Breast cancer patient perspective on opportunities and challenges of a genetic test aimed to predict radio-induced side effects before treatment: Analysis of the Italian branch of the REQUITE project

Aim To explore breast cancer patient's perspective on future genetic testing for prediction of toxicity after breast radiotherapy (RT). Materials and methods The study involved patient enrolled in the Italian branch of the REQUITE project conducted at the National Cancer Institute in Milan. Semi-structured interviews were conducted within one month from the end of radiotherapy treatment by two radiation oncologists and a radiotherapy technician previously trained by a clinical psychologist with experience in the oncology field. Semi-structured interviews are characterized by a set of pre-defined questions and developed ad hoc by researchers in Leicester within the REQUITE project. The interview questions investigated interest in undergoing the genetic test and expectations on its usefulness and disadvantages. Results Eighteen interviews were conducted and analysed. Forty-five initial codes were combined into nine themes which were then clustered in two main macro-areas (i) Opportunities and (ii) Challenges. Overall, all patients understand the aim of the genetic test and considered its intrinsic opportunity to make the physician more confident with the treatment. Regarding side effects, most of patients felt prepared to RT but not without fear. Many women considered important to have the largest and reliable information, also about negative experiences. Prevailing emotions were anxiety and fear but not connected to genetic test's result. Conclusions A genetic test could be an opportunity because generate knowledge and give patients a dynamic role in the decision-making approach. Prediction of single patient radiosensitivity before RT could prompt suggestion to entail a more and more tailored radiation treatment in the era of personalized approach.