cardiomyopathies with autosomal transmission display phenotypic and prognostic differences between men and women. Notably, female hormones seem to exert a protective role in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and variant transthyretin amyloidosis until the menopausal period. Women with cardiomyopathies holding high-risk features should be referred to a third-level center and evaluated on an individual basis. Cardiomyopathies can have a detrimental impact on pregnancy and childbirth because of the associated hemodynamic derangements. Genetic counselling and a tailored cardiological evaluation are essential to evaluate the likelihood of transmitting the disease to the children and the possibility of a prenatal or early post-natal diagnosis, as well as to estimate the risk associated with pregnancy and delivery, and the optimal management strategies.


Subject(s)
Cardiomyopathies , Humans , Female , Cardiomyopathies/therapy , Cardiomyopathies/diagnosis , Cardiomyopathies/physiopathology , Cardiomyopathies/genetics , Pregnancy , Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular/therapy , Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular/physiopathology , Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular/diagnosis , Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular/genetics , Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic/therapy , Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic/genetics , Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic/diagnosis , Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic/physiopathology , Genetic Counseling/methods , Disease Management
15.
Oncologist ; 29(5): e665-e671, 2024 May 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38297990

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Multigene panel testing is an important component of cancer treatment plans and risk assessment, but there are many different panel options and choosing the most appropriate panel can be challenging for health care providers and patients. Electronic tools have been proposed to help patients make informed decisions about which gene panel to choose by considering their preferences and priorities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An electronic decision aid (DA) tool was developed in line with the International Patient Decision Aids Standards collaboration. The multidisciplinary project team collaborated with an external health care communications agency and the MGH Cancer Center Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) to develop the DA. Surveys of genetic counselors and patients were used to scope the content, and alpha testing was used to refine the design and content. RESULTS: Surveys of genetic counselors (n = 12) and patients (n = 228) identified common themes in discussing panel size and strategies for helping patients decide between panels and in identifying confusing terms for patients and distribution of patients' choices. The DA, organized into 2 major sections, provides educational text, graphics, and videos to guide patients through the decision-making process. Alpha testing feedback from the PFAC (n = 4), genetic counselors (n = 3) and a group of lay people (n = 8) identified areas to improve navigation, simplify wording, and improve layout. CONCLUSION: The DA developed in this study has the potential to facilitate informed decision-making by patients regarding cancer genetic testing. The distinctive feature of this DA is that it addresses the specific question of which multigene panel may be most suitable for the patient. Its acceptability and effectiveness will be evaluated in future studies.


Subject(s)
Decision Support Techniques , Genetic Counseling , Genetic Testing , Ovarian Neoplasms , Humans , Female , Genetic Testing/methods , Ovarian Neoplasms/genetics , Ovarian Neoplasms/diagnosis , Genetic Counseling/methods , Decision Making , Middle Aged , Adult
16.
Sci Rep ; 14(1): 506, 2024 01 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38177239

ABSTRACT

An effective way to reduce emotional distress is by sharing negative emotions with others. This is why counseling with a virtual counselor is an emerging methodology, where the sharer can consult freely anytime and anywhere without having to fear being judged. To improve counseling effectiveness, most studies so far have focused on designing verbal compassion for virtual counselors. However, recent studies showed that virtual counselors' nonverbal compassion through eye contact, facial mimicry, and head-nodding also have significant impact on the overall counseling experience. To verify this, we designed the virtual counselor's nonverbal compassion and examined its effects on counseling effectiveness (i.e., reduce the intensity of anger and improve general affect). A total of 40 participants were recruited from the university community. Participants were then randomly assigned to one of two virtual counselor conditions: a neutral virtual counselor condition without nonverbal compassion and a compassionate virtual counselor condition with nonverbal compassion (i.e., eye contact, facial mimicry, and head-nodding). Participants shared their anger-inducing episodes with the virtual counselor for an average of 16.30 min. Note that the virtual counselor was operated by the Wizard-of-Oz method without actually being technically implemented. Results showed that counseling with a compassionate virtual counselor reduced the intensity of anger significantly more than counseling with a neutral virtual counselor (F(1, 37) = 30.822, p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.454). In addition, participants who counseled with a compassionate virtual counselor responded that they experienced higher empathy than those who counseled with a neutral virtual counselor (p < 0.001). These findings suggest that nonverbal compassion through eye contact, facial mimicry, and head-nodding of the virtual counselor makes the participants feel more empathy, which contributes to improving the counseling effectiveness by reducing the intensity of anger.


