Motivations for Receiving Genomic Medicine and Acceptance of the Results in Patients With Cancer

Abstract

Purpose: The aime of the study is to elucidate the motivations for receiving genomic medicine and acceptance of the results in patients with cancer.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the results of gene panel testing, motivation for undergoing the testing, and acceptance of the results in 193 outpatients who visited the Cancer Genomic Medicine Department at our institution.

Results: Druggable mutations were found in 39.3% of the patients, treatment based on genomic findings was given in 8.9%, and secondary genomic findings were found in 8.1%. The following six motivations were extracted: exploring cancer therapies, concern about cancer risk in family members, determination to fight the disease, anxiety about cancer, doctor’s recommendation, and exploring the causes of cancer. After receiving an explanation, 71.2% of the patients accepted the results, while 28.7% felt pessimistic but understood the results.

Conclusions: Providing an explanation about the limits of genomic medicine in advance as well as patients’ determination to fight the disease appeared to promote acceptance of the results even if patients did not receive treatment based on genomic findings. Taking into account the disease course and the patient’s values, cooperation and providing explanations to patients as a team may enhance the patient’s satisfaction even if only a small proportion of patients receive treatment based on genomic findings.