Partnering in oncogenetic research--the INHERIT BRCAs experience: opportunities and challenges.
Today it is common to conduct research in collaboration with colleagues from different disciplines and institutions. The INterdisciplinary HEalth Research International Team on BReast CAncer susceptibility (INHERIT BRCAs), involves Canadian and international experts from diverse fields working with health service providers, patients and collaborators from the World Health Organization and other European networks. Evidence-based information and knowledge transfer drive our efforts to advance genomic research to understand the genetic basis of cancer susceptibility and treatment response. Several goals reveal the interdisciplinary team approach: (a) to estimate the prevalence and penetrance of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations and their deleterious impact upon different populations; (b) to pinpoint novel breast cancer susceptibility loci; (c) to assess the efficacy of clinical interventions; (d) to address changes in quality of life and health-related behaviour from the decision to undergo genetics testing and during follow-up; (e) to evaluate legal, social and ethical implications; and, finally; (f) to promote professional and public education by facilitating the transfer of research findings to clinical practice and informing policy makers. The lessons learned by the INHERIT research team and future challenges are presented.
Avard
Denise
D
Centre de Recherche en Droit Public, Faculty of Law, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada. denise.avard@umontreal.ca
Bridge
Peter
P
Bucci
Lucie M
LM
Chiquette
Jocelyne
J
Dorval
Michel
M
Durocher
Francine
F
Easton
Doug
D
Godard
Béatrice
B
Goldgar
David
D
Knoppers
Bartha Maria
BM
Laframboise
Rachel
R
Lespérance
Bernard
B
Plante
Marie
M
Tavtigian
Sean V
SV
Vézina
Hélène
H
Wilson
Brenda
B
Simard
Jacques
J
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics*; D002170:Canada; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D019398:Genes, BRCA1; D024522:Genes, BRCA2; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000453:epidemiology*; D036281:Genetic Research; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D009386:Neoplastic Syndromes, Hereditary / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics; D011379:Prognosis; D018570:Risk Assessment