Home » Genomic tests, Italian patients among the most informed

Genomic tests, Italian patients among the most informed

by admin

For once we are not among the bottom of the class, but among the top. Even if there is always room for improvement. The topic on which Italian doctors and patients were questioned were genomic tests in oncology, as part of the global survey #PutCancerToTheTest, carried out by Roche to investigate the general knowledge on genomic profiling in oncology and on the approach of agnostic treatments to tumors. . To make us look good is 84% ​​of oncologists who said they had talked to patients about the importance of genomic testing, even if – again according to doctors – access to tests and target therapies is often an obstacle course. . On the patient front, on the other hand, Italian patients are more familiar with the concept of tumor genomic profiling than the global average, but the role of extended genomic profiling, CGP (Comprehensive genomic profiling), is not yet well understood. Instead, the general public demonstrates little knowledge of these concepts and only a quarter of respondents associate genomic profiling tests with choosing the right treatment for cancer patients.

Precision medicine in Italy

Why is it so important for patients to know and obtain genomic profiling of their cancer? Because it is only on the basis of the genetic and phenotypic characteristics of each patient that it is possible to identify “tailor-made” treatments. Therefore, precision medicine can be achieved. Unfortunately, however, the research also tells us that 80% of oncologists find these tests difficult for patients to access. In Italy, in fact, the NGS molecular tests are not yet reimbursed by the National Health System and are generally conducted in diagnostic reference centers located in the IRCCS – Institutes of hospitalization and treatment of a scientific nature, in universities and hospitals. However, since there is no central management, the results obtained in the various laboratories are not easily comparable and differ significantly in the number, sensitivity and specificity of the molecular alterations.

See also  What are the benefits of tangerines? Here is the expert's answer

Technology

To analyze hundreds of gene mutations in a single run, quickly and with maximum accuracy of results, it is necessary to use Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology for genomic profiling on solid and liquid biopsy. “The current model of precision oncology is based on the use of selective drugs for identified molecular targets with extensive tumor profiling, regardless of the site of origin and histological subtype. The treatment of patients with advanced or metastatic cancer is therefore subject to the availability of NGS technology in healthcare facilities “- underlined Giancarlo Pruneri, Director of the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori Milano -” Unfortunately there are still numerous obstacles to the distribution of NGS technology, especially of an organizational and cultural nature, which can only be overcome with the implementation of regional oncological networks and the creation of new management models such as the Molecular Tumor Board ”.

A new management model

The Molecular Tumor Boards (MTB) are multidisciplinary groups in which oncological, haematological, bioinformatics, molecular biology, pathological anatomies and other professional skills essential for the administration of innovative therapies are integrated. MTBs have as their main objective the interpretation of the genomic profile of a tumor for the possible recommendation to the treating physician of the most appropriate therapy for the patient, based on the specific mutations detected.

“For the implementation in Italy of Mutational Oncology and Precision Medicine it is necessary that the Regions establish multidisciplinary MTBs within the Regional Oncological Networks” – stated Nello Martini, President of the ReS Foundation, Research and Health – “In addition access to Genomic Profiling tests must be ensured with inclusion in the LEA and with the determination of the respective regional tariffs. AIFA is responsible for ensuring access and reimbursement of drugs deriving from Genomic Profiling. Finally, the MTBs must collect all the genomic profiling and follow-up data of the treated patients in order to create a National Genomic Platform “.

See also  Kidneys, how to cure stones

.

You may also like

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More

Privacy & Cookies Policy