Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Objective: To determine the current practice in genetic testing for patients with apparently sporadic motor neurone disease/amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (MND/ALS) and asymptomatic at-risk relatives of familial MND/ALS patients seen in specialized care centers in the UK. Methods: An online survey with 10 questions distributed to specialist healthcare professionals with a role in requesting genetic testing working at MND/ALS care centers. Results: Considerable variation in practice was found. Almost 30% of respondents reported some discomfort in discussing genetic testing with MND/ALS patients and a majority (77%) did not think that all patients with apparently sporadic disease should be routinely offered genetic testing at present. Particular concerns were identified in relation to testing asymptomatic at-risk individuals and the majority view was that clinical genetics services should have a role in supporting genetic testing in MND/ALS, especially in asymptomatic individuals at-risk of carrying pathogenic variants. Conclusions: Variation in practice in genetic testing among MND/ALS clinics may be driven by differences in experience and perceived competence, compounded by the increasing complexity of the genetic underpinnings of MND/ALS. Clear and accessible guidelines for referral pathways between MND/ALS clinics and clinical genetics may be the best way to standardize and improve current practice, ensuring that patients and relatives receive optimal and geographically equitable support.

Original publication

DOI

10.1080/21678421.2022.2150556

Type

Journal article

Journal

Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener

Publication Date

02/12/2022

Pages

1 - 9

Keywords

ALS, DNA, Genetic testing, MND, ethics, genetics, genomics