Genomic Sequencing Capacity, Data Retention, and Personal Access to Raw Data in Europe
Whole genome/exome sequencing (WGS/WES) has become widely adopted in research and, more recently, in clinical settings. Many hope that the information obtained from the interpretation of these data will have medical benefits for patients and—in some cases—also their biological relatives. Because of...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Frontiers Media S.A.
2020-05-01
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| Series: | Frontiers in Genetics |
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| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fgene.2020.00303/full |
| _version_ | 1819085150066049024 |
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| author | Shaman Narayanasamy Varvara Markina Adrian Thorogood Adriana Blazkova Adriana Blazkova Mahsa Shabani Bartha M. Knoppers Barbara Prainsack Barbara Prainsack Robert Koesters |
| author_facet | Shaman Narayanasamy Varvara Markina Adrian Thorogood Adriana Blazkova Adriana Blazkova Mahsa Shabani Bartha M. Knoppers Barbara Prainsack Barbara Prainsack Robert Koesters |
| author_sort | Shaman Narayanasamy |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Whole genome/exome sequencing (WGS/WES) has become widely adopted in research and, more recently, in clinical settings. Many hope that the information obtained from the interpretation of these data will have medical benefits for patients and—in some cases—also their biological relatives. Because of the manifold possibilities to reuse genomic data, enabling sequenced individuals to access their own raw (uninterpreted) genomic data is a highly debated issue. This paper reports some of the first empirical findings on personal genome access policies and practices. We interviewed 39 respondents, working at 33 institutions in 21 countries across Europe. These sequencing institutions generate massive amounts of WGS/WES data and represent varying organisational structures and operational models. Taken together, in total, these institutions have sequenced ∼317,259 genomes and exomes to date. Most of the sequencing institutions reported that they are able to store raw genomic data in compliance with various national regulations, although there was a lack of standardisation of storage formats. Interviewees from 12 of the 33 institutions included in our study reported that they had received requests for personal access to raw genomic data from sequenced individuals. In the absence of policies on how to process such requests, these were decided on an ad hoc basis; in the end, at least 28 requests were granted, while there were no reports of requests being rejected. Given the rights, interests, and liabilities at stake, it is essential that sequencing institutions adopt clear policies and processes for raw genomic data retention and personal access. |
| first_indexed | 2024-12-21T20:59:46Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-ed411e6569c4482d8dd868c140c8534a |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1664-8021 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-12-21T20:59:46Z |
| publishDate | 2020-05-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Frontiers in Genetics |
| spelling | doaj.art-ed411e6569c4482d8dd868c140c8534a2022-12-21T18:50:29ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Genetics1664-80212020-05-011110.3389/fgene.2020.00303515847Genomic Sequencing Capacity, Data Retention, and Personal Access to Raw Data in EuropeShaman Narayanasamy0Varvara Markina1Adrian Thorogood2Adriana Blazkova3Adriana Blazkova4Mahsa Shabani5Bartha M. Knoppers6Barbara Prainsack7Barbara Prainsack8Robert Koesters9Megeno S.A., Esch-sur-Alzette, LuxembourgMegeno S.A., Esch-sur-Alzette, LuxembourgCentre of Genomics and Policy, McGill University, Montreal, QC, CanadaMegeno S.A., Esch-sur-Alzette, LuxembourgFaculty of Language and Literature, Humanities, Arts and Education, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, LuxembourgMetamedica, Faculty of Law and Criminology, Ghent University, Ghent, BelgiumCentre of Genomics and Policy, McGill University, Montreal, QC, CanadaDepartment of Political Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, AustriaDepartment of Global Health & Social Medicine, King’s College London, London, United KingdomMegeno S.A., Esch-sur-Alzette, LuxembourgWhole genome/exome sequencing (WGS/WES) has become widely adopted in research and, more recently, in clinical settings. Many hope that the information obtained from the interpretation of these data will have medical benefits for patients and—in some cases—also their biological relatives. Because of the manifold possibilities to reuse genomic data, enabling sequenced individuals to access their own raw (uninterpreted) genomic data is a highly debated issue. This paper reports some of the first empirical findings on personal genome access policies and practices. We interviewed 39 respondents, working at 33 institutions in 21 countries across Europe. These sequencing institutions generate massive amounts of WGS/WES data and represent varying organisational structures and operational models. Taken together, in total, these institutions have sequenced ∼317,259 genomes and exomes to date. Most of the sequencing institutions reported that they are able to store raw genomic data in compliance with various national regulations, although there was a lack of standardisation of storage formats. Interviewees from 12 of the 33 institutions included in our study reported that they had received requests for personal access to raw genomic data from sequenced individuals. In the absence of policies on how to process such requests, these were decided on an ad hoc basis; in the end, at least 28 requests were granted, while there were no reports of requests being rejected. Given the rights, interests, and liabilities at stake, it is essential that sequencing institutions adopt clear policies and processes for raw genomic data retention and personal access.https://www.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fgene.2020.00303/fullNGSELSIpoliciesprocedurespatient rightsresearch participant rights |
| spellingShingle | Shaman Narayanasamy Varvara Markina Adrian Thorogood Adriana Blazkova Adriana Blazkova Mahsa Shabani Bartha M. Knoppers Barbara Prainsack Barbara Prainsack Robert Koesters Genomic Sequencing Capacity, Data Retention, and Personal Access to Raw Data in Europe Frontiers in Genetics NGS ELSI policies procedures patient rights research participant rights |
| title | Genomic Sequencing Capacity, Data Retention, and Personal Access to Raw Data in Europe |
| title_full | Genomic Sequencing Capacity, Data Retention, and Personal Access to Raw Data in Europe |
| title_fullStr | Genomic Sequencing Capacity, Data Retention, and Personal Access to Raw Data in Europe |
| title_full_unstemmed | Genomic Sequencing Capacity, Data Retention, and Personal Access to Raw Data in Europe |
| title_short | Genomic Sequencing Capacity, Data Retention, and Personal Access to Raw Data in Europe |
| title_sort | genomic sequencing capacity data retention and personal access to raw data in europe |
| topic | NGS ELSI policies procedures patient rights research participant rights |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fgene.2020.00303/full |
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