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Patient care in the dawn of the genomic age

Application of genetics and genomic science to health care is emerging in full force and having a powerful effect on nursing practice. Genomic medicine—using an individual’s genomic information to help guide diagnosis and treatment—is taking off as a healthcare discipline. (See What’s in a name: Genetic vs. genomic and other basic terms.)

This new era is characterized by its emphasis on addressing individual genetic makeup as part of care, which has profound implications for nurses. You may need to take into account patients’ specific genetic characteristics when assessing them, managing their care, and providing education. Be ready for change:

• New genetic tests are expanding healthcare choices and treatment options.

• Advances in pharmacogenomics—the study of how genes affect a person’s response to drugs—are taking off. Expect one day to administer medications based on your patients’ specific genetic makeup, if you aren’t doing so already.

• New ethical and legal questions are emerging and will undoubtedly affect nursing practice.

This article offers a crash course to get ready for nursing in the genomic age. We focus on three key areas: genetic testing, pharmacogenomics, and ethical and legal implications of genomic-based nursing practice. (See Genetics: Back to basics.)

Genetic analysis

Genetic tests identify changes in chromosomes, genes, and proteins. These tests can confirm or rule out a suspected genetic condition or help determine an individual’s likelihood of developing or passing on a genetic disorder.

Different methods are used to obtain genetic information about patients:

Molecular genetic tests (or gene tests) study single genes or short lengths of DNA to identify variations or mutations that lead to disorders. (See Understanding the role of genetic mutations.)

Chromosomal tests analyze whole chromosomes or long lengths of DNA to identify large genetic changes that could cause a genetic condition, such as an extra copy of a chromosome.

Biochemical tests study the amount or activity level of proteins; abnormalities in either can indicate changes to the DNA that result in a genetic disorder.

Prenatal and newborn testing

Prenatal testing looks for alterations in chromosomes or DNA of a fetus. Recent scientific advances may allow for serum testing; however, at this time, the most common approach is capturing fetal cells through amniocentesis. These cells are tested for chromosomal abnormalities or metabolic disorders. One such abnormality is Trisomy 21, or Down syndrome, characterized by three copies of chromosome 21.

Newborn screening tests are performed when an infant is between 24 and 72 hours old. Depending on state requirements, these tests screen for 30 to 50 genetic alterations that can cause conditions such as phenylketonuria, cystic fibrosis, and sickle cell disease.

Carrier and presymptomatic testing

Carrier testing may reveal a specific gene alteration that can affect a patient’s or offspring’s health. For example, tests for the BrCA1 or BrCA2 mutation may detect an increased risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer. Carrier testing can determine if a patient has the same genetic alteration as a family member.

A patient may undergo presymptomatic testing to determine if he or she has a specific gene alteration that may indicate a high likelihood of becoming symptomatic for a particular condition. As in carrier testing, patients who get tested usually know about a specific condition that runs in their family; for example, Huntington disease, an adultonset, degenrative condition that begins around age 40 to 60.

Presymptomatic testing is reserved for conditions with a high likelihood of occurring. In other words, the genetic variation has a high likelihood of producing an as-  sociated trait—referred to as a high penetrance. By contrast, a person may have a genetic alteration that influences development of a condition, such as heart disease or depression, but the alteration doesn’t predict the condition; presymptomatic testing isn’t indicated.

Gene sequencing

Gene sequences and alterations in these sequences may provide clues in both diagnosis and treatment. Clinicians look for alterations in DNA sequencing that match established patterns, through identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) or biomarkers.

• SNPs are variants in the genetic sequence. Many SNPs are benign and code for characteristics such as eye color. Other SNPs occur in people with diabetes, heart disease, and mental health conditions. These genetic alterations may be inherited.

• A biomarker is a biological molecule found in blood, other body fluids, or tissues that indicates a normal or abnormal process or a condition. A biomarker may be used to see how well the body responds to a treatment.

Information on SNPs and biomarkers can help healthcare providers determine which medications to prescribe and optimal dosing. Whole genome sequencing, or mapping a patient’s entire genetic makeup, isn’t feasible for everyone and doesn’t always achieve medical goals. But more focused types of sequencing may be useful when creating a plan of care. They include:

• tumor-specific gene sequencing

• sequencing to determine a patient’s response to a medication

• sequencing to discover if a patient is a candidate for specific medications.

Making drug therapy more precise

The premise underlying pharmacogenomics is that knowledge of specific genomic factors affecting drug responses can be used to achieve greater precision in drug therapy, such as reducing adverse drug reactions, promoting more accurate dosing, or increasing drug efficacy.

