No description available.

Next-Generation Sequencing has opened the doors to nearly limitless amounts of genomic data, but the clinical utility of this data is not yet clear. From examining at sequencing data of known familial cancer genes in hereditary cancer patients, the NCGENES study found a clear molecular diagnosis in about 5% of patients and an uncertain molecular result in about 15% of patients. The remaining 80% of hereditary cancer patients received a negative result for the screening of known cancer genes. These latter patients were followed up by whole exome sequencing analysis, and the data was used to perform a research sweep to potentially identify mutation(s) in gene(s) that have yet to be clearly associated with their phenotype. Hereditary breast cancer has a relatively well-established set of susceptibility genes, yet a large percentage of the molecular etiology is still unknown. There are many genes that are good candidates for breast cancer genes based on their protein's function, but they may not actually contribute to breast cancer susceptibility. The ClinGen consortium is aiming to establish the clinical validity of gene-disease associations so that clinicians and patients can better interpret and utilize sequencing results. Six breast cancer susceptibility genes were evaluated using the ClinGen clinical validity framework with the goal of both evaluating the genes already on hereditary breast cancer panels and evaluating genes not yet widely tested to determine if there is enough evidence to support their role in disease to warrant widespread testing. These genes have varying levels of evidence supporting their role in breast cancer susceptibility. The variants in each of the six genes were compared between a cancer patient cohort and a non-cancer patient cohort enrolled in the NCGENES whole exome sequencing study. One likely pathogenic variant and several variants of unknown significance were identified in various genes, and the burden of variants in cancer cases versus controls was evaluated, although the controls were not matched to the cancer cohort in any way. Research sweeps were performed for patients with VUSs to ensure that there were no other mutations in genes that would better fit the phenotype. This thesis presents a method for evaluating gene-disease associations and for utilizing whole exome sequencing data to pinpoint a molecular diagnosis in hereditary breast cancer patients. Overall, it was found that the ClinGen method of evaluating clinical validity of gene-disease associations could be helpful when determining if variants are pathogenic or benign. A new gene, RINT1, was found to have enough evidence to be moderately associated with hereditary breast cancer and it was subsequently added to the diagnostic list so that all cancer patients will now be screened for RINT1 variants. In addition, it was found that two of the genes currently on the diagnostic list, RAD51C and RAD51D, have "disputed" evidence with respect to breast cancer susceptibility. Interestingly, they have much more evidence for an association with ovarian cancer, so if variants are found in these genes, the patient's phenotype should be considered when evaluating them. It was also shown that PALB2, an established breast cancer susceptibility gene, indeed is definitively associated with breast cancer, and the NCGENES cancer patients have more truncating variants than the controls, further validating the clinical validity assertion. Finally, an ovarian cancer patient with two interesting variants, one in SLX4 and one in GEN1, were evaluated. Studies showed that knocking out both of these genes' pathways was highly destructive to the cell. A VUS was found in each of these genes, and it was hypothesized that perhaps these two variants together may be sufficient to contribute to this patient's cancer susceptibility.

