Knowledge and attitudes toward gene therapy of a cohort of Italian patients with hemophilia

BACKGROUND:Gene therapy (GT) has recently become a new therapeutic option for hemophilia A and B. However, patient levels of knowledge and attitudes toward it are poorly understood. A general lack of knowledge and education has been highlighted in previous studies. To date, no studies focused on patient attitudes toward GT, priorities, concerns, and information needs, nor how these factors might influence their willingness to accept it. OBJECTIVES:To evaluate knowledge and attitudes toward GT of an Italian cohort of patients with hemophilia. METHODS:A questionnaire was administered to patients with hemophilia A and B to evaluate: (1) clinical data; (2) GT knowledge; (3) willingness to accept GT, perceived benefits and concerns, and information needs. RESULTS:Eighty-five patients participated in the study; 64 with severe hemophilia A and 4 with severe hemophilia B. Participants appeared to know only general information on GT, but little about its detailed functioning. The avoidance of frequent infusions and the reduction of bleeding episodes seem to be the most relevant expected benefits. The possibility of failing or losing effectiveness of GT over time was the main concern. Regarding willingness to undergo GT, 54.4% of respondents gave a negative response, mainly due to fear that treatment will lose effectiveness over time, fear of side effects, and lack of GT knowledge. Greater knowledge increased the acceptability of this disruptive therapy among patients with severe hemophilia. CONCLUSION:Overall, Italian patients with hemophilia showed poor knowledge of GT. However, it seems that greater knowledge was associated with a greater willingness to have GT.