Publications by authors named "Aideen Mcinerney-Leo"

Integrated risk scores (polygenic and non-genetic risk factors) can facilitate risk-stratification, to inform targeted melanoma screening. This mixed-methods pilot study assessed satisfaction, attitudes, and psychosocial impact of a protocol for communicating integrated risk for melanoma using questionnaires (baseline and 1-month post-results) and semi-structured interviews. Affected and unaffected adults enroled in ongoing melanoma studies were recruited to receive their integrated risk booklets and attend a genetic counselling appointment.

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Despite affecting a small portion of the population, rare conditions have a significant impact, collectively affecting around 300 million people worldwide. Historically, early diagnosis has been impeded by failure to recognize rare conditions and order/refer for appropriate genomic testing. The advancements in genome sequencing offer a more agnostic and accelerated approach to the identification and diagnosis of rare disorders, potentially improving health outcomes, reducing the impact of disability, and reducing financial and psychological burdens on families.

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Finite clinical genetics services combined with expanding genomic testing have driven development of mainstreaming models-of-care for genomic testing: specifically genetic counselor embedded (GEM) and upskilled-clinician (UPC) models. To determine feasibility, acceptability, and health economic impact in cancer mainstreaming settings we conducted a scoping review of the literature. A comprehensive PubMed search identified relevant manuscripts, published in English between 2013 and 2023.

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Genomic testing can inform the diagnosis and personalise management of cancers in children, adolescents, and young adults (CAYA). This scoping review explored the clinical utility and impact of genomic testing in general CAYA cancer cohorts. Relevant records published in English between 2017-2024 were identified by searching PubMed.

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Article Synopsis
  • * We looked at 46 articles about ELSI in cancer control and found 18 important themes, like making sure everyone has access to testing and care, and the rights of families to know genetic information.
  • * There are still gaps in understanding how to provide fair care for people living in rural areas and different cultural backgrounds, so we need more teamwork to address these issues in cancer genomics.
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Genetic counseling facilitates psychological and social adaptation in clients and families. Two psychotherapeutic approaches, narrative and family therapy foster client adaptation to adverse situations and may enhance the genetic counseling process. This scoping review aimed to describe the applications of narrative therapy and family therapy in genetic counseling, and to document the actual and perceived value of these approaches in a genetic counseling setting.

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is the second most frequently reported gene (after ) in familial melanoma. Pathogenic variants are associated with earlier onset and/or multiple primary melanomas (MPMs). To date, phenotypical reports have been largely restricted to associated malignancies, and description of the dermatological landscape has been limited.

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Genetic testing can provide valuable information to mitigate personal disease risk, but the use of genetic results in life insurance underwriting is known to deter many consumers from pursuing genetic testing. In 2019, following Australian Federal Parliamentary Inquiry recommendations, the Financial Services Council (FSC) introduced an industry-led partial moratorium, prohibiting life insurance companies from using genetic test results for policies up to $AUD500,000. We used semi-structured interviews to explore genetic test consumers' experiences and views about the FSC moratorium and the use of genetic results by life insurers.

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Article Synopsis
  • The Position Statement offers guidelines for health professionals and lab staff involved in predictive genetic testing, focusing on practical, psychosocial, and ethical considerations for different age groups and cognitive abilities.* -
  • It emphasizes the necessity of pretest and post-test genetic counseling to ensure individuals can make informed and autonomous decisions regarding predictive testing.* -
  • Recommendations for children and young people suggest limiting testing to cases with immediate medical benefits and delaying testing for conditions that show symptoms in adulthood until the individual can make their own informed choice.*
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  • GJB2 gene mutations were initially linked to severe hearing loss but are now also connected to mild and moderate forms of hearing impairment, highlighting the need for understanding these genetic variations.
  • In a study of 127 Australian children with hearing loss, about two-thirds carried specific GJB2 or GJB6 gene variants, with the most common variant being c.109 G>A, which was associated with milder hearing loss outcomes.
  • The findings suggest that different GJB2 variants lead to varying degrees of hearing loss, thereby enhancing the accuracy of genetic counseling for affected families.
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Fear of insurance discrimination can inhibit genetic research participation. In 2019, an industry-led partial moratorium on using genetic results in Australian life insurance underwriting was introduced. This mixed-methods study used online surveys (n = 59 participants) and semi-structured interviews (n = 22 participants) to capture researchers' perceptions about the moratorium.

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An apical component of the cell cycle checkpoint and DNA damage repair response is the ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) Ser/Thr protein kinase. A variant of ATM, Ser49Cys (rs1800054; minor allele frequency = 0.011), has been associated with an elevated risk of melanoma development; however, the functional consequence of this variant is not defined.

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Article Synopsis
  • * In low incidence countries, genetic testing may be recommended for families with two first-degree relatives diagnosed with melanoma, while higher incidence areas require three to four affected family members for testing.
  • * Increased use of multi-gene panels can enhance diagnostic outcomes, and dermatologists, with proper training, could help streamline genetic testing alongside pre- and post-test consultations, leading to better sun protection and screening habits among mutation carriers.
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Diagnostic genetic testing and non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for conditions associated with disability are becoming increasingly available to consumers. This genetic information can be used in the disability setting to inform factors such as prognosis, management, and reproductive decision-making. Genetic counselors (GCs) play an important role in the provision of genetic testing and NIPT, and their attitudes toward disability can influence how genetic information is communicated and shape patients' responses.

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MITF E318K moderates melanoma risk. Only five MITF E318K homozygous cases have been reported to date, one in association with melanoma. This novel report uses 3D total-body-photography (TBP) to describe the dermatological phenotype of a homozygous MITF E318K individual.

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Introduction: Genetic discrimination (GD) in the context of life insurance is a perennial concern in Australia and internationally. To address such concerns in Australia, an industry self-regulated Moratorium on Genetic Tests in Life Insurance was introduced in 2019 to restrict life insurers from using genetic test results in underwriting for policies under certain limits. Financial advisers (FAs) are sometimes engaged by clients to provide financial advice and assist them to apply for life insurance.

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Article Synopsis
  • This Position Statement outlines guidelines for health professionals regarding carrier testing, which identifies if someone has inherited a harmful genetic variant related to specific conditions found in family members.
  • Key recommendations include ensuring individual knowledge and consent for testing, supporting informed decision-making, and considering personal and medical factors when offering tests.
  • For children and young people, carrier testing should generally be delayed until they can make an informed decision unless immediate medical benefits are identified; appropriate counseling should accompany any testing offered.
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Article Synopsis
  • The rise of genetic and genomic testing has heightened awareness of its effects on insurance, as providers can use genetic information to influence premiums and coverage eligibility.
  • In Australia, insurers updated regulations in 2019 to prohibit the use of genetic test results in life insurance underwriting for policies under AU$500K.
  • The Human Genetics Society of Australasia has revised its stance on genetic testing and insurance, recommending that educational programs cover ethical issues, government regulation improve, research data remain confidential, and better collaboration occur between the insurance industry and genetics experts.
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