Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026
FISH for Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis
Published on: February 23, 2011
Evaluation of a decision aid for families considering p53 genetic counseling and testing
Susan K Peterson1, Rebecca D Pentz, Amie M Blanco
1Depatment of Behavioral Sciences-Unit 330, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77230-1439, USA.
Purpose:
Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) is associated with p53 germline mutations, and carriers are at increased risk for multiple primary cancers. We evaluated outcomes following the administration of a video-based decision aid (DA) prior to clinical p53 genetic counseling and testing among persons who had previously participated in cancer genetics research.
Methods:
Fifty-seven individuals at risk for a known p53 mutation completed baseline and post-DA measures of psychological outcomes, plus knowledge and attitudes regarding p53 genetic testing. Counseling and testing uptake also was recorded.
Results:
At baseline, multivariate analysis showed that greater testing intention was associated with lower decisional conflict (P < 0.01). Compared with baseline data, multivariate analyses of post-DA outcomes showed that knowledge about LFS and genetic testing increased and decisional conflict related to testing decreased (P < 0.001). Mean cancer worries scores decreased among all participants (P < 0.001), and mean depression scores decreased for males (P < 0.05). Thirty-nine (68%) completed pre-test genetic counseling and 23 (40%) subsequently gave a blood sample for clinical genetic testing.
Conclusion:
This intervention was useful as an initial outreach and educational method for families considering p53 genetic testing, and may improve knowledge about LFS as well as psychological outcomes.
