Prenatal cfDNA Screening Results Indicative Of Maternal Neoplasm: Survey Of Current Practice And Management Needs

Prenatal cfDNA Screening Results Indicative Of Maternal Neoplasm: Survey Of Current Practice And Management Needs:

Abstract

Objective

To determine genetic counselors’ current practices and management needs for patients with prenatal cfDNA screening results indicative of maternal neoplasm.

Methods

A survey was completed by genetic counselors recruited via the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC).

Results

Over 300 genetic counselors were surveyed. Almost all participants (95%) were aware that NIPT results may suggest maternal neoplasm and 77% reported they would disclose such results. However, only 29% routinely communicate this possibility to patients in a pre-test setting. Management recommendations made by counselors were highly variable, and over half (51.8%) stated they would feel uncomfortable or very uncomfortable counseling a patient with these results. While less than half (44.3%) believed the current benefits of NIPT's ability to suggest maternal neoplasm outweigh its potential harms, 80.2% recognized it would be beneficial in the future. A vast majority of counselors (91.3%) felt institutional or national guidelines were needed for patient management.

Conclusion

A majority of counselors neither felt properly equipped nor comfortable counseling patients with prenatal cfDNA results suggestive of maternal neoplasm. This study demonstrates a need for collaboration amongst clinicians, researchers, and laboratories to publish data regarding NIPT results indicative of maternal neoplasm, and for the creation of management guidelines. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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