A digital pathway for genetic testing in UK NHS patients with cancer: BRCA-DIRECT randomised study internal pilot.
J Med Genet
; 59(12): 1179-1188, 2022 12.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-35868849
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Germline genetic testing affords multiple opportunities for women with breast cancer, however, current UK NHS models for delivery of germline genetic testing are clinician-intensive and only a minority of breast cancer cases access testing.METHODS:
We designed a rapid, digital pathway, supported by a genetics specialist hotline, for delivery of germline testing of BRCA1/BRCA2/PALB2 (BRCA-testing), integrated into routine UK NHS breast cancer care. We piloted the pathway, as part of the larger BRCA-DIRECT study, in 130 unselected patients with breast cancer and gathered preliminary data from a randomised comparison of delivery of pretest information digitally (fully digital pathway) or via telephone consultation with a genetics professional (partially digital pathway).RESULTS:
Uptake of genetic testing was 98.4%, with good satisfaction reported for both the fully and partially digital pathways. Similar outcomes were observed in both arms regarding patient knowledge score and anxiety, with <5% of patients contacting the genetics specialist hotline. All progression criteria established for continuation of the study were met.CONCLUSION:
Pilot data indicate preliminary demonstration of feasibility and acceptability of a fully digital pathway for BRCA-testing and support proceeding to a full powered study for evaluation of non-inferiority of the fully digital pathway, detailed quantitative assessment of outcomes and operational economic analyses. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN87845055.Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Referral and Consultation
/
Breast Neoplasms
Type of study:
Clinical_trials
/
Diagnostic_studies
/
Prognostic_studies
Limits:
Female
/
Humans
Country/Region as subject:
Europa
Language:
En
Journal:
J Med Genet
Year:
2022
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Reino Unido