Subject(s)
Counselors , Humans , Counseling , Empathy , Genetic Counseling/methods , Nonverbal Communication
17.
Transl Behav Med ; 14(7): 377-385, 2024 Jun 27.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38190737

ABSTRACT

Scalable models for result disclosure are needed to ensure large-scale access to genomics services. Research evaluating alternatives to genetic counseling suggests effectiveness; however, it is unknown whether these findings are generalizable across populations. We assessed whether a letter is non-inferior to telephone genetic counseling to inform participants with no personal or family history of cancer of their normal results. Data were collected via self-report surveys before and after result disclosure (at 1 and 6 months) in a study sample enriched for individuals from underserved populations. Primary outcomes were subjective understanding of results (global and aggregated) and test-related feelings, ascertained via three subscales (uncertainty, negative emotions, and positive feelings) of the Feelings About genomiC Testing Results (FACToR) measure. Secondary outcomes related to satisfaction with communication. Non-inferiority tests compared outcomes among disclosure methods. Communication by letter was inferior in terms of global subjective understanding of results (at 1 month) and non-inferior to telephoned results (at 6 months). Letter was non-inferior to telephone for aggregated understanding (at 6 months). Letter was superior (at 1 month) to telephone on the uncertainty FACToR subscale. Letter was non-inferior to telephone on the positive-feelings FACToR subscale (at 6 months). Letter was non-inferior to telephone for satisfaction with mode of result delivery and genetic test results. Communication via letter was inferior to telephone in communicating the "right amount of information." The use of written communication to relay normal results to low-risk individuals is a promising strategy that may improve the efficiency of care delivery.


Genetic counseling services delivered in the usual way­during clinic visits­can take up a lot of time for patients and genetic counselors. Alternatives to this practice have been studied among genetic counseling patients to spare genetic counselors' time and expand access and flexibility for patients. Yet, in these studies, the participants have lacked diversity. So, it is not known how these research findings pertain to all populations. In this study, we looked at the use of an alternative care model, a mailed letter, for sharing normal genetic test results with study participants from underserved populations. We tested whether patients viewed the mailed letter as no worse than a telephone conversation with a genetic counselor, which has been shown to be well received by patients. We learned that study participants felt they understood their results, were not distressed to receive the results, and were satisfied with how their results were delivered. Lastly, we found that participants were more satisfied with the amount of information provided about their test results during the telephone conversation compared with the mailed letter. This study provides new information about different ways to deliver test results to individuals receiving genetic services.


Subject(s)
Genetic Counseling , Genetic Testing , Neoplasms , Telephone , Humans , Female , Genetic Testing/methods , Male , Middle Aged , Genetic Counseling/methods , Neoplasms/genetics , Adult , Vulnerable Populations , Disclosure , Postal Service , Aged
18.
Ann Acad Med Singap ; 52(3): 135-148, 2023 Mar 30.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38904491

ABSTRACT

Introduction: There has been a rapid evolution in the treatment strategies for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) following the identification of targetable mutations, making genetic testing essential for patient selection. Although several international guidelines recommend genetic testing for patients with mCRPC, there is a lack of locally endorsed clinical practice guidelines in Singapore. Method: A multidisciplinary specialist panel with representation from medical and radiation oncology, urology, pathology, interventional radiology, and medical genetics discussed the challenges associated with patient selection, genetic counselling and sample processing in mCRPC. Results: A clinical model for incorporating genetic testing into routine clinical practice in Singapore was formulated. Tumour testing with an assay that is able to detect both somatic and germline mutations should be utilised. The panel also recommended the "mainstreaming" approach for genetic counselling in which pre-test counselling is conducted by the managing clinician and post-test discussion with a genetic counsellor, to alleviate the bottlenecks at genetic counselling stage in Singapore. The need for training of clinicians to provide pre-test genetic counselling and educating the laboratory personnel for appropriate sample processing that facilitates downstream genetic testing was recognised. Molecular tumour boards and multidisciplinary discussions are recommended to guide therapeutic decisions in mCRPC. The panel also highlighted the issue of reimbursement for genetic testing to reduce patient-borne costs and increase the reach of genetic testing among this patient population. Conclusion: This article aims to provide strategic and implementable recommendations to overcome the challenges in genetic testing for patients with mCRPC in Singapore.


