AMA to Chicago Tribune: Genetic tests

May 25, 2011(published)

Chicago Tribune
Letter to the Editor

To the Editor:

The recent column by Dr. Cory Franklin, "Should you own your genes? FDA, AMA want to strictly regulate direct-to-consumer genetic testing" (Commentary, May 20) incorrectly states the American Medical Association's position on direct-to-consumer genetic tests.

The AMA strongly supports the use of appropriate genetic testing to aid in diagnostic and therapeutic decisions, and the rights of patients to obtain the results of their testing.

The results of genetic tests are seldom straightforward, and there is little evidence to support the value for many tests offered directly to patients. Without the benefit of proper medical counseling, patients may spend money on genetic tests needlessly or misinterpret their results, causing them to make unnecessary or unhealthy lifestyle changes.

When patients order genetic tests directly, the AMA believes that they should designate a physician who will also receive the results and can discuss what, if any, medical action should occur.

Franklin also points out the potential of gene patents to create barriers to innovation. The AMA actively opposes gene patenting, and has worked to have the patents held on genes associated with breast and ovarian cancer ruled invalid.

Ardis D. Hoven, MD
Chair, American Medical Association