Parent Opinions Regarding the Genetic Testing of Minors for BRCA1/2

• Published in: Journal of clinical oncology Vol. 28; no. 21; pp. 3498 - 3505
• Main Authors: BRADBURY, Angela R, PATRICK-MILLER, Linda, JACKSON, Sarah, CORBMAN, Melanie, OLOPADE, Olufunmilayo I, DALY, Mary, DAUGHERTY, Christopher K, EGLESTON, Brian, SANDS, Colleen Burke, TIANYU LI, SCHMIDHEISER, Helen, FEIGON, Maia, IBE, Comfort N, HLUBOCKY, Fay J, HOPE, Kisha
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Alexandria, VA American Society of Clinical Oncology 20.07.2010
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Biological and medical sciences; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Genes, BRCA1; Genes, BRCA2; Genetic Testing; Humans; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Minors; Mutation; Parents; Tumors; Genetics; Cancerology; Medical screening; BRCA2 gene; Parent; BRCA1 gene
• ISSN: 0732-183X; 1527-7755
• DOI: 10.1200/JCO.2009.27.2971

Although not currently recommended, genetic testing of minors for adult hereditary cancer syndromes, along with risks and benefits, is still being debated. Thus, we evaluated parent opinions regarding BRCA1/2 testing of minors, in general, and hypothetically, for parents' own minor child. Semistructured interviews were conducted to assess parent opinions regarding BRCA1/2 testing in minors, along with parent rationale for and factors associated with these opinions. In total, 246 parents at two academic cancer risk assessment programs who underwent BRCA1/2 testing completed the interview (60% response rate). In response to a dichotomous question, 37% of parents supported testing minors. Responses to an open-ended query suggest that 47% support testing minors in some or all circumstances. Parent negative BRCA1/2 test result (P = .02), parent male sex (P = .03), and minority race (P = .01) were independently associated with support of testing minors. In response to a dichotomous question, 44% of parents reported hypothetical interest in testing their own minor offspring. Responses to an open-ended query suggest that 55% would consider, hypothetically, testing their child in some or all circumstances. Parent negative test result (P = .01), less than a college education (P < .01), and older mean offspring age (P = .05) were associated with interest in testing one's own child. Parents' opinions regarding BRCA1/2 testing of minors are divided. Given the lack of evidence supporting either the permission or restriction of BRCA1/2 testing in minors, further evaluation of the risks and benefits of providing genetic risk information and genetic testing to minors for adult-onset disease is needed to inform clinical practice and guidelines.