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Sandy Srinivas, MD
Sandy Srinivas, MD
Posted: Friday, February 3, 2023
According to research published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, the GENTleMEN study explored the feasibility of an Internet-based, patient-driven germline genetic testing approach for men with metastatic prostate cancer. Identified barriers to genetic testing include access to genetic counseling, insurance coverage, and out-of-pocket costs.
“The overarching goal for the study was in recognition that first, the standard of care was likely to change and second, there was a need and opportunity to consider novel genetic education and testing delivery methods because of the substantial expansion of the number of patients needing genetic counseling and limited genetic counselors,” said Heather H. Cheng, MD, PhD, of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, and colleagues.
The study opened in September 2016. Men with metastatic prostate cancer provided informed consent via an Internet-based platform and completed a questionnaire including demographics and family cancer history through August 2021. Genetic testing was performed using the Color Genomics 30-gene targeted panel of cancer predisposition genes on a mailed saliva sample. Participants with test results that identified a germline pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant received results by phone or telehealth genetic counseling. Other participants received results by e-mail with an option for phone-based or telehealth genetic counseling.
By August 2021, 816 eligible men had consented to the study. Of them, 68% completed genetic testing, and 8.7% were found to carry a pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant in a germline DNA repair gene. Participants who were more likely to complete the testing process were non-Hispanic White, married, highly educated, or from a higher-income bracket.
Although access to genetic testing is possible for some, reducing the steps for participation with more dedicated outreach to encourage diversity and participant support is needed. These supports may also help with addressing additional barriers to ensure equitable access and optimization for genetic testing.
Disclosure: For full disclosures of the study authors, visit ascopubs.org.
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