San Diego's
Scripps Translational Science Institute announced Thursday it will carry out a
20-year study, the first one of its kind, to establish whether people
undergoing genetic testing change their behavior.
The research will enroll about 10,000 people aged 18 or more,
who will receive a scan of their genome, as well as an analysis of their
genetic possibilities of developing over 20 health conditions which may be altered
by factors related to lifestyle. The diseases include diabetes, obesity, heart
attack and some forms of cancer. The study, which will evaluate behavioral changes
over a period of 20 years, is expected to assess if personal genetic testing
leads to people eating better, doing more exercise or quitting smoking. The
team of researchers will look on a regular basis for negative and positive
results from the genetic information.
According to lead researcher Eric J. Topol, director of the
Scripps Translational Science Institute in La Jolla, Calif.,
genetics screening and analysis will cost the 10,000-participant study an
estimated $2,000 per individual.
People involved in the study will be surveyed not only on
the lifestyle impact of gene testing, but also on the health-related decisions
they reach after getting personal DNA data.
"There has been a lot of conjecture about the potential
benefits to individuals and how they may change their behaviors" after
being told the test results, asserted Kathy Hudson, director of the Genetics
and Public Policy
Center at Johns Hopkins
University.
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