Oncologists’ (ONCs) perceptions of tumor genomic profiling (TGP) and barriers to communicating secondary hereditary risk to African American (AA) patients.

Authors

Michael Hall

Michael J. Hall

Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA

Michael J. Hall , Sarah Bauerle Bass , Yana Chertock , Jesse A Brajuha , Paul D'Avanzo

Organizations

Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, Temple University College of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA

Research Funding

Other Foundation
American Cancer Society

Background: TGP identifies targets for precision cancer treatments. TGP may also identify secondary hereditary cancer risks, necessitating complex decision support during informed consent. ONCs are poorly trained in the communication of genetic information, particularly for patients with low health literacy, poor knowledge of genetics, and high medical mistrust. AA patients are especially vulnerable in this setting. Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 10 ONCs to assess perceived barriers related to communication of secondary hereditary risks of TGP, probing barriers unique to AA patients. Informed by results, an Internet-based survey was developed/distributed to a convenience sample of 50 ONCs nationwide to assess TGP knowledge, genomics confidence, and perceptions related to communication of secondary hereditary risk. Results: Six themes emerged from interviews: risk/benefits of TGP, knowledge of genetics, discussing hereditary risk, value/harm of TGP, unique risks in AA, and training needs. Most ONCs felt uncomfortable discussing hereditary risks of TGP w/patients. Seven out of 10 identified socio-economic status, medical mistrust, discrimination, genetic counseling non-compliance, low health literacy and family relationships as factors important to consider with AA patients. Online survey participants were 52% White, 66% male, with median age of 42 years. Education in the interpretation/communication of TGP was largely informal (56% reported only informal training) and 46% reported perceived gaps in their education. Genomic confidence was associated w/higher use of TGP (p = 0.05), but was not associated w/knowledge or years in practice; however, low knowledge was associated w/more perceived barriers to TGP and w/negative attitudes toward the value of TGP and the challenge of communication of possible hereditary risks (p = 0.05). Early-career ONCs were more likely to endorse perceived barriers to communication of genetic risk information from TGP to AA patients. Overall 86% ONCs felt additional online training in communication of secondary hereditary risks of TGP would be useful. Conclusions: ONCs recognize unique needs and barriers for AAs related to communication of secondary hereditary genetic information from TGP. Many feel uncertain about how/whether to address barriers and recognize the need to improve their skillset to do so. Training is critical to ensure informed decision making in vulnerable populations.

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Abstract Details

Meeting

2021 ASCO Annual Meeting

Session Type

Poster Session

Session Title

Prevention, Risk Reduction, and Hereditary Cancer

Track

Prevention, Risk Reduction, and Genetics

Sub Track

Germline Genetic Testing

Citation

J Clin Oncol 39, 2021 (suppl 15; abstr 10592)

DOI

10.1200/JCO.2021.39.15_suppl.10592

Abstract #

10592

Poster Bd #

Online Only

Abstract Disclosures