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SEOM recommendations on the structure and operation of hereditary cancer genetic counseling units (HCGCUs)

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Abstract

Introduction

Approximately 5 % of all cancer cases are hereditary. Cancer genetic counseling assesses individual and family risks of cancer, conducts genetic studies, interprets results, and advises patients regarding strategies for prevention and risk reduction. Currently, many networks of hereditary cancer genetic counseling units (HCGCUs) are integrated in the medical oncology services of most Spanish hospitals, which are comprised of multidisciplinary teams and offer high-quality care for the treatment of hereditary cancer.

Materials and methods

The Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM) analyzed key issues involving the integration of HCGCUs into the National Health Service. These included basic compliance issues by these units regarding their operation and organization, as well as prerequisites in quality control thereof.

Results

This document describes the specific roles and clinical processes performed in HCGCUs in addition to basic services provided by molecular diagnostic laboratories. It also provides a summary on the coordination of care across different levels for patients and families with hereditary cancers. Finally, this document describes the human and material resources needed for the organization of HCGCUs.

Conclusions

SEOM has been a pioneer in the creation and development of HCGCUs. This paper seeks to ensure high-quality care to individuals and families with inherited susceptibility to cancer in Spain.

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Acknowledgments

We wish to thank all of the following members of the Hereditary Cancer Section Executive Committee for their constructive support in preparing this report: Dr. Judith Balmaña (Medical Oncology Service, Hospital Valle de Hebrón), Dr. Begoña Graña (Medical Oncology Service, Hospital Arquitecto Marcide of La Coruña) and Dr. Santiago González Santiago (Medical Oncology Service, Hospital San Pedro de Alcántara of Cáceres). We also wish to thank the following members of the Advisory Board of the Section who helped us with their valuable views: Dr. Miguel Urioste (Human Cancer Genetics Programme, CNIO, Madrid), Dr. Angel Alonso (Clinical Genetics Service, Hospital Virgen del Camino of Pamplona), Dr. Joan Brunet (Medical Oncology Service, Hospital Josep Trueta of Girona), and Dr. Pedro Pérez-Segura (Medical Oncology Service, Hospital Clínico San Carlos of Madrid).

Conflict of interest

The authors don’t have any conflict of interest.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain

    Carmen Guillén-Ponce

  2. Complejo Asistencial Universitario de Burgos, Burgos, Spain

    Enrique Lastra-Aras

  3. Hospital Universitario Doce de Octubre, Madrid, Spain

    Luis Robles-Díaz

  4. Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, Málaga, Spain

    Emilio Alba

  5. Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain

    Juan-Jesús Cruz

Authors
  1. Enrique Lastra-Aras
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  2. Luis Robles-Díaz
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  3. Carmen Guillén-Ponce
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  4. Emilio Alba
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  5. Juan-Jesús Cruz
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Carmen Guillén-Ponce.

Additional information

All authors have equally contributed for the preparation of this article and they are on behalf of the Hereditary Cancer Section of the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM).

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Lastra-Aras, E., Robles-Díaz, L., Guillén-Ponce, C. et al. SEOM recommendations on the structure and operation of hereditary cancer genetic counseling units (HCGCUs). Clin Transl Oncol 15, 20–25 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12094-012-0920-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12094-012-0920-1

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