Subject(s)
Genetic Counseling , Genetic Testing , Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant , Humans , Male , Singapore , Genetic Testing/methods , Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant/genetics , Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant/pathology , Genetic Counseling/methods , Patient Selection , Mutation , Neoplasm Metastasis
19.
Rev. medica electron ; 43(6): 1585-1594, dic. 2021.
Article in Spanish | LILACS, CUMED | ID: biblio-1409687

ABSTRACT

RESUMEN Introducción: muchas gestantes que se atienden en consulta de Genética prenatal provienen de familias con diabetes mellitus y desarrollan diabetes gestacional, por lo que requieren el asesoramiento genético preconcepcional sobre factores de riesgo, que en muchos casos no reciben. Objetivo: identificar los antecedentes familiares de diabetes mellitus en las gestantes que debutan con diabetes gestacional, sin haber tenido asesoramiento genético preconcepcional. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo durante el período 2017 a 2019 en 186 embarazadas diagnosticadas con diabetes gestacional, del municipio Matanzas. Resultados: el 39,7 % de las gestantes con diabetes gestacional pertenecían a familias con diabetes mellitus; el 27,02 % tenía un familiar de primer grado afectado; en el 59,45 % predominó la vía materna de transmisión hereditaria; un 22,58 % presentó defectos congénitos, y el 54,05 % no recibió asesoramiento genético preconcepcional. Conclusiones: no todas las embarazadas con antecedentes familiares de diabetes mellitus recibieron asesoramiento genético preconcepcional, indispensable para minimizar el riesgo de diabetes gestacional (AU).


ABSTRACT Introduction: many pregnant women attended in prenatal genetic consultation come from families with diabetes mellitus and develop gestational diabetes, so they require preconception genetic counseling on risk factors, which they do not receive in many cases. Objective: to identify family antecedents of diabetes mellitus in pregnant women who debut with gestational diabetes, without having received preconceptional genetic counseling. Materials and methods: a retrospective descriptive study was carried out during the period 2017 to 2019 in 186 pregnant women from the municipality of Matanzas, diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Results: 39.7 % of the pregnant with gestational diabetes came from families with diabetes mellitus; 27.02 % of them had an affected first-grade relative; maternal hereditary transmission predominated in 59.45 %; 22.58 % presented congenital defects, and 54.05 % did not received preconceptional genetic counseling. Conclusions: not all the pregnant women with family antecedents of diabetes mellitus received preconceptional genetic counseling, which is essential to minimize the risk of gestational diabetes (AU).


Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Diabetes, Gestational/prevention & control , Genetic Counseling/methods , Pregnancy Complications/diagnosis , Pregnancy Complications/prevention & control , Risk Factors , Diabetes, Gestational/therapy , Medical History Taking/methods
20.
Clin. transl. oncol. (Print) ; 23(10): 1995-2019, oct. 2021. ilus, tab
Article in English | IBECS | ID: ibc-223371

ABSTRACT

'Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) are rare neuroendocrine tumors that arise from chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla and the sympathetic/parasympathetic neural ganglia, respectively. The heterogeneity in its etiology makes PPGL diagnosis and treatment very complex. The aim of this article was to provide practical clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of PPGLs from a multidisciplinary perspective, with the involvement of the Spanish Societies of Endocrinology and Nutrition (SEEN), Medical Oncology (SEOM), Medical Radiology (SERAM), Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SEMNIM), Otorhinolaryngology (SEORL), Pathology (SEAP), Radiation Oncology (SEOR), Surgery (AEC) and the Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO). We will review the following topics: epidemiology; anatomy, pathology and molecular pathways; clinical presentation; hereditary predisposition syndromes and genetic counseling and testing; diagnostic procedures, including biochemical testing and imaging studies; treatment including catecholamine blockade, surgery, radiotherapy and radiometabolic therapy, systemic therapy, local ablative therapy and supportive care. Finally, we will provide follow-up recommendations (AU)


Subject(s)
Humans , Genetic Counseling/methods , Pheochromocytoma/therapy , Paraganglioma/therapy , Biomarkers, Tumor , Genetic Predisposition to Disease , Study Guides as Topic , Genetic Testing
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