Cancer surveillance and distress among adult pathogenic TP53 germline variant carriers in Germany: A multicenter feasibility and acceptance survey

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Nathalie Rippinger - , Heidelberg University  (Author)
  • Christine Fischer - , Heidelberg University  (Author)
  • Markus W. Haun - , Heidelberg University  (Author)
  • Kerstin Rhiem - , Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD) (Author)
  • Sabine Grill - , Technical University of Munich (Author)
  • Marion Kiechle - , Technical University of Munich (Author)
  • Friedrich W. Cremer - , SYNLAB Center for Human Genetics (Author)
  • Karin Kast - , University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Dresden, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) (Author)
  • Huu P. Nguyen - , University Hospital Tübingen, Ruhr University Bochum (Author)
  • Nina Ditsch - , Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, University Hospital Augsburg (Author)
  • Christian P. Kratz - , Hannover Medical School (MHH) (Author)
  • Julia Vogel - , Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin (Author)
  • Dorothee Speiser - , University of Freiburg (Author)
  • Simone Hettmer - , German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) (Author)
  • Hanno Glimm - , National Center for Tumor Diseases Dresden, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Translational Functional Cancer Genomics Group, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden (Author)
  • Stefan Fröhling - , German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) (Author)
  • Dirk Jäger - , German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg University  (Author)
  • Stephan Seitz - , University of Regensburg (Author)
  • Andrea Hahne - , BRCA Network—Support for People with Hereditary Cancers (Author)
  • Imad Maatouk - , Heidelberg University  (Author)
  • Christian Sutter - , Heidelberg University  (Author)
  • Rita K. Schmutzler - , Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD) (Author)
  • Nicola Dikow - , Heidelberg University  (Author)
  • Sarah Schott - , Heidelberg University  (Author)

Abstract

Background: Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) is a high-risk cancer predisposition syndrome caused by pathogenic germline variants of TP53. Cancer surveillance has noted a significant survival advantage in individuals with LFS; however, little is known about the feasibility, acceptance, and psychosocial effects of such a program. Methods: Pathogenic TP53 germline variant carriers completed a 7-part questionnaire evaluating sociodemographics, cancer history, surveillance participation, reasons for nonadherence, worries, and distress adapted from the Cancer Worry Scale. Counselees' common concerns and suggestions were assessed in MAXQDA Analytics Pro 12. Results: Forty-nine participants (46 females and 3 males), aged 40.0 ± 12.6 years, formed the study population; 43 (88%) had a personal cancer history (including multiple cancers in 10 [20%]). Forty-three individuals participated (88%) in surveillance during the study or formerly. Willingness to undergo surveillance was influenced by satisfaction with genetic testing and counseling (P =.019 [Fisher-Yates test]) but not by sociodemographics, cancer history, or distress level. Almost one-third of the participants reported logistical difficulties in implementing surveillance because of the high frequency of medical visits, scheduling difficulties, and the travel distance to their surveillance providers. Self-reported distress and perceived emotional burden for family members and partners were moderate (median for self-reported distress, 3.3; median for perceived emotional burden, 3.0). For both, the interquartile range was moderate to very high (2.7-3.7 and 3.0-3.7, respectively). Conclusions: Individuals with LFS require efficient counseling as well as an accessible, well-organized, interdisciplinary, standardized surveillance program to increase adherence and psychological coping.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)4032-4041
Number of pages10
JournalCancer
Volume126
Issue number17
Publication statusPublished - 1 Sept 2020
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 32557628

Keywords

Sustainable Development Goals

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Keywords

  • adherence, hereditary breast cancer, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, pathogenic TP53 germline variant, surveillance