Return of individual results in epilepsy genomic ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½: A view from the field

ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½

Abstract

Genomic findings are emerging rapidly in 2 large, closely related epilepsy ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ consortia: the Epilepsy Phenome/Genome Project and Epi4K. Disclosure of individual results to participants in genomic ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ is increasingly viewed as an ethical obligation, but strategies for return of results were not included in the design of these consortia, raising complexities in establishing criteria for which results to offer, determining participant preferences, managing the large number of sites involved, and covering associated costs. Here, we describe the challenges faced, alternative approaches considered, and progress to date. Experience from these 2 consortia illustrates the importance, for genomic ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ in epilepsy and other disorders, of including a specific plan for return of results in the study design, with financial support for obtaining clinical confirmation and providing ongoing support for participants. Participant preferences for return of results should be established at the time of enrollment, and methods for allowing future contacts with participants should be included. In addition, methods should be developed for summarizing meaningful, comprehensible information about findings in the aggregate that participants can access in an ongoing way.

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