Impact of presymptomatic genetic testing for familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

• Authors: Joanna H. Fanos, Dartmouth Medical School; Susan Gronka, Emory University; Joanne Wuu, Emory University; Christine Stanislaw, Emory University; Peter M. Andersen, Umea University; Michael Benatar, Emory University
• Journal Title: Genetics in Medicine
• Volume: Volume 13, Number 4
• Publisher: Springer Nature [academic journals on nature.com]: Hybrid Journals - choice of CC licence | 2011-04-01, Pages 342-348
• Type of Work: Article | Post-print: After Peer Review
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.1097/GIM.0b013e318204d004
• Subjects: Biology, Genetics; Biology, Neuroscience
• Keywords: Science & Technology; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; Genetics & Heredity; familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; SOD1; presymptomatic; genetic testing; disclosure; MOTOR-NEURON DISEASE; SUPEROXIDE-DISMUTASE MUTATIONS; GOOD PRACTICE POINTS; HUNTINGTONS-DISEASE; SOD1 MUTATIONS; ALS; POPULATION; PREDICTION; GUIDELINES; MANAGEMENT

Abstract

Purpose: The Pre-familial Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Pre-fALS) study is a longitudinal study of individuals potentially at risk for developing familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Our goals were to (1) explore participants' decisions of whether to learn results of presymptomatic testing or not; (2) understand the psychosocial impact of these decisions; and (3) assess preferences for receiving results by telephone or in person. Methods: The sample for this substudy comprised 20 participants drawn randomly from autosomal dominant mutant superoxide dismutase 1 families in the Pre-fALS study. Twenty participants completed a semistructured phone interview; prominent themes were identified and rated. Results: Fourteen participants chose to learn results; six had mutant superoxide dismutase 1 and eight had wild-type superoxide dismutase 1. Of the six who initially elected nondisclosure, three were reconsidering their decision. Regardless of the results and method of counseling, participants had adapted well, at least in the short term. Conclusion: We recommend that (1) those considering presymptomatic genetic testing should undergo professional counseling to help decide whether to learn results; (2) discussion should include the option of telephone genetic counseling for those without easy access to in-person counseling; and (3) those who initially decline to learn results should be offered the opportunity to learn their mutation status as their decision evolves.