Article Text

Download PDFPDF
Paper
Predictive genetic testing for neurodegenerative conditions: how should conflicting interests within families be managed?
  1. Zornitza Stark1,2,
  2. Jane Wallace2,
  3. Lynn Gillam1,3,4,
  4. Matthew Burgess5,
  5. Martin B Delatycki1,2,4,5
  1. 1Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
  2. 2Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
  3. 3Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
  4. 4University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
  5. 5Department of Clinical Genetics, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
  1. Correspondence to Professor Martin B Delatycki, Bruce Lefroy Centre for Genetic Health Research, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia; martin.delatycki{at}ghsv.org.au

Abstract

Predictive genetic testing for a neurodegenerative condition in one individual in a family may have implications for other family members, in that it can reveal their genetic status. Herein a complex clinical case is explored where the testing wish of one family member was in direct conflict to that of another. The son of a person at 50% risk of an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative condition requested testing to reveal his genetic status. The main reason for the request was if he had the familial mutation, he and his partner planned to utilise preimplantation genetic diagnosis to prevent his offspring having the condition. His at-risk parent was clear that if they found out they had the mutation, they would commit suicide. We assess the potential benefits and harms from acceding to or denying such a request and present an approach to balancing competing rights of individuals within families at risk of late-onset genetic conditions, where family members have irreconcilable differences with respect to predictive testing. We argue that while it may not be possible to completely avoid harm in these situations, it is important to consider the magnitude of risks, and make every effort to limit the potential for adverse outcomes.

  • Genetic Counselling/Prenatal Diagnosis
  • Genethics
  • Genetic Screening/Testing

Statistics from Altmetric.com

Request Permissions

If you wish to reuse any or all of this article please use the link below which will take you to the Copyright Clearance Center’s RightsLink service. You will be able to get a quick price and instant permission to reuse the content in many different ways.

Other content recommended for you