Lynch syndrome (LS) is the most prevalent cause of hereditary colorectal cancer (CRC) and confers high risks for several other types of cancer. Universal tumor screening (UTS) of all newly diagnosed patients with CRC can improve LS identification and decrease associated morbidity and mortality among patients and family members. However, for UTS to be effective, patients who screen positive must pursue genetic counseling and confirmatory germline testing (i.e., high patient reach). The purposes of this study were to characterize UTS programs, identify barriers and facilitators to implementation, document whether there have been negative outcomes, and determine institutional and implementation conditions that are associated with high and low patient reach. Using two conceptual frameworks, RE-AIM and Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, a baseline survey was conducted of 25 representatives from different institutions performing UTS. Descriptive statistics were used to illustrate similarities and differences among programs. A multiple-case study was then conducted by extracting data from surveys and interviews of representatives from 15 different institutions where UTS programs had been operational for over 6 months and where aggregated patient outcome data were available. Qualitative comparative analysis was performed to make systematic cross-case comparisons and identify conditions uniquely associated with high or low patient reach. Data were triangulated to create models explaining how UTS implementation and system-level factors influence patient reach. Few patient concerns or negative outcomes were reported. UTS procedures and patient reach were highly variable. All 5 high-reach (H-R) centers have genetics professionals disclose positive screening results and either do not require a referral from another health care provider or have streamlined the referral process. Although 2 of the 5 mid-reach (M-R) centers also share these conditions, they have a less automated follow-up procedure and report difficulty contacting patients as a barrier. Both of the academic institutions with low patient reach (L-R) did not receive patient information that would allow them to follow-up on positive screening results. The three non-academic L-R institutions reported a high proportion of challenges to facilitators during implementation and did not have genetic professionals disclose positive screening results to patients. Implementing a combination of procedures to streamline UTS protocols and procedures, eliminate barriers to patient follow-through after a positive tumor screen, and incorporate a high level of involvement of genetic professionals in contacting patients and disclosing screening results are expected to lead to improvement in patient reach

Introdução: As causas estabelecidas para o desenvolvimento do câncer são multifatoriais e incluem fatores ambientais, endógenos e/ou herança genética. Estimase que 5-10% dos casos de câncer sejam hereditários. Objetivos: Descrever o perfil dos pacientes e atendimentos do ambulatório de Oncogenética do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA) no período de 2006 a 2013; desenvolver e implantar um Sistema de Informação e Assessoramento em Oncogenética para Profissionais de Saúde através de consultorias por e-mail e telefone. Métodos: Utilizaram-se duas estratégias quanto à fonte de informações, sendo uma das etapas uma coorte histórica para revisão de dados em prontuário eletrônico e sistemas de informações gerenciais do HCPA referente a atendimentos realizados no período definido; e uma etapa transversal, através de um questionário, para avaliação do entendimento acerca do encaminhamento para o ambulatório de oncogenética. A implantação do Sistema de Informação em Oncogenética engloba a disponibilização de material informativo (folders e cartazes), linha telefônica e e-mail direcionados aos profissionais de saúde. As consultorias são discutidas em uma reunião da equipe multidisciplinar e posteriormente, é emitido um relatório para o profissional solicitante (retorno no prazo máximo de 7 dias úteis). Resultados: Considerando amostra de 1326 pacientes, observa-se crescimento importante no número de atendimentos ao longo dos anos, da mesma maneira também foram registradas importantes taxas de absenteísmo, porém no decorrer dos anos estas caíram progressivamente. A maior parcela dos pacientes pertence ao sexo feminino (64,7%), com idade maior ou igual a 18 anos (79,9%), solteiros (48,7%), tendo em média 1,2 filhos, com ensino fundamental incompleto (32,7%) e procedentes de regiões metropolitanas (34,2%) e de Porto Alegre (33,9%). Observou-se um número considerável de pacientes com diagnóstico de neoplasia (56,4%) e com diagnóstico de síndrome de predisposição hereditária ao câncer (33,9%). Quanto à origem dos encaminhamentos, a maioria teve sua origem dentro da instituição (38,7%) e por meio de um familiar de paciente já atendido no ambulatório (35,6%). As especialidades que mais