Reactions to and desire for prognostic testing in choroidal melanoma patients.

TitleReactions to and desire for prognostic testing in choroidal melanoma patients.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2009
AuthorsBeran TM, McCannel TA, Stanton AL, Straatsma BR, Burgess BL
JournalJ Genet Couns
Volume18
Issue3
Pagination265-74
Date Published2009 Jun
ISSN1573-3599
KeywordsAdult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Choroid Neoplasms, Female, Humans, Male, Melanoma, Middle Aged, Prognosis, Surveys and Questionnaires
Abstract

To determine if choroidal melanoma patients want cytogenetic prognostic information. Ninety-nine choroidal melanoma patients completed a questionnaire regarding their opinions about receiving prognostic information. The perceived usefulness of prognostic information was evaluated in patients who had undergone cytogenetic testing. Depressive symptoms, quality of life, and interest in supportive counseling during test receipt were assessed. Ninety-seven percent of respondents reported that they would have wanted prognostic information at the time of their treatment and 98% of respondents reported that supportive counseling should be offered when prognostic information is given. Patients who had received a more favorable prognostic result were more likely to endorse the usefulness of cytogenetic testing than were patients who had received a less favorable prognostic result. Psychological status did not vary significantly as a function of cytogenetic test result. Prognostic information was important to patients with choroidal melanoma, even in the absence of prophylactic measures which might improve prognosis.

DOI10.1007/s10897-009-9223-2
Alternate JournalJ Genet Couns
PubMed ID19421848