Parents' Experiences With and Preferences for Receiving Information About Tumor Genomic Sequencing: Findings From a Qualitative Study and Implications for Practice

Abstract

PURPOSE The use of up-front tumor genomic sequencing (TGS) is becoming increasingly common in pediatric oncology. Despite this, little is known about how parents receive information about TGS at the time of their child's cancer diagnosis. We aimed to describe parents' experiences with and preferences for receiving information about TGS and to use these findings to inform practical guidance for pediatric oncology clinicians. METHODS We conducted semistructured interviews with English-speaking parents (older than 18 years) of patients (younger than 18 years) who had TGS for a new diagnosis of cancer. We analyzed the interviews thematically. Participants also completed a short demographic survey, and we obtained medical information about participants' children via chart review. RESULTS We interviewed 20 parents (14 mothers; median age, 38 years) of children who underwent TGS for a newly diagnosed cancer (10 leukemias/lymphomas, three CNS tumors, seven other solid tumors). Children were 6 months to 17 years at diagnosis (median, 6 years). Fifteen parents and their children were White, two of whom were Hispanic and four of whose children were Hispanic. No participants identified themselves or their child as Black. We identified the following themes regarding information delivery about genomic testing from the interviews: (1) those in the parent role have some universal information needs; (2) information delivery preferences vary among parents, even within one family; and (3) parents desire standard yet tailored information delivery. CONCLUSION Parents made suggestions consistent with elements of established high-quality communication in pediatric oncology. As genomic testing is more standardly incorporated into childhood cancer care, communication with parents may need to adapt to reflect this. Our findings highlight potential opportunities to support parents in receiving information about genomic testing.