Approximately 5-10% of
cancers are caused by an inherited predisposition. Individuals affected by hereditary
cancer are often concerned about transmitting a predisposition to
cancer to their children. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (
PGD) is a technology that allows embryos without a deleterious mutation associated with a
hereditary cancer syndrome to be identified and implanted. The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and clinical experience of physicians regarding
PGD for hereditary
cancer predisposition syndromes. Hereditary Breast and
Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) and
Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) are two
hereditary cancer syndromes highlighted in this present study. A survey assessing physicians' attitudes, knowledge, and clinical practice was completed by a total of 373 gynecologic oncologists (GYN ONCs) and obstetrics and gynecologists (OB/GYNs). Physicians had a limited knowledge of
PGD for hereditary
cancer; however, physicians reported
PGD was an appropriate option for patients with either HBOC or FAP. Although GYN ONCs were more likely to care for patients with hereditary
cancer (P < 0.001), they were less likely than OB/GYNs to refer their patients to a
PGD specialist (P = 0.004). While 80% of GYN ONCs and 91% of OB/GYNs would refer patients to a
PGD specialist, clinical experience indicates that only 29% actually referred their patients. Since 68% of physicians had incorrect or limited knowledge of
PGD for hereditary
cancer, there is a need for additional education.