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Updated: Feb 23, 2026

Next Generation Sequencing for the Detection of Actionable Mutations in Solid and Liquid Tumors
Published on: September 20, 2016
Cancer patients' intentions towards receiving unsolicited genetic information obtained using next-generation
Rhodé M Bijlsma1, Hester Wessels2, Roel H P Wouters3
1Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Q05.4.300, PO Box 85500, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands. r.m.bijlsma@umcutrecht.nl.
Abstract:
Next-generation sequencing (NGS) can be used to generate information about a patient's tumour and personal genome. This powerful diagnostic tool provides solicited and unsolicited hereditary genetic (risk) information that could have consequences for cancer patients and their quality of life. A well-defined approach for returning appropriate genetic risk information is needed in personalized cancer care. A qualitative design with semi-structured interviews was used. We conducted interviews with 24 Dutch patients with different types of cancer, both NGS-experienced and NGS-inexperienced, to learn their intentions, needs and preferences towards receiving unsolicited genetic information obtained using NGS. Almost all participants had a positive attitude towards receiving unsolicited findings. After receiving comprehensive background information on NGS, including a binning model of four categories of unsolicited findings, most participants preferred to receive only subsets of genetic information. Their main concern was their own and others' (including family members) ability to cope with (the increased risk of having) a genetic disorder. Providing background information gave cancer patients the opportunity to select subsets of findings and increased their ability to make an informed choice. Special attention is needed for social and emotional factors to support the patients themselves and when communicating test results with their family members.
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