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Bon SBB, Wouters RHP, Bakhuizen JJ, Jongmans MCJ, van den Heuvel-Eibrink MM, Grootenhuis MA. Experiences of pediatric cancer patients (age 12-18 years) with extensive germline sequencing for cancer predisposition: a qualitative study. Eur J Hum Genet 2024; 32:567-575. [PMID: 38409533 PMCID: PMC11061193 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-024-01565-3] [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: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This study explored the experiences and needs of adolescents, ranging from 12 to 18 years old, who have recently been diagnosed with cancer and participated in a nationwide germline genetic sequencing study within the context of pediatric oncology. The 21 adolescents in this qualitative interview study viewed genetic sequencing as an integral part of their cancer journey. They often characterized germline sequencing as "good-to-know" without specifying immediate utility. While the adolescents comprehended the significance of germline genetic sequencing, they were less focused on its potential long-term implications. Adolescents expressed a strong desire to be actively engaged in decisions related to genetics. They advocated for a participatory role in genetic decision-making from a young age onwards. They recommended that re-consent should be sought before re-analysis of their genetic data is performed and believe that patients should have the opportunity to provide (re-)consent once they reach adulthood. Moreover, the adolescents emphasized the importance of developing counseling materials that are not only concise but also visually attractive. In conclusion, this study underscores the positive perception that adolescents diagnosed with cancer hold regarding germline genetic sequencing. They articulate a strong interest in being actively involved in genetic decision-making. To address these articulated needs and preferences, we recommend the development of visually engaging counseling materials. These materials should effectively convey both the immediate and long-term implications of genetic sequencing, enabling adolescents with cancer to make informed decisions about genetic sequencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian B B Bon
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Roel H P Wouters
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jette J Bakhuizen
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marjolijn C J Jongmans
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Division of Child Health, UMCU-Wilhelmina's Children's Hospital, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marry M van den Heuvel-Eibrink
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Division of Child Health, UMCU-Wilhelmina's Children's Hospital, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Martha A Grootenhuis
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Division of Child Health, UMCU-Wilhelmina's Children's Hospital, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Di Carlo C, Mighton C, Clausen M, Joshi E, Casalino S, Kim THM, Kowal C, Birken C, Maguire J, Bombard Y. Parents' attitudes towards research involving genome sequencing of their healthy children: a qualitative study. Eur J Hum Genet 2024; 32:171-175. [PMID: 37864046 PMCID: PMC10853502 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-023-01476-9] [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: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
With widespread genomic sequencing research efforts, there is increasing impetus to return results to participants. Parents of healthy children are increasingly asked to participate in genomic research, yet there are limited studies of parental expectations for the return of results amongst healthy children. We explored parental attitudes towards their healthy children's participation in genomic research and expectations for return of results. Data collection involved semi-structured telephone interviews with parents of healthy children participating in a primary care research network. Transcripts were analyzed thematically using constant comparison. A total of 26 parents were interviewed: 22 were female, 19 self-reported as White/European, and 20 were aged 30-39. Three themes emerged: (1) Reciprocity; Parents preferred to receive medically actionable, childhood-onset results and expected recontact overtime in exchange for their research participation. (2) Downstream impacts of testing; Parents expected future clinical benefits but were concerned about the risk of genetic discrimination. (3) Power and empowerment; Some parents felt empowered to take preventative action for their child and relatives, while others did not want to limit their child's autonomy. Considering these tensions may help to inform participant-centered approaches to optimize parental decision-making and participation, as well as maximize the utility of results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Di Carlo
- Genomics Health Services Research Program, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Chloe Mighton
- Genomics Health Services Research Program, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Marc Clausen
- Genomics Health Services Research Program, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Esha Joshi
- Genomics Health Services Research Program, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Selina Casalino
- Genomics Health Services Research Program, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Theresa H M Kim
- Genomics Health Services Research Program, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Catherine Birken
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jonathon Maguire
- Genomics Health Services Research Program, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yvonne Bombard
- Genomics Health Services Research Program, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Codina-Solà M, Trujillano L, Abulí A, Rovira-Moreno E, Muñoz-Cabello P, Campos B, Fernández-Álvarez P, Palau D, Carrasco E, Valenzuela I, Cueto-González AM, Lasa-Aranzasti A, Limeres J, Leno-Colorado J, Costa-Roger M, Moles-Fernández A, Balmaña J, Díez O, Cuscó I, Garcia-Arumí E, Tizzano EF. An spanish study of secondary findings in families affected with mendelian disorders: choices, prevalence and family history. Eur J Hum Genet 2023; 31:223-230. [PMID: 36446894 PMCID: PMC9905470 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-022-01240-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical exome sequencing has the potential to identify pathogenic variants unrelated to the purpose of the study (secondary findings, SFs). Data describing actual choices of SFs in participants in a clinical setting and factors influencing their decision are virtually non-existant in Europe. In this work, we report the acceptance rate of SFs, calculate their prevalence and study factors associated with the decision in a cohort of patients affected with a rare genetic disorder in a Spanish Hospital. Finally, we re-examine the presence of previously non reported family history in positive cases. We retrospectively reviewed informed consent choices and SF results from 824 unrelated probands affected with rare genetic disorders who underwent whole-genome or exome sequencing. Ninety percent of families (740/824) affected with rare disorders wished to be informed of SFs. Declining SFs was associated with a prenatal setting (30% vs. 8.7%, p = 0.025), consanguinity (19% vs. 8.7%, p = 0.013), male gender (10.6% vs. 1.5%, p = 0.00865) and the proband being a minor (10.6% vs. 1.5%, p = 0.014). Overall, 27 pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants were identified in 27 individuals, with an SF prevalence of 3.6%. Disclosure of SFs increased the percentage of positive family histories and resulted in early diagnosis or changes in the management of 10 individuals from five families. We show that the acceptance of SFs in Spain is high and the disclosure of SFs leads to a clinically meaningful change in the medical management of individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Codina-Solà
- Medicine Genetics Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain.
