Most cancer patients want tumor profiling, but have mixed feelings about other genetic information the tests may reveal

the Oncology Nurse Advisor take:

Most patients with cancer want tumor profiling even if the test would reveal risks for other genetic diseases. Today’s sophisticated tumor profiling technology can provide information that can direct targeted therapy. However, these tests can also reveal incidental findings about genetic abnormalities unrelated to the cancer. A Yale Cancer Center study showed that whether and how much of the information obtained patients wanted to know varied.

In the study, 59% of cancer patients would agree to tumor profiling, and when tumor profiling was already ordered, 79% of patients wanted to know all of the information obtained. However, only approximately half wanted to know if a gene variant would cause an unpreventable or serious illness, or about a gene variant of uncertain significance.

The study authors suggest clinicians and patients discuss the possibilities and implications of incidental findings before ordering the test. Despite their willingness to pursue genetic testing, patients desire to know about incidental findings varied.