Articles
3 September 2025
Early Access
https://doi.org/10.4081/dr.2025.10510

Italian Melanoma Intergroup tele-genetic counseling project for melanoma predisposition syndromes: five-year evaluation of effectiveness and outcomes

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Tele-genetic counseling, genetic counseling outcome scale, genomics outcome scale, Italian Melanoma Intergroup
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Authors

Andrea Carugno
andreacarugno@gmail.com
Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy.
Emanuela Passoni
Dermatology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
Giovanna Pogliaghi
Dermatology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
Francesca Morgese
Department of Medical Oncology, AOU delle Marche, Ancona, Italy.
Elena Maccaroni
Department of Medical Oncology, AOU delle Marche, Ancona, Italy.
Paola Ghiorzo
Cancer Genetics, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa; Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Genova, Italy.
Lorenza Pastorino
Cancer Genetics, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa; Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Genova, Italy.
Bruna Dalmasso
Cancer Genetics, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy.
William Bruno
Cancer Genetics, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa; Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Genova, Italy.
Monica Barile
Cancer Genetics, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy.

This study assessed the implementation of a tele-genetic counseling (TGC) pathway for hereditary melanoma risk using the culturally adapted Italian Melanoma Intergroup Tele-Genomics Outcome Scale (IMI-TGOS) questionnaire. Among 278 eligible patients, 177 (64%) completed the survey across three Italian centers. Responses showed high comprehension and perceived utility: 88% of participants reported understanding the information received, 96% recognized familial implications, and over 85% felt confident in managing risk and making decisions. While emotional responses were more varied, most respondents expressed confidence in future planning. These findings confirm the feasibility, acceptability, and informativeness of the IMI-TGOS in a remote counseling setting. The study supports the comparability of tele-genetic and in-person counseling in terms of understanding, retention, and decision-making. Moreover, the IMI-TGOS emerged as a promising tool for evaluating real-world genetic services. Broader adoption may help monitor outcomes and improve quality and equity in the expanding landscape of digital genetic care.

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Supporting Agencies

This study was supported by the Italian Melanoma Intergroup (IMI) (MB) and the Italian Ministry of Health Ricerca Corrente 2025-2027 to IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino (PG). MB was partially funded by the European Union - Next Generation EU - NRRP M6C2 - Investment 2.1 Enhancement and strengthening of biomedical research in the NHS, PNRR-MCNT2-2023- 12378166, CUP C73C23000840006 (PG).

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Italian Melanoma Intergroup tele-genetic counseling project for melanoma predisposition syndromes: five-year evaluation of effectiveness and outcomes. (2025). Dermatology Reports. https://doi.org/10.4081/dr.2025.10510
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