The potential of genomic sequencing (GS) promises a new era of precision medicine in which sequence information from healthy individuals can anticipate and prevent disease. At present, both the benefits and harms of genomic sequencing conducted without indication are largely hypothetical. In this uncertain environment, several thousand individuals have already had predispositional personal genome sequencing (PPGS) through academic research projects or commercial services, and many thousands more are projected to do so soon. The majority of these individuals are apparently healthy and would otherwise not receive GS due to lack of medical necessity, but there is growing interest and activity in sequencing for non-diagnostic purposes to enhance disease prevention and health management. Early adopters constitute a unique cohort of individuals that are worthy of study before such testing becomes widespread. We have gathered a number of these projects into a research consortium and piloted a web-based survey to better understand the medical, behavioral and economic impacts of sequencing adults without indication. To date, nearly 1,400 individuals have been invited to participate in our Personal Genome Sequencing Outcomes (PeopleSeq) Consortium, with approximately 50% of individuals contacted enrolling in this preliminary study. A total of 658 individuals have completed this preliminary survey after having their PPGS results disclosed, and we aim to add an additional 2,400 participants by partnering with new sequencing groups. In this proposal, we present a plan and methodology to build upon our project?s foundation. We will expand the opportunity to volunteer for sequencing to include potential participants from underrepresented minorities by offering educational programs that include sequencing at several Historically Black institutions. We will conduct web-based surveys over time and incorporate a mixed-methods approach by including qualitative interviews among selected individuals. As the first longitudinal cohort study of mostly generally healthy adults who receive PPGS, we will extensively evaluate the proposed risks and benefits of PPGS, including short- and long-term impacts on healthcare utilization, psychological impact, and health-related outcomes. We will determine what kinds of follow-up clinical care were obtained (and how it was covered financially), and assess whether it was medically beneficial. Findings from our study will inform preparations in the healthcare system as more individuals seek out and react to DNA sequencing. In addition, we will collect actual genomic reports on consenting participants and will characterize the number and nature of clinically significant findings. We will combine this genomic information with survey data about follow-up actions to explore the potential of PPGS to provide clinically useful information that can assist in prevention and health management.
Several thousand apparently healthy individuals have now had their DNA sequenced and a medical report returned through clinical or research projects that offer predispositional personal genome sequencing (PPGS), and this testing continues to become more affordable and accessible to the general public. We have gathered a number of these projects into a consortium and developed a web-based survey process for collecting data on the experiences and outcomes after PPGS. We propose to expand the opportunity for this testing and for participation in this project to include underrepresented minorities, and conduct in-depth interviews to better understand the medical, behavioral and economic impacts of sequencing apparently healthy adults.