encaminharam pacientes foram a oncologia, oncopediatria, coloproctologia e dermatologia respectivamente. Quanto ao entendimento do paciente acerca do seu encaminhamento ao ambulatório (subamostra composta por 44 indivíduos), verificouse que a maioria, no primeiro atendimento, soube dizer o motivo da consulta. Em relação ao Sistema de Informação em Oncogenética foram realizadas 7 consultorias, procedentes do interior do Rio Grande do Sul (4 casos) e de Porto Alegre (3 casos). Todas foram pertinentes e com indicação de encaminhamento para uma avaliação com uma equipe especializada em Oncogenética. Adicionalmente foram recebidas 11 ligações de pacientes interessados em avaliação oncogenética no HCPA e 9 ligações de profissionais ou secretaria de saúde para encaminhamento de pacientes para o ambulatório de genética e câncer. Conclusão: O conhecimento sobre a dinâmica dos atendimentos e perfil dos pacientes é fundamental para o contínuo aprimoramento, crescimento do ambulatório de oncogenética, bem como auxilia a equipe na elaboração de material educativo para os pacientes. O desenvolvimento do Sistema de Informação permite profissionais de saúde reconhecer e discutir casos suspeitos de câncer hereditário onde esses serviços não estão disponíveis. / Introduction: Cancer is a multifactorial disease and risk factors include environmental factors exposures and lifestyle, endogenous risk factors and/or genetic susceptibility or predisposition. An estimated 5-10% of all cancers are hereditary. Objectives: Describe the profile of patients and consultations at the outpatient cancer genetics clinic of Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA) from 2006 to 2013; develop and implement a telephone and email based Information and Advisory System of Oncogenetics for health care professionals. Methods: This is a quantitative crosssectional, descriptive study. Two strategies were used as source of information to describe patient and consultation profiles. The first, retrospective, included review of electronic records and management information systems of HCPA and aimed to characterize the consultations. The second strategy, prospective, included patient interviews and questionnaires to assess motivations and understanding about the referral to the outpatient oncogenetic clinic. The implementation of the Information system in Oncogenetics encompassed provision of informative material (brochures and posters), and informative calls and emails returning requests of health care professionals. All consultations were discussed with a multidisciplinary team and a report with recommendations and information regarding the specific question was issued to the requesting professional in up to 7 days. Results: The total number of patients evaluated in the period was 1326. A constant growth in the number of annual consultations was observed over the years. There were important rates of absenteeism, although over the years these numbers have fallen progressively. Most of the patients were female (64.7%), at or above age 18 years (79.9%), single (48.7%) and the average number of offspring was 1.2 children. About one third had incomplete elementary education (32.7%) and most were from the metropolitan region (34.2%) and from Porto Alegre itself (33.9%). There was a considerable number of patients with diagnosed with at least one tumor (56.4%) and in 33.9% of the patients, diagnosis of an hereditary cancer syndrome was confirmed. Regarding source of referrals, the majority had its origin within the institution (38.7%) and through family members that previously consulted at the clinic (35.6%). Medical specialties responsible for most of the referrals were Oncology, Pediatric Oncology, Colorectal Surgery and Dermatology. As for the patient's understanding of their referral (sub-sample composed of 44 individuals), most of them demonstrated clear understanding of the reasons for referral already in the first consultation. Regarding the Information system in Oncogenetics, seven consultations were conducted and originated from the countryside of Rio Grande do Sul (4 cases) and from Porto Alegre (3 cases). All were relevant and resulted in referrals to a specialized team in Oncogenetics. Additionally, 11 calls were received from patients interested in oncogenetics evaluations at HCPA and 9 calls were received from health care professionals requesting referrals of patients to a cancer genetics outpatient clinic. Conclusion: Knowledge about patient profile and dynamics of consultations of cancer genetics outpatient clinics is fundamental to qualify the service provision and stimulate its continuous improvement and growth; it is also helpful to reassess the needs of the patients and act on it, for instance, guiding the elaboration of educational materials for patients and health care professionals. The development an information system for health care professionals enables recognition and discussion of suspected cases in remote areas where such services are not available.

