Skip to main content
  • NIH Sep 22, 2009 | RC1

    Assessing Attitudes and Experiences of Early Adopters of Personalized Genomics

    Principal Investigator(s): Bernhardt, Barbara A.

    Institution: University of Pennsylvania

    FOA Number: RFA-OD-09-003

    Abstract

    Completing the Human Genome and the Human HapMap Projects has enabled studies associating genetic variation with complex diseases such as various cancers, coronary artery disease, and diabetes. This has led to the emergence of direct-to-consumer testing companies offering genomic profiling to inform individuals about their risk for dozens of diseases and traits. Such testing is being offered with the assumption that identification of an increased risk could lead to preventative measures to reduce a person's risk for developing disease or to improve disease outcome. Although personalized medicine is gaining clinical and policy attention and appears to be technically feasible, little is known about the public's understanding and perceptions of such care, nor about their assessment of its risks and benefits. We are proposing a project that capitalizes on the expertise of researchers at the University of Pennsylvania to investigate public response to personalized medicine. The proposed study will take advantage of the Coriell Personalized Medicine Collaborative (CPMC) conducted at the Coriell Institute in Camden, NJ. The CPMC aims to determine the clinical utility of personalized medicine by offering participants a personalized genomic risk assessment for a variety of diseases and collecting data on health outcomes. While not a direct-to-consumer company the CPMC study offers a unique opportunity to assess the social, behavioral, and ethical implications of direct availability of personalized genomic risk assessment. The specific aims of our project are to: 1) Assess motivations and perceived utility of personalized genomic risk assessment among individuals who express interest in the CPMC; 2) Explore participant understanding of their results, the use of the information, and educational needs; and 3) Develop policy recommendations for the ethical offering of personalized genomic disease risk assessment. We will use a mixed methodology for addressing these study aims. For specific aim 1, we will survey approximately 1000 individuals who register for a CPMC informed consent session, regardless of whether they actually attend or provide a sample for testing. For specific aim 2, we will interview 60 CPMC participants 3-6 months after they receive their results. For specific aim 3, we will work with members of the research-to-policy core of the Penn Center for the Integration of Genetic Healthcare Technologies (Penn CIGHT) to develop and disseminate policy recommendations for the responsible and ethical offering of genomic tests that takes into account the misperceptions, concerns, and educational needs of consumers.

    FUNDING AGENCY:

    Funder:
    NIH

    Institute:
    NATIONAL HUMAN GENOME RESEARCH INSTITUTE

    Funding Type:
    RC1

    Project Number:
    RC1HG005369

    Start Date:
    Sep 22, 2009

    End Date:
    Aug 31, 2011

    PROJECT TERMS:

Share

Related Projects

+ Show more related project Search results