A prime example is discovery of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), a biomarker that’s overexpressed in about a third of breast cancer patients and associated with poorer outcomes. Researchers followed up this discovery with the development of trastuzumab (Herceptin), a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets the HER2 protein and improves prognosis and survival odds. It’s now standard practice to test for the HER2 biomarker when evaluating and managing breast cancer and before administering humanized monoclonal antibody therapy.

The examples that follow show in greater detail how pharmacogenomics helps to individualize and improve drug therapy.


In patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, metabolism of this drug is associated with an enzyme called thiopurine S-methyltransferase (TPMT). In some pediatric patients, reduced or absent TPMT enzyme will have implications for pharmacogenomics.

• Changes in TPMT activity may lead to increased levels of cytotoxic metabolites and increased risk for severe bone marrow suppression.

• Testing TPMT activity is recommended and, if necessary, dosage is adjusted according to guidelines from the Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium.


In patients with human immunodeficiency virus, adverse effects of this antiviral drug may include a fatal multisystem hypersensitivity reaction characterized by fever, rash, and GI and respiratory symptoms.

• This reaction is associated with the human leukocyte antigen B HLA-B*57:01 variant.

• Genetic testing for HLA-B*57:01 is available.

• All patients about to start abacavir or abacavir-containing medications should be screened for the HLA-B*57:01 allele.

• Avoid using abacavir alone or in combination with other drugs in HLA-B*57:01-positive patients to reduce risk of a hypersensitivity reaction.


In people of Asian descent who take this anticonvulsant, a genetic variation is strongly associated with Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis.

• This reaction is associated with the human leukocyte antigen B HLA-B*15:02 variant.

• Genetic testing for HLA-B*15:02 is available.

• All patients about to start taking carbamazepine should be screened for the HLA-B*15:021 variant.

• Avoid using carbamazepine in HLA-B*15:02-positive patients to reduce risk of Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Psychiatric drugs

Certain psychiatric drugs are metabolized by the liver enzyme cytochrome P450, specifically CYP2D6. These include tricyclic antidepressants, multiple antipsychotics, and some selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Depending on genetic variation, the CYP2D6 enzyme can act as:

• an ultrarapid metabolizer—requires the administration of more drug to maintain a steady state

• an intermediate or extensive metabolizer—requires administration of a standard dose to maintain a steady state

• a poor metabolizer—requires the administration of a reduced standard dose to maintain a steady state or the use of an alternate agent if needed.

Tests are available and recommended but not required before initiating treatment.


Clinicians can improve drug efficacy and reduce adverse effects based on tests of the liver metabolism enzyme (CYP2C9 genotype) and the vitamin K epoxide reductase enzyme (VKORC1 genotype):

CYP2C9 genotype. This genotype expresses the hepatic enzyme responsible for metabolizing S-warfarin, a form of the warfarin molecule. Genetic variations CYP2C9*2 and CYP2C9*3, which are common in the general population, result in decreased clearance and increased blood levels of S-warfarin. Patients with these genetic variations will receive a reduced warfarin dosage.

VKORC1 genotype. This genotype codes for VKOR, which inhibits warfarin. Variations within this gene affect the patient’s response to warfarin; the major variation is the 1639G>A genotype, which reduces expression of VKOR. Patients with these genetic variations will receive a reduced warfarin dosage.


In patients taking this antiplatelet agent (CYP2C19), variants alter the conversion of the prodrug to an active metabolite.

CYP2C19 *1/*1 genotype. This is the most prevalent genotype (referred to as the wild type); patients with this genotype receive standard dosing.

CYP2C19 *2-*8 genotype. This genotype expresses the mutant or loss of function enzyme, leading to reduced conversion of the prodrug to active metabolite, or no conversion. In this case, an alternative antiplatelet drug will be ordered.

Ethical and legal considerations

Overarching ethical principles relevant to genomics are privacy, autonomy, and justice:

Privacy is the principle that guides decisions related to access to and distribution of genetic information. For example, if a patient undergoes a genetic test, who will be able to access the results other than his or her medical provider? Does the lab own them? Does the patient? In what instances can they be shared with others without the patient’s consent?

Autonomy addresses a patient’s right to accept or refuse a course of action. In genetics, the principle of autonomy underlies a patient’s right to consent to or to refuse a genetic test as well as the right to receive nondirective, comprehensive counseling. This principle also underlies the patient’s right to withdraw his or her consent for testing or research or to change his or her mind about a genetic test.

Justice, also known as equity, is the principle that guides provision of equal and fair treatment for all. An example of justice in genetic testing is widespread access to the newborn screening process. Across the United States, all newborns are screened for a panel of genetic, metabolic, and endocrine conditions before leaving the hospital. However, full equity in the distribution of health care may not be possible. Not everyone has access to the same level of care; nor is everyone able to afford care. Genetic testing tends to be expensive and may not be covered by insurance, which means benefits from advances in the field may not reach everyone in the population.

