Lowery, Jan T.

3567 Background: The ability to genotype large numbers of people rapidly and inexpensively for research purposes highlights the need to develop guidelines for providing medically-relevant research results - including unanticipated findings - to study participants. The Colon Cancer Family Registry (C-CFR) is the oldest and largest international colon cancer population-based registry; its experience managing genetic research findings can offer guidance to clinicians and researchers. The C-CFR has enrolled 10,019 cases with colon cancer and 24,708 family members in six registries in the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Deleterious (“high risk”) germline mutations have been identified in DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2) and the MutYH gene. The aims of this presentation are to: (1) report the uptake of genetic test results by C-CFR participants; (2) systematically compare disclosure protocols and barriers to uptake by registry; (3) make recommendations to guide clinicians and researchers. Methods: Uptake of genetic test results was calculated from data collected by the C-CFR; key investigators (KIs) from each registry completed a survey about disclosure decision-making; KIs also took part in discussions to generate recommendations. Results: Registry-wide molecular testing has identified deleterious MMR germline mutations for at least one member of 424 families (4%) and 48 biallelic MutYH gene carriers. Uptake of test results ranged from 56-86% (n= 1542) across registries. Barriers to disclosure include: (1) lack of pre-existing notification protocols; (2) logistics of re-consent; (3) limited involvement of genetic counselors at some registries; (4) in the US, the requirement that genetic testing be performed in a CLIA approved laboratory; (5) IRBs declining approval; and (6) budget constraints. Conclusions: Based on our international registry’s findings we recommend that researchers generating genetic information establish plans for disclosure at the outset; obtain subject consent a priori; consider subject knowledge and disclosure preferences; provide guidance and budget for clinical follow-up; and involve genetic counselors.

Individuals diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC) are at risk of developing a metachronous CRC. We examined the associations between personal, tumour‐related and lifestyle risk factors, and risk of metachronous CRC. A total of 7,863 participants with incident colon or rectal cancer who were recruited in the USA, Canada and Australia to the Colon Cancer Family Registry during 1997‐2012, except those identified as high‐risk, for example, Lynch syndrome, were followed up approximately every 5 years. We estimated the risk of metachronous CRC, defined as the first new primary CRC following an interval of at least one year after the initial CRC diagnosis. Observation time started at the age at diagnosis of the initial CRC and ended at the age at diagnosis of the metachronous CRC, last contact or death whichever occurred earliest, or were censored at the age at diagnosis of any metachronous colorectal adenoma. Cox regression was used to derive hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). During a mean follow‐up of 6.6 years, 142 (1.81%) metachronous CRCs were diagnosed (mean age at diagnosis 59.8; incidence 2.7/1,000 person‐years). An increased risk of metachronous CRC was associated with the presence of a synchronous CRC (HR = 2.73; 95% CI: 1.30–5.72) and the location of cancer in the proximal colon at initial diagnosis (compared with distal colon or rectum, HR = 4.16; 95% CI: 2.80–6.18). The presence of a synchronous CRC and the location of the initial CRC might be useful for deciding the intensity of surveillance colonoscopy for individuals diagnosed with CRC.

Abstract Background: Individuals with a strong family history of colorectal cancer have significant risk for colorectal cancer, although adherence to colonoscopy screening in these groups remains low. This study assessed whether a tailored telephone counseling intervention can increase adherence to colonoscopy in members of high-risk families in a randomized, controlled trial. Methods: Eligible participants were recruited from two national cancer registries if they had a first-degree relative with colorectal cancer under age 60 or multiple affected family members, which included families that met the Amsterdam criteria for hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer (HNPCC), and if they were due for colonoscopy within 24 months. Participants were randomized to receive a tailored telephone intervention grounded in behavioral theory or a mailed packet with general information about screening. Colonoscopy status was assessed through follow-up surveys and endoscopy reports. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess intervention effect. Results: Of the 632 participants (ages 25–80), 60% were female, the majority were White, non-Hispanic, educated, and had health insurance. Colonoscopy adherence increased 11 percentage points in the tailored telephone intervention group, compared with no significant change in the mailed group. The telephone intervention was associated with a 32% increase in screening adherence compared with the mailed intervention (HR, 1.32; P = 0.01). Conclusions: A tailored telephone intervention can effectively increase colonoscopy adherence in high-risk persons. This intervention has the potential for broad dissemination to healthcare organizations or other high-risk populations. Impact: Increasing adherence to colonoscopy among persons with increased colorectal cancer risk could effectively reduce incidence and mortality from this disease. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(4); 601–10. ©2014 AACR.