Gene therapy: perspectives from young adults with Leber’s congenital amaurosis

• Published in: Eye (London) Vol. 36; no. 11; pp. 2088 - 2093
• Main Authors: Napier, Melanie P., Selvan, Kavin, Hayeems, Robin Z., Shuman, Cheryl, Chitayat, David, Sutherland, Joanne E., Day, Megan A., Héon, Elise
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Nature Publishing Group UK 01.11.2022; Nature Publishing Group
• Subjects: 631/208/2489/144; 692/699/3161/3165; Clinical trials; Decision making; Gene therapy; Laboratory Medicine; Leber congenital amaurosis; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Ophthalmology; Patients; Pharmaceutical Sciences/Technology; Surgery; Surgical Oncology; Vision; Young adults
• ISSN: 0950-222X; 1476-5454
• DOI: 10.1038/s41433-021-01763-z

Aims/purpose To investigate Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) patients’ expectations, decision-making processes and gene therapy-related concerns. Methods Using a qualitative approach, we explored perceptions of gene therapy and clinical trials among individuals with LCA. Young adults with a clinical diagnosis of LCA were recruited through the Ocular Genetics Programme at the Hospital for Sick Children. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten patients and analysed following the principles of qualitative description. Results Study participants were aware of ongoing gene therapy research trials and actively sought information regarding advances in ophthalmology and vision restoration. The majority of participants would enrol or were enrolled in a gene-replacement therapy trial, while a minority was ambivalent or would not enrol if provided an opportunity. Participants attributed different values to clinical trials, which influenced their willingness to participate. Intrinsic factors related to coping, adaptation to vision loss and resilience also influenced decision-making. Discussion This study highlights the complex factors involved in gene-therapy-related decision-making and acts as a proponent for adopting patient-centred care strategies when counselling individuals considering gene therapy or clinical trial participation.