Integrating Genetics and Genomics Into Oncology Nursing: Page 5 of 9

Feb 17, 2010
Volume: 
24
Issue: 
2
Abstract / Synopsis: 
ABSTRACT: Abstract Genetic and genomic research discoveries are ushering in a new era of healthcare—personalized healthcare, which can potentially transform healthcare through earlier diagnosis and more effective risk assessment and cancer risk management. It may also inform optimal drug selection and limit drug side effects. This has important implications for oncology nursing practice throughout the cancer care continuum. In recognition of the expanding role of genetics and genomics in nursing practice, the Essentials of Genetic and Genomic Nursing was first published in 2006 by an independent consensus panel of nursing professionals. This resource is now in its second edition. As the consensus panel notes, genetic and genomic information will be utilized increasingly for prevention, screening, diagnosis, assessment of prognosis, selection of treatment, and monitoring of disease. This article, founded on the Essentials of Genetic and Genomic Nursing, describes the integration of genetics and genomics into oncology nursing practice, highlighting ways that new information and understanding in this area have advanced the management of patients at risk for or diagnosed with cancer. Click here to link to the CME post-test for this article.

Increasingly, genetic markers that are specific to particular tumor types are useful diagnostic tools.[18] Chromosomal rearrangements are often found in hematologic cancers and in some solid tumors. For example, a chromosomal rearrangement called a translocation in the MYC oncogene is associated with Burkitt's lymphoma. A translocation involves the breakage and removal of a large segment of DNA from one chromosome, followed by attachment of the segment to a different chromosome.[19] In Burkitt's lymphoma, the translocation occurs between chromosomes 8 and 14. The translocation causes MYC to be expressed at an inappropriately high level, thus contributing to Burkitt's lymphoma.[20] Chromosomal rearrangements can also create novel chain fusion genes, resulting in fusion proteins that have abnormal biologic activity. This is the case with the BCR-ABL1 gene fusion that results from a translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22 in chronic myeloid leukemia.[18]

An alteration in an individual gene, called a point mutation, is another cause of activation of proto-oncogenes through structural changes in their encoded proteins. These alterations can lead to the uncontrolled and continuous activity of the mutated protein. Point mutations, for example, identified in the family of proto-oncogenes (HRAS, KRAS, and NRAS) are present in a great variety of tumors and in the RET proto-oncogene in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A and 2B. These mutations can be detected and used to make the diagnosis.[18]

Approaches to screening for and diagnosis of cancer may be based in part on genetic changes. As a result of genome-wide association and other cancer research studies, new biomarkers are expected to be identified in the next decade.[21]

Gene-Based Prognostics

Research is ongoing to determine the genetic changes associated with cancer prognosis and disease progression. Waldman et al.[22] found that an intestinal tumor-suppressing receptor in the lymph nodes called guanylyl cyclase C (GUCY2C) may be a better means of determining the risk for metastatic colorectal cancer. At present, prognosis of colorectal cancer is determined through biopsy of the lymph nodes. Even when no cancerous cells are detected in the lymph nodes, however, patients have a one-in-four risk of recurrence. The risk of recurrence increases to one in two when four or more lymph nodes are involved with cancer.

Research of individuals who had no cancerous cells in their lymph nodes found that analysis of GUCY2C looked like an independent marker for prognosis and risk of recurrence. GUCY2C testing suggested malignancy in 87%, in comparison to 13% identified using the conventional molecular staging techniques. The researchers conclude that improving molecular staging using genetic technology has the potential to increase the detection of malignancy, and they call for studies with larger numbers of patients for further assessment of the accuracy and reliability of this approach.[22]

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Financial Disclosure: The authors have no signifi cant fi nancial interest
or other relationship with the manufacturers of any products or
providers of any service mentioned in this article.

References

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