Adherence rates in the literature vary because of differences in definition and measurement. In the CF population, adherence has been shown to have a positive effect on quality of life. Results for this small group of patients suggest that Atlantic Canada adolescents with CF are able to estimate correctly their adherence to taking pancreatic enzymes, but definite conclusions cannot be made because of the small number of respondents.

We evaluate microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) status with cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in metastatic breast cancer (MBC) and the association with clinico-genomic characteristics. Patients with MSI-H in cfDNA (Guardant360®, 74 gene next-generation sequencing (NGS) with MBC are identified. We conduct a retrospective review. The median number of alterations and a median maximum mutant allelic fraction (MAF) in MSI-H and non-MSI-H cohorts are compared with Mann–Whitney U-test. Of 6718 patients with breast cancer with ≥1 plasma NGS alteration, 42 (0.63%) have MSI-H. A median number of genomic alterations per sample is 11 in MSI-H vs. 3 in non-MSI-H (Mann–Whitney U-test p < 0.0001) and the median maximum MAF is 16.8% in MSI-H vs. 2.6% in non-MSI-H (Mann–Whitney U-test p < 0.0001). The co-existing genomic landscape is heterogeneous. The median response duration for seven patients receiving immunotherapy is 92 days (range 29–273 days). CfDNA can identify MSI-H in MBC. Research is needed to validate immunotherapy usage in cfDNA-detected MSI-H MBC.

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Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), is the information of life. The scientific understanding of genetics and biotechnology has resulted in the increased availability and affordability of genetic testing. Such testing can provide valuable information to help individuals make informed decisions regarding their lifestyle and health care. If such information finds itself in the wrong hands, there can be consequences such as genetic discrimination. Genetic discrimination, the unfair treatment of people due to their genetic makeup, often takes place in the insurance industry and by employers. While there are acts and bills to protect Canadians' personal information in both the public and private sector, Canada remains the only G-7 country without specific protections against genetic discrimination. With the recent passing in the Senate of Bill S-201: An Act to Prohibit and Prevent Genetic Discrimination, Canada is on the cusp of passing legislation to prohibit the requirement for genetic testing, and/or disclosure of test results, in the provision of insurance and employment.