Introdução: As causas estabelecidas para o desenvolvimento do câncer são multifatoriais e incluem fatores ambientais, endógenos e/ou herança genética. Estimase que 5-10% dos casos de câncer sejam hereditários. Objetivos: Descrever o perfil dos pacientes e atendimentos do ambulatório de Oncogenética do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA) no período de 2006 a 2013; desenvolver e implantar um Sistema de Informação e Assessoramento em Oncogenética para Profissionais de Saúde através de consultorias por e-mail e telefone. Métodos: Utilizaram-se duas estratégias quanto à fonte de informações, sendo uma das etapas uma coorte histórica para revisão de dados em prontuário eletrônico e sistemas de informações gerenciais do HCPA referente a atendimentos realizados no período definido; e uma etapa transversal, através de um questionário, para avaliação do entendimento acerca do encaminhamento para o ambulatório de oncogenética. A implantação do Sistema de Informação em Oncogenética engloba a disponibilização de material informativo (folders e cartazes), linha telefônica e e-mail direcionados aos profissionais de saúde. As consultorias são discutidas em uma reunião da equipe multidisciplinar e posteriormente, é emitido um relatório para o profissional solicitante (retorno no prazo máximo de 7 dias úteis). Resultados: Considerando amostra de 1326 pacientes, observa-se crescimento importante no número de atendimentos ao longo dos anos, da mesma maneira também foram registradas importantes taxas de absenteísmo, porém no decorrer dos anos estas caíram progressivamente. A maior parcela dos pacientes pertence ao sexo feminino (64,7%), com idade maior ou igual a 18 anos (79,9%), solteiros (48,7%), tendo em média 1,2 filhos, com ensino fundamental incompleto (32,7%) e procedentes de regiões metropolitanas (34,2%) e de Porto Alegre (33,9%). Observou-se um número considerável de pacientes com diagnóstico de neoplasia (56,4%) e com diagnóstico de síndrome de predisposição hereditária ao câncer (33,9%). Quanto à origem dos encaminhamentos, a maioria teve sua origem dentro da instituição (38,7%) e por meio de um familiar de paciente já atendido no ambulatório (35,6%). As especialidades que mais encaminharam pacientes foram a oncologia, oncopediatria, coloproctologia e dermatologia respectivamente. Quanto ao entendimento do paciente acerca do seu encaminhamento ao ambulatório (subamostra composta por 44 indivíduos), verificouse que a maioria, no primeiro atendimento, soube dizer o motivo da consulta. Em relação ao Sistema de Informação em Oncogenética foram realizadas 7 consultorias, procedentes do interior do Rio Grande do Sul (4 casos) e de Porto Alegre (3 casos). Todas foram pertinentes e com indicação de encaminhamento para uma avaliação com uma equipe especializada em Oncogenética. Adicionalmente foram recebidas 11 ligações de pacientes interessados em avaliação oncogenética no HCPA e 9 ligações de profissionais ou secretaria de saúde para encaminhamento de pacientes para o ambulatório de genética e câncer. Conclusão: O conhecimento sobre a dinâmica dos atendimentos e perfil dos pacientes é fundamental para o contínuo aprimoramento, crescimento do ambulatório de oncogenética, bem como auxilia a equipe na elaboração de material educativo para os pacientes. O desenvolvimento do Sistema de Informação permite profissionais de saúde reconhecer e discutir casos suspeitos de câncer hereditário onde esses serviços não estão disponíveis. / Introduction: Cancer is a multifactorial disease and risk factors include environmental factors exposures and lifestyle, endogenous risk factors and/or genetic susceptibility or predisposition. An estimated 5-10% of all cancers are hereditary. Objectives: Describe the profile of patients and consultations at the outpatient cancer genetics clinic of Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA) from 2006 to 2013; develop and implement a telephone and email based Information and Advisory System of Oncogenetics for health care professionals. Methods: This is a quantitative crosssectional, descriptive study. Two strategies were used as source of information to describe patient and consultation profiles. The first, retrospective, included review of electronic records and management information systems of HCPA and aimed to characterize the consultations. The second strategy, prospective, included patient interviews and questionnaires to assess motivations and understanding about the referral to the outpatient oncogenetic clinic. The implementation of the Information system in Oncogenetics encompassed provision of informative material (brochures and posters), and informative calls and emails returning requests of health care professionals. All consultations were discussed with a multidisciplinary team and a report with recommendations and information regarding the specific question was issued to the requesting professional in up to 7 days. Results: The total number of patients evaluated in the period was 1326. A constant growth in the number of annual consultations was observed over the years. There were important rates of absenteeism, although over the years these numbers have fallen progressively. Most of the patients were female (64.7%), at or above age 18 years (79.9%), single (48.7%) and the average number of offspring was 1.2 children. About one third had incomplete elementary education (32.7%) and most were from the metropolitan region (34.2%) and from Porto Alegre itself (33.9%). There was a considerable number of patients with diagnosed with at least one tumor (56.4%) and in 33.9% of the patients, diagnosis of an hereditary cancer syndrome was confirmed. Regarding source of referrals, the majority had its origin within the institution (38.7%) and through family members that previously consulted at the clinic (35.6%). Medical specialties responsible for most of the referrals were Oncology, Pediatric Oncology, Colorectal Surgery and Dermatology. As for the patient's understanding of their referral (sub-sample composed of 44 individuals), most of them demonstrated clear understanding of the reasons for referral already in the first consultation. Regarding the Information system in Oncogenetics, seven consultations were conducted and originated from the countryside of Rio Grande do Sul (4 cases) and from Porto Alegre (3 cases). All were relevant and resulted in referrals to a specialized team in Oncogenetics. Additionally, 11 calls were received from patients interested in oncogenetics evaluations at HCPA and 9 calls were received from health care professionals requesting referrals of patients to a cancer genetics outpatient clinic. Conclusion: Knowledge about patient profile and dynamics of consultations of cancer genetics outpatient clinics is fundamental to qualify the service provision and stimulate its continuous improvement and growth; it is also helpful to reassess the needs of the patients and act on it, for instance, guiding the elaboration of educational materials for patients and health care professionals. The development an information system for health care professionals enables recognition and discussion of suspected cases in remote areas where such services are not available.

