Attitudes of patients with cutaneous melanoma toward prognostic testing using the 31‐gene expression profile test

Abstract

Abstract Objective Although most patients diagnosed with early‐stage cutaneous melanoma (CM) have excellent outcomes, because of the large number diagnosed each year, many will experience recurrence or death. Prognostic testing for CM using the 31‐gene expression profile (31‐GEP) test can benefit patients by helping guide risk‐appropriate treatment and surveillance plans. We sought to evaluate patients' attitudes toward prognostic testing with the 31‐GEP and assess whether patients experience decision regret about having 31‐GEP testing. Methods A 43‐question survey was distributed by the Melanoma Research Foundation in June–August 2021 to CM patients enrolled in their database. Patients were asked questions regarding their decision to undergo 31‐GEP testing and the extent to which they experienced decision regret using a validated set of Decision Regret Scale questions. Results We analyzed responses from patients diagnosed in 2014 or later (n = 120). Of these, 28 had received 31‐GEP testing. Most respondents (n = 108, 90%) desired prognostic information when diagnosed. Of those who received 31‐GEP testing, most felt the results were useful (n = 22 out of 24) and had regret scores significantly less than neutral regret, regardless of their test results (Class 1: p < 0.001; Class 2: p = 0.036). Further, decision regret scores were not significantly different between patients who received a Class 1 31‐GEP result and those who received a Class 2 result (mean Class 1 = 1.39 and mean Class 2 = 1.90, p = 0.058). Conclusions Most newly diagnosed CM patients desired prognostic information about their tumors. Patients who received 31‐GEP testing felt it was useful and did not regret their decision to undergo 31‐GEP testing.

Keywords

• 31‐GEP test
• cancer
• gene expression profiling
• melanoma
• oncology
• prognosis