The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), a branch of the National Institutes of Health, is committed to addressing these and other ethical issues. The NHGRI website is dedicated to providing information and education to the public about legal and ethical issues important to the genetics community.

Ethics in pharmacogenomics

As researchers develop genetically targeted medications, the risk increases that individuals will be labeled based on information from their genetic code. Insurers, and even some clinicians, tend to oversimplify the relationship between genes and behavior, leading to a narrow view of the patient.

For example, an alcoholic patient may take a drug designed to help him or her overcome addiction. Healthcare providers may focus on possible genetic factors causing the behavior rather than working with the patient in a holistic manner. Or an obese patient may be labeled as having the “obesity gene.” Healthcare providers and family members may ignore or excuse environmental, social, and psychological aspects of their condition. Patients who are labeled by others based on genetic information may feel dehumanized.

As a nurse, remember that most conditions linked to genetics are not the result of genetics alone. Most conditions (examples include hypertension, obesity, depression, and diabetes) result from a combination of a genetic predisposition and the environment. Holistic care is still needed to promote health for patients.

Keep in mind the Code of Ethics for Nurses put forth by the ANA. In particular, Provision 1 says, “the nurse practices with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and unique attributes of every person.” This provision further instructs you to work with all persons under your care without “any bias or prejudice.” Similar to how the law prohibits insurers from discriminating based on genetic information, you have an ethical obligation to remain impartial once you become aware of a patient’s genetic makeup.

Privacy concerns

Before participating in research, patients are usually given an opportunity to ask questions and then required to sign a consent form stating the purpose of the genetic sample. However, the privacy of a patient’s genetic code may still be at risk.

Suppose, for example, researchers find a patient has a unique SNP not relevant to the current study. Several years later, an opportunity arises to use the same sample in another, groundbreaking research study. Researchers may need to address questions such as:

• Can the sample be used for the second test?

• Is another consent form necessary?

• If a treatment is found for a condition caused by this unique SNP, should researchers be required to notify the patient who gave the sample?

These questions may need to be addressed in the consent form when a patient participates in research. The NHGRI website offers sample consent forms that can be modified for your specific project.

If you work in a research setting, become familiar with the language of consent forms you use. Talk to each patient who participates in a research study to get a sense of whether he or she understands the research project and what consent entails. If you sense the patient doesn’t understand the study, contact the researcher and ask him or her to provide further clarification to the patient.

The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008

You’re most likely familiar with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which addresses the privacy of patient information. But you may be less familiar with the laws directed at protecting genetic information. The most important federal law is the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA). Congress passed this law because HIPAA doesn’t address the issue of protecting individual genetic information in enough detail.

GINA prohibits insurers from requiring genetic testing or genetic information from people who seek to obtain health insurance. It also restricts employers from using or requesting genetic information for employment-related decisions. These two protections are meant to encourage patients to seek presymptomatic or carrier testing, as recommended by their clinicians, without fear that it may affect employment decisions or insurance coverage. This enables high-risk individuals to better plan for their own care. For example, if a woman knows she is at a higher risk for breast cancer than the general population, she and her clinician may choose for her to have more frequent mammograms or preventive surgery.

As science advances and medications continue to target an individual’s genetic makeup, patients will need reassurance that their genetic information will remain private, will be used properly for research, and will not become the basis for discrimination. These issues will likely be addressed through additional legislation at the national level. (See A wealth of resources.)

Dennis J. Cheek is the Abell-Hanger professor of gerontological nursing at the Harris College of Nursing and Health Sciences & School of Nurse Anesthesia at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas. Lynnette Howington is assistant professor of professional practice and director of administrative and clinical affairs at Harris College of Nursing and Health Sciences in Fort Worth, Texas.

Selected references

Blix A. Personalized medicine, genomics, and pharmacogenomics: a primer for nurses. Clin J Oncol Nurs. 2014;18(4):437-41.

Cheek DJ, Bashore L, Brazeau D. Pharmacogenomics and implications for nursing practice. J Nurs Scholarsh. 2015;47(6):496-504.

Collins FS, Varmus H. A new initiative on precision medicine. N Engl J Med. 2015; 372(9):793-5.

Howington L, Riddlesperger K, Cheek DJ. Essential nursing competencies for genetics and genomics: implications for critical care. Crit Care Nurse. 2011;31(5):e1-e7.

Lea, DH, Cheek DJ, Brazeau D, Brazeau G. Mastering Pharmacogenomics: A Nurse’s Handbook for Success. Indianapolis, IN: Sigma Theta Tau International; 2015.


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