TUESDAY, June 30 (HealthDay News) -- Online genetic testing for
lung cancer appears to offer some benefits to patients, according to U.S.
researchers who evaluated the use of an online test among 44 smokers.
"Up until now we have had a clear model for genetic testing. You see a
professional genetics counselor, undergo a battery of tests and that
professional helps you interpret your results," Saskia Sanderson, who
conducted the study while at the social and behavioral research branch of
the U.S. National Human Genome Research Institute, said in a news release
from the American Association for Cancer Research.
"That model is coming under increasing pressure as more and more
genetic information is generated, and as a greater number of genetic tests
become available on the Internet," Sanderson added.
"What we found was encouraging in that people who got these online
genetic results recalled them correctly, and no one regretted having taken
the test, though it is important to remember that this was a small group
of select smokers and that others may respond differently," said
Sanderson, a postdoctoral fellow in the department of genetics and genomic
sciences at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City.
The online test examined in this study assessed the presence or absence
of the GSTM1 gene. The absence of the gene has been associated with a
slightly increased risk of lung cancer. Half the smokers in the study were
missing the gene, and all of them correctly identified themselves as
"higher risk." Of those with GSTM1, 55 percent accurately identified
themselves as "lower risk," while 41 percent interpreted their results as
"average risk."
The patterns of accurate interpretation remained six months after the
participants received their genetic test results, which suggests that they
retained the information, the study said.
According to the researchers, the participants said they found the test
results to be believable, trustworthy, easy to understand, relevant and
important. Those who learned they had a higher genetic risk for lung
cancer did have a short-term decrease in confidence that quitting smoking
could reduce their risk of lung cancer. However, all the participants
decided to use at least one of several smoking cessation aids.
The study is published in the July issue of the journal Cancer
Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.
"Genetic information is complex, and there is a risk that providing
unfiltered information will result in heightened worry and
misinterpretation of results," Jamie Ostroff, chief of behavioral science
services at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City and an
editorial board member of the journal, said in the news release.
"This pilot study found no harm in undergoing these tests and
underscores the importance of conducting future research as to how to best
educate smokers about gene-environment risks," Ostroff said.
More information
The U.S. National Library of Medicine has more about genetic testing.
