Uptake of genetic testing by relatives in Lynch syndrome: A systematic review.

Abstract

374 Background: Screening of persons with newly diagnosed colorectal cancer (CRC) for Lynch Syndrome (LS) can yield substantial population-level benefits at acceptable costs, presuming sufficient uptake of genetic testing by first-degree relatives (FDRs) of LS probands. We reviewed systematically the published literature addressing the frequency and predictors of uptake of genetic testing by FDRs of LS probands. Methods: A literature search was conducted in four electronic databases (CINAHL, PsycInfo, PUBMED, and SCOPUS) for articles published through May 2011 that reported the uptake of genetic testing by relatives of LS probands. Two investigators independently screened articles to determine whether they met inclusion criteria, and abstracted data inthree broad categories: study population, methodology, and uptake of genetic testing. A narrative, qualitative systematic review was performed. The data were not amenable to meta-analysis. Results: 1,258 potentially relevant articles were identified with 533 studies undergoing full text review. Eight articles met inclusion criteria. 52% or less of FDRs of LS probands underwent genetic testing. For each LS proband, 4.6 or fewer relatives underwent genetic testing. Demographic factors (age <50 years, female gender, parenthood, education level, employment, participation in past medical studies), psychological factors (lack of depressive symptoms), and family history (greater number of relatives with cancer) were associated with uptake of genetic testing. Conclusions: Genetic testing may be underutilized by FDRs at risk for LS. The economic feasibility of screening persons with CRC for LS depends on optimizing family-wide uptake of genetic testing. Future research and clinical efforts should focus on ways to overcome barriers to genetic testing.