The psychological impact of genetic testing in childhood cancer: A systematic review

Author:

Van Hoyweghen Sophie123ORCID,BM Claes Kathleen134ORCID,de Putter Robin134ORCID,Wakefield Claire56ORCID,Van Schoors Marieke7ORCID,Hellemans Sabine14,Verhofstadt Lesley2ORCID

Affiliation:

1. Department of Biomolecular Medicine Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences University of Ghent Ghent Belgium

2. Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences University of Ghent Ghent Belgium

3. Cancer Research Institute Ghent CRIG Ghent Belgium

4. Center of Medical Genetics Ghent University Hospital Ghent Belgium

5. School of Clinical Medicine UNSW Medicine and Health UNSW Sydney Sydney Australia

6. Behavioural Sciences Unit Kids Cancer Centre Sydney Children's Hospital Sydney Australia

7. Familieplatform VZW Antwerp Belgium

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveCancer predisposition syndromes are being more frequently recognized in the etiology of pediatric oncology and genetic‐related technologies are evolving rapidly, leading to an increasing availability of genetic testing for families. This systematic review assessed the psychological impact of genetic testing on children and parents in the context of childhood cancer.MethodsSearches were performed using three databases (Web of Science, Pubmed and Embase) to identify relevant empirical studies. Following Cochrane guidelines, we screened 3838 articles and identified 18 eligible studies, representing the perspectives of children and/or parents.ResultsThe included studies described the impact of genetic testing in different contexts (e.g. predictive testing and diagnostic testing) and in different subgroups, (e.g. carriers and non‐carriers). Overall, the studies did not identify clinically‐relevant long‐term increases in negative emotions (depression, anxiety, distress, uncertainty, guilt) as a result of genetic testing. Negative emotions were typically time‐limited and generally occurred in families with particular characteristics (e.g. those with a history of multiple cancer diagnoses, families receiving an unfavorable result for one child and a favorable result in siblings, and those with pre‐existing mental health difficulties). Positive emotions (hopefulness, relief and peace of mind) were also reported. Knowing their genetic risk status appeared to help to foster empowerment among families, regardless of the result and any associated emotions.ConclusionsGenetic testing in pediatric oncology does not appear to cause significant additional harm and can lead to positive outcomes. Clinicians need to be especially attentive when counseling families at increased risk of distress.

Publisher

Wiley

Subject

Psychiatry and Mental health,Oncology,Experimental and Cognitive Psychology

同舟云学术

1.学者识别学者识别

2.学术分析学术分析

3.人才评估人才评估

"同舟云学术"是以全球学者为主线,采集、加工和组织学术论文而形成的新型学术文献查询和分析系统,可以对全球学者进行文献检索和人才价值评估。用户可以通过关注某些学科领域的顶尖人物而持续追踪该领域的学科进展和研究前沿。经过近期的数据扩容,当前同舟云学术共收录了国内外主流学术期刊6万余种,收集的期刊论文及会议论文总量共计约1.5亿篇,并以每天添加12000余篇中外论文的速度递增。我们也可以为用户提供个性化、定制化的学者数据。欢迎来电咨询!咨询电话:010-8811{复制后删除}0370

www.globalauthorid.com

TOP

Copyright © 2019-2024 北京同舟云网络信息技术有限公司
京公网安备11010802033243号  京ICP备18003416号-3