Introdução: As causas estabelecidas para o desenvolvimento do câncer são multifatoriais e incluem fatores ambientais, endógenos e/ou herança genética. Estimase que 5-10% dos casos de câncer sejam hereditários. Objetivos: Descrever o perfil dos pacientes e atendimentos do ambulatório de Oncogenética do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA) no período de 2006 a 2013; desenvolver e implantar um Sistema de Informação e Assessoramento em Oncogenética para Profissionais de Saúde através de consultorias por e-mail e telefone. Métodos: Utilizaram-se duas estratégias quanto à fonte de informações, sendo uma das etapas uma coorte histórica para revisão de dados em prontuário eletrônico e sistemas de informações gerenciais do HCPA referente a atendimentos realizados no período definido; e uma etapa transversal, através de um questionário, para avaliação do entendimento acerca do encaminhamento para o ambulatório de oncogenética. A implantação do Sistema de Informação em Oncogenética engloba a disponibilização de material informativo (folders e cartazes), linha telefônica e e-mail direcionados aos profissionais de saúde. As consultorias são discutidas em uma reunião da equipe multidisciplinar e posteriormente, é emitido um relatório para o profissional solicitante (retorno no prazo máximo de 7 dias úteis). Resultados: Considerando amostra de 1326 pacientes, observa-se crescimento importante no número de atendimentos ao longo dos anos, da mesma maneira também foram registradas importantes taxas de absenteísmo, porém no decorrer dos anos estas caíram progressivamente. A maior parcela dos pacientes pertence ao sexo feminino (64,7%), com idade maior ou igual a 18 anos (79,9%), solteiros (48,7%), tendo em média 1,2 filhos, com ensino fundamental incompleto (32,7%) e procedentes de regiões metropolitanas (34,2%) e de Porto Alegre (33,9%). Observou-se um número considerável de pacientes com diagnóstico de neoplasia (56,4%) e com diagnóstico de síndrome de predisposição hereditária ao câncer (33,9%). Quanto à origem dos encaminhamentos, a maioria teve sua origem dentro da instituição (38,7%) e por meio de um familiar de paciente já atendido no ambulatório (35,6%). As especialidades que mais encaminharam pacientes foram a oncologia, oncopediatria, coloproctologia e dermatologia respectivamente. Quanto ao entendimento do paciente acerca do seu encaminhamento ao ambulatório (subamostra composta por 44 indivíduos), verificouse que a maioria, no primeiro atendimento, soube dizer o motivo da consulta. Em relação ao Sistema de Informação em Oncogenética foram realizadas 7 consultorias, procedentes do interior do Rio Grande do Sul (4 casos) e de Porto Alegre (3 casos). Todas foram pertinentes e com indicação de encaminhamento para uma avaliação com uma equipe especializada em Oncogenética. Adicionalmente foram recebidas 11 ligações de pacientes interessados em avaliação oncogenética no HCPA e 9 ligações de profissionais ou secretaria de saúde para encaminhamento de pacientes para o ambulatório de genética e câncer. Conclusão: O conhecimento sobre a dinâmica dos atendimentos e perfil dos pacientes é fundamental para o contínuo aprimoramento, crescimento do ambulatório de oncogenética, bem como auxilia a equipe na elaboração de material educativo para os pacientes. O desenvolvimento do Sistema de Informação permite profissionais de saúde reconhecer e discutir casos suspeitos de câncer hereditário onde esses serviços não estão disponíveis. / Introduction: Cancer is a multifactorial disease and risk factors include environmental factors exposures and lifestyle, endogenous risk factors and/or genetic susceptibility or predisposition. An estimated 5-10% of all cancers are hereditary. Objectives: Describe the profile of patients and consultations at the outpatient cancer genetics clinic of Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA) from 2006 to 2013; develop and implement a telephone and email based Information and Advisory System of Oncogenetics for health care professionals. Methods: This is a quantitative crosssectional, descriptive study. Two strategies were used as source of information to describe patient and consultation profiles. The first, retrospective, included review of electronic records and management information systems of HCPA and aimed to