JCO -- Early Release CORRESPONDENCE Accrual Strategies for Cancer Genetics Research: Blurred Boundaries (ethics)

CORRESPONDENCE 
Accrual Strategies for Cancer Genetics Research: Blurred Boundaries

Daniel Rayson and Karen A. Gelmon JCO published online May 17, 2010, DOI:10.1200/JCO.2010.29.0759 [PDF]  

TO THE EDITOR: 

Metcalfe et al1 describe the incidence of BRCA1 and BRCA2 founder mutations in an unselected group of Ashkenazi Jewish women, with an astounding 2,000 women enrolled within 14 days of an article appearing in one of Canada’s most respected newspapers. Given the overwhelming interest amongthe target population, one might ask exactly what information prompted such an overwhelming response. The article in question was published on the front page of the Toronto Globe and Mail (Saturday May 24, 2008) with a large-font headline reading: “Cancer test a genetic crystal ball for Jewish women.” The first line in the piece stated: “For the first time in Canada, Jewish women will be offered the chance to alter their genetic destiny by taking a test…” a patently untrue and sensationalistic statement, given that presymptomatic BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation testing, including Ashkenazi Jewish founder mutations, have been available for many years through medical genetics services nationwide." "The study by Metcalfe et al has accentuated these concerns and should serve as a basis for additional discussion in the oncology and
medical genetics communities regarding appropriate methodologies or recruitment to clinical investigations in cancer genetics."

Response to D. Rayson et al - re: Correspondence - Accrual strategies for cancer genetics research: blurred boundaries (ethics)

Correspondence: Narod/Metcalfe:

"If Drs Rayson and Gelmon1 are under the impression that we
have influence over how the Globe and Mail2 chooses to present its
news items, they are mistaken—perhaps their comments should be
addressed to the Globe Editorial office. We too are frustrated by the
incessant optimism of the media when they enter into the realms of
genetics or oncology—each gene discovery ineluctably will lead to a
treatment of a devastating genetic disease, each new molecule is a
target for a new cancer drug—but we suppose that unfettered optimism
is good for the newspaper business and is included in the price
we pay for freedom of the press...."

If the opinions of Drs Rayson and Gelmon are representative of the medical communities of Nova Scotia and British Columbia, then it is unlikely that populationbased genetic screening for Jewish women will be introduced in those provinces any time soon."

REFERENCES
1. Rayson D, Gelmon KA: Accrual strategies for cancer genetics research:
blurred boundaries. J Clin Oncol doi: 10.1200/JCO.2010.29.0759
2. Cancer test a genetic crystal ball for Jewish women. Toronto Globe and
Mail, Saturday May 24, 2008
3. Metcalfe KA, Poll A, Royer R, et al: Screening for founder mutations in
BRCA1 and BRCA2 in unselected Jewish women. J Clin Oncol 28:387-391, 2010
DOI: 10.1200/JCO.2010.29.1146; published online ahead of print at
www.jco.org on May 17, 2010

55 minute video: Breakfast with the Chiefs Andre Picard/The Globe and Mail :“What Do Patients Want? A Critical Look at Health Care Delivery in Canada.”

includes discussion on Patient Safety (group)/patient centered groups

Time to end pelvic exams done without consent - The Globe and Mail

This article by Andre Picard of the Globe and Mail is a regurgitated column previously noted media columns.  Interestingly enough the SGOC has an 'award' for columnists at the moment so it is highly suspect in its timing.
However, included are comments from both public and healthcare individuals.