Conocimiento y actitudes de oftalmólogos mexicanos acerca del consejo genético para retinoblastoma: análisis bioético

Abstract

Retinoblastoma is the most common intraocular tumor in childhood. Retinoblastoma is considered a “genetic” cancer, as up to 50% of affected patients have an RB1 mutation, which makes genetic counseling key in the education of patients and their relatives regarding the risks of developing this pathology, the possibility of inheriting this disease in the future, and reproductive options. There are no Mexican guidelines on genetic counseling. There is currently no data about the attitudes and knowledge of Mexican ophthalmologists regarding the bioethical aspects of genetic counseling in Rb patients. ObjectiveTo assess the knowledge of medical and bioethical aspects for genetic counseling on retinoblastoma, such as neutrality during genetic counseling and respect to the autonomy of patients and their relatives in decision making. Material and methodsProspective, observational, cross-sectional study. An electronic survey was applied to ophthalmologists nationwide. Results73.5% of the interviewees reported having performed genetic assessment for retinoblastoma patients or their relatives at some point in their career; but a large proportion do not have knowledge about the inheritance patterns for retinoblastoma, or about the bioethical aspects involved in genetic counseling.