characterize the consultations. The second strategy, prospective, included patient interviews and questionnaires to assess motivations and understanding about the referral to the outpatient oncogenetic clinic. The implementation of the Information system in Oncogenetics encompassed provision of informative material (brochures and posters), and informative calls and emails returning requests of health care professionals. All consultations were discussed with a multidisciplinary team and a report with recommendations and information regarding the specific question was issued to the requesting professional in up to 7 days. Results: The total number of patients evaluated in the period was 1326. A constant growth in the number of annual consultations was observed over the years. There were important rates of absenteeism, although over the years these numbers have fallen progressively. Most of the patients were female (64.7%), at or above age 18 years (79.9%), single (48.7%) and the average number of offspring was 1.2 children. About one third had incomplete elementary education (32.7%) and most were from the metropolitan region (34.2%) and from Porto Alegre itself (33.9%). There was a considerable number of patients with diagnosed with at least one tumor (56.4%) and in 33.9% of the patients, diagnosis of an hereditary cancer syndrome was confirmed. Regarding source of referrals, the majority had its origin within the institution (38.7%) and through family members that previously consulted at the clinic (35.6%). Medical specialties responsible for most of the referrals were Oncology, Pediatric Oncology, Colorectal Surgery and Dermatology. As for the patient's understanding of their referral (sub-sample composed of 44 individuals), most of them demonstrated clear understanding of the reasons for referral already in the first consultation. Regarding the Information system in Oncogenetics, seven consultations were conducted and originated from the countryside of Rio Grande do Sul (4 cases) and from Porto Alegre (3 cases). All were relevant and resulted in referrals to a specialized team in Oncogenetics. Additionally, 11 calls were received from patients interested in oncogenetics evaluations at HCPA and 9 calls were received from health care professionals requesting referrals of patients to a cancer genetics outpatient clinic. Conclusion: Knowledge about patient profile and dynamics of consultations of cancer genetics outpatient clinics is fundamental to qualify the service provision and stimulate its continuous improvement and growth; it is also helpful to reassess the needs of the patients and act on it, for instance, guiding the elaboration of educational materials for patients and health care professionals. The development an information system for health care professionals enables recognition and discussion of suspected cases in remote areas where such services are not available.

Cancer the second most common causes of death in the Czech Republic. Carriers of mutations in genes predisposing to hereditary cancers represent a small but clinically significant group of high risk individuals. Today, dozens of predisposing genes for hereditary tumor syndromes are known and targeted next generation sequencing (NGS) has become a standard approach for their analysis. NGS allows rapid acceleration diagnostics of causal mutation in high-risk individuals. To identify mutations in genes predisposing to hereditary cancers, we designed a panel NGS analysis including subsequent bioinformatics analysis allowing a reliable identification of single nucleotide variants, insertions/deletions, and large intragenic rearrangements. The bioinformatics procedures described in this thesis were used for panel NGS validation, but also for identification of alterations associating with so far undescribed hereditary tumor types. Bioinformatics analyzes have become the basis for the unified processing of large datasets from the CZECANCA consortium and enable the construction of a population-specific database of genotypes that serve to improve clinical diagnostics of cancer predisposition in Czech patients. The versatility of NGS also allows its use for RNA (cDNA-based) analyzes of splicing variants in the...

No description available.

No description available.

No description available.