Genetic and Genomic Testing for Cancer Susceptibility

Genetic and Genomic Testing for Cancer Susceptibility

Summary

‘Genetic and Genomic Testing for Cancer Susceptibility’ is a clinical oncology journal written by a couple of authors, Mark Robson, Susan Domchek, James Ford, among others for the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Robson et al analyze the susceptibility of cancer for the next generations using new effective technology. Moreover, they analyze the challenges combating emerging new technologies used for genetic and genomic testing and after that offer recommendation which ensure the technologies are safe and effective for conducting oncology procedures. In this oncology journal, Robson et al make recommendations concerning accessing genetic services for cancer, oncology professionals’ education, multigene testing for cancer susceptibility, genetic testing quality assurance, and somatic mutations (3660). The primary technology in assessment is the next-generation sequencing (NGS) used for testing the susceptibility of cancer among individuals. The research was conducted after the concerned committees of ASCO became worried about the impact of the NGS technology in oncology.

Analysis

According to Robson et al, NGS technology is more effective and cheaper than the traditional Sanger testing because it eases the determination of variations in the sequencing of DNA; thus, defining therapeutic targets (3663). Additionally, since the treatment of cancer is based on the presence of germline mutation, NGS helps in identification of secondary risks of cancer in a family. Robson et al urge that patients should be provided by pre-test genetic testing whereby the patients are disclosed the negative impacts of the treatment such as psychological stress (3665). Due to the multiple types of research on cancer, oncologists are advised to embrace learning to increase their knowledge of hereditary cancer genetics. ASCO is focusing on the implementation of policies that do not restrict cancer patients from accessing genetic cancer services as well as ensuring the new technologies are effective and have massive positive impacts on cancer patients.

Population Genetic Testing for Cancer Susceptibility

Summary

‘Population Genetic Testing for Cancer Susceptibility’ is a scholarly oncology journal written by William Foulkes, Bartha Knoppers, and Clare Turnbull relatively to the study of population-based genetic testing. The journal highlights that current models of identifying carriers of high-risk mutations such as cancer are ineffective for population-based testing since the genetic tests are regulated because they are laborious; therefore, omitting mutation carries. Foulkes et al explain that population-based cancer susceptibility gene (CSG) testing provides genetic testing for a particular group of individuals without going deep on the family’s genogram of cancer-related mutations (42). The journal reviews population-based CSG testing of breast cancer which more prevalent in a Jewish population known as Ashkenazi and the possible strategies which may boost the incorporation of this kind of testing into most healthcare institutions globally. Moreover, Foulkes et al explain the potential challenges and barriers which must be overcome before this testing is performed on a broad population (50).

Analysis

Foulkes et al focused on BRCA 1/2 breast cancer and ovarian cancer by reviewing 6 types of research; one in Poland and five others in Ashkenazi’s population (42). The study was done on both genders to avoiding biases. Men were tested first and then followed the female relatives. The findings of the researches proved that individuals developed BRCA 1 mutations of breast cancer and BRCA 2 mutations of ovarian cancer by the age of eighty. The study demonstrated the effectiveness of population-based CSG testing relative to the tiresome family-history testing (Foulkes et al, 42). Among the main challenges affecting this type of testing is financial constraints when extending the research on a vast population since it studies the whole genome and exome analysis. Also, large populations have low frequencies of specific mutations but a higher mutation spectrum which requires more costly and complex gene sequencing (Foulkes et al, 51). However, the testing identifies more mutation carriers and reduces surgeries on early detection as compared to the traditional testing techniques.

Genetic Testing in Children and Adolescents

Summary

‘Genetic Testing in Children and Adolescents’ is a scholarly journal written by Jeffery Botkin, Jonathan Berg, John Belmont, Nancy Spinner among other authors focusing on the legal, ethical and psychological impacts of genetic testing on children and adolescents. The authors highlight increased psychological risks such as discrimination and ways of handling genetic and genomic information among the children. Moreover, an in-depth discussion of several technologies such as chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) is provided in the journal. Botkin et al emphasize the need for predictive gene testing on families which have a high risk of genetic disorders or complications and genome-scale sequencing in children (7). The journal discusses several genetic tests among children and adolescents, for instance, pharmacogenomic, Direct to consumer testing (DCT), and newborn genetic screening. Besides, issues of genetic testing on adopted children and professional education are integrated into the journal to offer more knowledge useful when handling the psychological health of children.

Analysis

Young children are incapable of making clinical decisions; therefore, parents are advised to make a correct decision to the best interest of their children during genetic testing. Botkin et al urge that new technologies such as next-generation sequencing techniques have waived out Sanger sequencing due to challenges in identifying and distinguishing variants for testing (11). Individuals experience tension due to genome-scale sequencing because of the comprehensive data which highlights secondary findings that the individual was not prepared for. As a result, parents are encouraged to decline post-dispositional testing to their children until they become adults who can make reasonable decisions (Botkin et al, 18). Carrier testing is significant to planning adulthood’s future among adolescents since researches indicate that it brings less harm to them. DCT is prohibited among children; however, it is recommended on the onset of adulthood for surveillance of genetic conditions. Besides that, adopted children require the same genetic testing considerations as the children living with their biological parents.

Works Cited

Robson, Mark E., et al. “American Society of Clinical Oncology policy statement update: genetic             and genomic testing for cancer susceptibility.” Journal of Clinical Oncology33.31         (2015): 3660-3667.

Botkin, Jeffrey R., et al. “Points to consider: ethical, legal, and psychosocial implications of          genetic testing in children and adolescents.” The American Journal of Human            Genetics 97.1 (2015): 6-21.

Foulkes, William D., Bartha Maria Knoppers, and Clare Turnbull. “Population genetic testing for cancer susceptibility: founder mutations to genomes.” Nature reviews Clinical       oncology 13.1 (2016): 41-55.