Germline findings in cancer genome sequencing V1.3
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Anticipation, interpretation and utility of germline cancer susceptibility findings from genome sequencing in cancer.
IRAS ID
250511
Contact name
Elizabeth Ormondroyd
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Oxford CTRG
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 2 days
Research summary
Genome sequencing (GS) is expected to become standard of care in cancer after the NHS England 100,000 Genomes Project. GS information from a patient’s tumour and blood may identify genomic variants that have arisen in the tumour, as well as any changes that are inherited (‘germline’ variants), indicating that the patient’s relatives might have an increased risk of cancer.
The study will explore ethical aspects of policy considerations in cancer genomics: how should patients be prepared for the possibility of germline cancer risk findings, what factors are important when interpreting germline variants and reporting them to patients, and what do future models of informed consent need to include. We will use a combination of observations of NHS cancer GS clinics with qualitative research interviews with key experts in cancer GS.
Findings of this study will form the basis of future research aimed at developing ethical policy around cancer GS.REC name
South Central - Oxford B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/SC/0473
Date of REC Opinion
3 Sep 2018
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion