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Journal article

BRCA-DIRECT digital pathway for diagnostic germline genetic testing within a UK breast oncology setting: a randomised, non-inferiority trial

Abstract:
Background: Genetic testing to identify germline high-risk pathogenic variants in breast cancer susceptibility genes is increasingly part of the breast cancer diagnostic pathway. Novel patient-centred pathways may offer opportunity to expand capacity and reduce turnaround time. Methods: We recruited 1140 women with unselected breast cancer to undergo germline genetic testing through the BRCA-DIRECT pathway (which includes a digital platform, postal saliva sampling and a genetic counsellor telephone helpline). Ahead of consenting to the test, participants were randomised to receive information about genetic testing digitally (569/1140, 49.9%) or via a pre-test genetic counselling consultation (571/1140, 50.1%). Results: 1001 (87.8%) participants progressed to receive their pre-test information and consented to testing. The primary outcome, uptake of genetic testing, was higher amongst participants randomised to receive digital information compared with those randomised to a pre-test genetic counselling consultation (90.8% (95% CI: 88.5% to 93.1%) vs 84.7% (95% CI: 81.8% to 87.6%), p = 0.002, adjusted for participant age and site). Non-inferiority was observed in relation to patient knowledge, anxiety, and satisfaction. Conclusions: Findings demonstrate that standardised, digital information offers a non-inferior alternative to conventional genetic counselling, and an end-to-end patient-centred, digital pathway (supported by genetic counselling hotline) could feasibly be implemented into breast oncology settings. Clinical trial registration: The study is registered with, and protocol available on, ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04842799).
Publication status:
Published
Peer review status:
Peer reviewed

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Files:
Publisher copy:
10.1038/s41416-024-02832-2

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Publisher:
Springer Nature [academic journals on nature.com]
Journal:
British Journal of Cancer More from this journal
Volume:
131
Issue:
9
Pages:
1506-1515
Publication date:
2024-10-01
Acceptance date:
2024-08-19
DOI:
EISSN:
1532-1827
ISSN:
0007-0920


Language:
English
Source identifiers:
2374878
Deposit date:
2024-10-28
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