“Advances in DNA sequencing technologies have transformed the care of many patients with cancer. Systemic anti-cancer therapies are increasingly targeted against aberrant proteins associated with key driver mutations within the tumour (somatic) genome, requiring testing for, and identification of, such alterations in tumour-derived DNA to confer eligibility for treatment. Falling sequencing costs have also driven expansion in testing for constitutional (germline) variants in cancer susceptibility genes (CSGs), which may inform surgical, systemic and radio-therapeutic options, as well as future cancer risks for patients and their relatives.
“NHS England’s publication of genomic test directories for cancer and rare and inherited disease, (including heritable cancer syndromes), aims to improve patients’ access to genomic tests while streamlining testing processes. However, studies have indicated that integration of genomic data into ‘mainstream’ care is currently limited by clinicians’ genomic literacy.
“GeNotes is a new online ‘just in time’ educational resource for clinicians, it is being developed across specialties in collaboration with Health Education England’s Genomic Education Programme. It aims to improve use of genomic testing by providing clinical information about specific tests, underpinned by opportunities to access broader genomics education. In order to provide education at the point of oncology care, an oncogenomics working group was established.”
This abstract is from the Genomics Education Programme-affiliated manuscript published in July 2022 in the academic journal Future Healthcare Journal. The full article can either be obtained via the sidebar’s Document Download, or via visiting the hosting journal’s webpage at: https://doi.org/10.7861/fhj.9-2-s68
