Adverse events in cancer genetic testing: medical, ethical, legal, and financial implications

Cancer J. 2012 Jul-Aug;18(4):303-9. doi: 10.1097/PPO.0b013e3182609490.

Abstract

Cancer genetic counseling and testing are now integral services in progressive cancer care. There has been much debate over whether these services should be delivered by providers with specialized training in genetics or by all clinicians. Adverse outcomes resulting from cancer genetic counseling and testing performed by clinicians without specialization in genetics have been reported, but formal documentation is sparse. In this review, we present a series of national cases illustrating major patterns of errors in cancer genetic counseling and testing and the resulting impact on medical liability, health care costs, and the patients and their families.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diagnostic Errors
  • Female
  • Genetic Counseling* / economics
  • Genetic Counseling* / ethics
  • Genetic Counseling* / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Genetic Counseling* / standards
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Genetic Testing* / economics
  • Genetic Testing* / ethics
  • Genetic Testing* / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Genetic Testing* / standards
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Liability, Legal
  • Medical Errors
  • Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Risk Assessment
  • Unnecessary Procedures