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Quality-Control Study Evaluating the Identification, Family History Collection, and Genetic Counseling Referral of Individuals At-Risk for HNPCC (Lynch Syndrome) Within the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center System and Applications to a State-Wide Referral System

Sardella, Andrew (2012) Quality-Control Study Evaluating the Identification, Family History Collection, and Genetic Counseling Referral of Individuals At-Risk for HNPCC (Lynch Syndrome) Within the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center System and Applications to a State-Wide Referral System. Master's Thesis, University of Pittsburgh. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Background: Hereditary Non-Polyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC) is a dominantly inherited syndrome predisposing individuals to cancers of the colon and other organs. HNPCC is caused by mutations in one of four mismatch repair proteins responsible for DNA repair. Current guidelines on HNPCC screening have focused on administering molecular testing on tumors of at-risk groups affected with colorectal cancer. Criteria for molecular testing include both tumor pathology and personal and family history of cancer. Abnormal tumor test results warrant referral for genetic counseling and germline testing. Public Health Significance: Identifying individuals with HNPCC is crucial for screening and surgical purposes in order to reduce mortality and morbidity. Additionally, at-risk family members can undergo germline testing to determine whether increased surveillance or surgery is warranted. Results: The study revealed that 45.3% (total n=44) of patients warranting genetic counseling attended at a genetic counseling appointment within the UPMC system. Patients who had a personal or family history of cancer were more likely to attend a genetic counseling session than individuals who had pathological or age dependant risk factors (p = 0.0014; OR = 4.8; 95% CI: 1.78, 12.95). Furthermore, patients with a family history of colorectal cancer were more likely to attend a genetic counseling session than individuals whose families displayed a different type of cancer. The average time interval between molecular tumor testing and genetic counseling was approximately 63 days. Finally, 24% and 21.5% of individuals with abnormal tumor results were identified independently by family history and pathological criteria, respectively. Conclusions: This study indicates that improvements can be made in genetic counseling referral process for at-risk HNPCC individuals within the UPMC system. Several factors were potentially associated with attending a genetic counseling session including: the presence of personal or family cancer history, and type of cancers in the family. Timing may also impact attendance with a genetic counselor. The study reveals that there is an opportunity for more detailed family history collection within the UPMC system, from which health care practitioners can identify and address factors that may influence patient compliance with genetic counseling referrals and clinical management. These results can also inform development of a state-wide screening program.


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Details

Item Type: University of Pittsburgh ETD
Status: Unpublished
Creators/Authors:
CreatorsEmailPitt UsernameORCID
Sardella, Andrewans160@pitt.eduANS160
ETD Committee:
TitleMemberEmail AddressPitt UsernameORCID
Thesis AdvisorKammerer, Candacecmk3@pitt.eduCMK3
Committee MemberBrand, Randallreb53@pitt.eduREB53
Committee MemberFerrell, Robertrferrell@pitt.eduRFERRELL
Date: 30 January 2012
Date Type: Publication
Defense Date: 17 November 2011
Approval Date: 30 January 2012
Submission Date: 9 December 2011
Access Restriction: No restriction; Release the ETD for access worldwide immediately.
Number of Pages: 112
Institution: University of Pittsburgh
Schools and Programs: School of Public Health > Genetic Counseling
School of Public Health > Public Health Genetics
Degree: MPH - Master of Public Health
Thesis Type: Master's Thesis
Refereed: Yes
Uncontrolled Keywords: HNPCC, Lynch Syndrome, Genetic Counseling, referral, UPMC, state-wide
Date Deposited: 30 Jan 2012 19:03
Last Modified: 15 Nov 2016 13:55
URI: http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/10770

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