Grant Details
Grant Number: |
5R01HG001200-06 Interpret this number |
Primary Investigator: |
Gritz, Ellen |
Organization: |
University Of Texas Md Anderson Can Ctr |
Project Title: |
Psychosocial Aspects of Genetic Testing for Hnpcc |
Fiscal Year: |
2000 |
Abstract
DESCRIPTION (Adapted from the Investigator's Abstract): The overall goal of
this four-year competitive renewal application is to extend work on the
characterization of psychosocial aspects of hereditary nonpolyposis colon
cancer (HNPCC). In the current application, the investigators propose three
interrelated phases of their research. In the first phase, they will extend
the research undertaken during the initial grant period which consists of a
prospective descriptive study of psychosocial aspects of molecular testing
for HNPCC in colorectal cancer (CRC) cases, the first-degree relatives
(FDRs) of CRC cases who are found to be carriers of an HNPCC mutation, and
the spouses/partners (S/Ps) of the FDRs. In the second phase they will
study psychosocial issues related to participation in a phase II randomized,
controlled chemoprevention trial for HNPCC involving adherence to a Cox II
inhibitor and periodic check-ups over a year period. In the third phase,
the investigators will focus on the family as a unit for study of genetic
testing and counseling.
The investigators believe that a unifying theme in this research is the
investigation of the psychological (e.g., distress, worry, coping style) and
social and family processes (e.g., social support and family networks) that
affect individuals' willingness to undergo medical tests and procedures that
may be beneficial in the early detection and/or prevention of disease.
The investigators indicate that their preliminary findings show that certain
subgroups of individuals participating in genetic testing studies may be
particularly distressed during this process and may need more intensive
follow-up or interventions to facilitate adjustment following disclosure of
the test results. The study population is comprised of cases of
adenocarcinoma of the colon or rectum seen at The University of Texas M.D.
Anderson Cancer Center, FDRs of CRC cases who are found to be carriers of an
HNPCC mutation, and the S/Ps of the FDRs. Outcome measures for the proposed
research include: (1) donation of a blood sample for genetic testing; (2)
willingness to inform relatives about HNPCC status; (3) completion of
genetic counseling for test results disclosure; (4) psychological
status/well being; and (5) adherence of recommended surveillance procedures.
The investigators believe that the significance of this research lies in the
recently developed ability to identify, through molecular testing, those
individuals carrying genetic mutations that place them at significantly
increased risk for developing HNPCC. CRC is one of the few cancers for
which there are effective early detection and prevention strategies.
Through molecular testing, the investigators hope to indentify a
subpopulation of individuals upon whom to focus early detection resources
and to maximize their efforts to increase resources to adherence to
surveillance.
Publications
None