Does rapid genetic counseling and testing in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients cause additional psychosocial distress? Results from a randomized clinical trial

Marijke R. Wevers, Margreet G.E.M. Ausems, Senno Verhoef, Eveline M.A. Bleiker, Daniela E.E. Hahn, Titia Brouwer, Frans B.L. Hogervorst, Rob B. Van Der Luijt, Thijs Van Dalen, Evert B. Theunissen, Bart Van Ooijen, Marnix A. De Roos, Paul J. Borgstein, Bart C. Vrouenraets, Eline Vriens, Wim H. Bouma, Herman Rijna, Johannes P. Vente, Jacobien M. Kieffer, Heiddis B. ValdimarsdottirEmiel J.T. Rutgers, Arjen J. Witkamp, Neil K. Aaronson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

27 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose:Female breast cancer patients carrying a BRCA1/2 mutation have an increased risk of second primary breast cancer. Rapid genetic counseling and testing (RGCT) before surgery may influence choice of primary surgical treatment. In this article, we report on the psychosocial impact of RGCT.Methods:Newly diagnosed breast cancer patients at risk for carrying a BRCA1/2 mutation were randomized to an intervention group (offer of RGCT) or a usual care control group (ratio 2:1). Psychosocial impact and quality of life were assessed with the Impact of Events Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Cancer Worry Scale, and the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23. Assessments took place at study entry and at 6- and 12-month follow-up visits.Results:Between 2008 and 2010, 265 patients were recruited into the study. Completeness of follow-up data was more than 90%. Of the 178 women in the intervention group, 177 had genetic counseling, of whom 71 (40%) had rapid DNA testing and 59 (33%) received test results before surgery. Intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses showed no statistically significant differences between groups over time in any of the psychosocial outcomes.Conclusions:In this study, RGCT in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients did not have any measurable adverse psychosocial effects.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)137-144
Number of pages8
JournalGenetics in Medicine
Volume18
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Feb 2016
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • BRCA1/2
  • breast cancer
  • genetic counseling and testing
  • psychosocial distress
  • quality of life

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