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain.
- European Reference Network on Rare Congenital Malformations and Rare Intellectual Disability ERN-ITHACA, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Laura Trujillano
- Medicine Genetics Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Abulí
- Medicine Genetics Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain
- European Reference Network on Rare Congenital Malformations and Rare Intellectual Disability ERN-ITHACA, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eulàlia Rovira-Moreno
- Medicine Genetics Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain
- European Reference Network on Rare Congenital Malformations and Rare Intellectual Disability ERN-ITHACA, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Patricia Muñoz-Cabello
- Medicine Genetics Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Berta Campos
- Medicine Genetics Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paula Fernández-Álvarez
- Medicine Genetics Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain
- European Reference Network on Rare Congenital Malformations and Rare Intellectual Disability ERN-ITHACA, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Dolors Palau
- Medicine Genetics Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Estela Carrasco
- Hereditary Cancer Genetics Group, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
- Medical Oncology Department, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Irene Valenzuela
- Medicine Genetics Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain
- European Reference Network on Rare Congenital Malformations and Rare Intellectual Disability ERN-ITHACA, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Maria Cueto-González
- Medicine Genetics Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Amaia Lasa-Aranzasti
- Medicine Genetics Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain
- European Reference Network on Rare Congenital Malformations and Rare Intellectual Disability ERN-ITHACA, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Javier Limeres
- European Reference Networks for rare, low prevalence and complex diseases of the heart (ERN GUARD-Heart), Barcelona, Spain
- Unidad de Cardiopatías Familiares, Servicio de Cardiología, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain
- Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Cardiovascular Diseases (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordi Leno-Colorado
- Medicine Genetics Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mar Costa-Roger
- Medicine Genetics Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alejandro Moles-Fernández
- Medicine Genetics Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Judith Balmaña
- Hereditary Cancer Genetics Group, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
- Medical Oncology Department, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Orland Díez
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain
- Hereditary Cancer Genetics Group, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ivon Cuscó
- Medicine Genetics Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain
- European Reference Network on Rare Congenital Malformations and Rare Intellectual Disability ERN-ITHACA, Barcelona, Spain
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Genetics, Hospital Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elena Garcia-Arumí
- Medicine Genetics Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain
- European Reference Network on Rare Congenital Malformations and Rare Intellectual Disability ERN-ITHACA, Barcelona, Spain
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Barcelona, Spain
- Research Group on Neuromuscular and Mitochondrial Disorders, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eduardo Fidel Tizzano
- Medicine Genetics Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain
- European Reference Network on Rare Congenital Malformations and Rare Intellectual Disability ERN-ITHACA, Barcelona, Spain
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Chad L, Anderson J, Cagliero D, Hayeems RZ, Ly LG, Szuto A. Rapid Genetic Testing in Pediatric and Neonatal Critical Care: A Scoping Review of Emerging Ethical Issues. Hosp Pediatr 2022; 12:e347-e359. [PMID: 36161483 DOI: 10.1542/hpeds.2022-006654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rapid genome-wide sequencing (rGWS) is being increasingly used to aid in prognostication and decision-making for critically ill newborns and children. Although its feasibility in this fast-paced setting has been described, this new paradigm of inpatient genetic care raises new ethical challenges. OBJECTIVE A scoping review was performed to (1) identify salient ethical issues in this area of practice; and (2) bring attention to gaps and ethical tensions that warrant more deliberate exploration. METHODS Data sources, Ovid Medline and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, were searched up to November 2021. Articles included were those in English relating to rGWS deployed rapidly in a critical care setting. Publications were examined for ethical themes and were further characterized as including a superficial or in-depth discussion of that theme. New themes were inductively identified as they emerged. RESULTS Ninety-nine studies, published in 2012 or thereafter, met inclusion criteria. Themes identified elaborated upon established ethical principles related to beneficence and nonmaleficence (ie, clinical utility, medical uncertainty, impact on family, and data security) autonomy (ie, informed consent), and justice (ie, resource allocation and disability rights). Many themes were only narrowly discussed. CONCLUSIONS The application of rGWS in neonatal and pediatric acute care is inherently tied to ethically charged issues, some of which are reported here. Attention to the ethical costs and benefits of rGWS is not always discussed, with important gaps and unanswered questions that call for ongoing focus on these ethical considerations in this next application of acute care genomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Chad
- Divisions of Clinical and Metabolic Genetics.,Departments of Bioethics.,Departments of Paediatrics
| | | | | | - Robin Z Hayeems
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute,Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto,Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Linh G Ly
- Neonatology.,Departments of Paediatrics
| | - Anna Szuto
- Genetic Counselling, Hospital for Sick Children,Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Molecular Genetics
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