From GenomEthics

Returning genome sequences to research participants: Policy and practice

An open letter co-written with colleagues from the DDD project for Wellcome Open Research

Returning genome sequences to research participants: Policy and practice

 

24th February 2017

Despite advances in genomic science stimulating an explosion of literature around returning health-related findings, the possibility of returning entire genome sequences to individual research participants has not been widely considered. Through direct involvement in large-scale translational genomics studies, we have identified a number of logistical challenges that would need to be overcome prior to returning individual genome sequence data, including verifying that the data belong to the requestor and providing appropriate informatics support. In addition, we identify a number of ethico-legal issues that require careful consideration, including returning data to family members, mitigating against unintended consequences, and ensuring appropriate governance. Finally, recognising that there is an opportunity cost to addressing these issues, we make some specific pragmatic suggestions for studies that are considering whether to share individual genomic datasets with individual study participants. If data are shared, research should be undertaken into the personal, familial and societal impact of receiving individual genome sequence data.

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Citation:

Wright C, Middleton A, Barrett JC, Firth HV, FitzPatrick DR (2017) Returning genome sequences to research participants: Policy and practice [version 1; peer review: 2 approved]. Wellcome Open Research, vol. 2, issue 15, February

Available at https://doi.org/10.12688/wellcomeopenres.10942.1