Publications
The experiences and needs of Australian medical oncologists in integrating comprehensive genomic profiling into clinical care: a nation-wide survey
Abstract
PURPOSE: Comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) is increasingly used to guide cancer therapy. This study aimed to characterise oncologists' experiences and needs when utilising genomic results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An electronic survey distributed nation-wide to practising medical oncologists in Australia explored oncologists' experiences with consenting, interpreting and communicating CGP results to patients. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 108 of 333 oncologists (32%) and most respondents (n = 97, 90%) had referred patients for CGP. Using a 100-point visual analogue scale score [VAS], where higher values indicate greater confidence, most oncologists were confident consenting patients for referral [median 75 (Interquartile range, IQR: 53-85), discussing CGP results (median VAS: 70, IQR: 51-80), but significantly less confident discussing secondary germline findings (median VAS: 56, IQR 30-70, p < 0.001). Confidence with pursuing therapies based on CGP results increased with clinical experience (mean VAS increases by 4.8 per 5 years of experience, p < 0.001). Most oncologists (N = 68, 63%) reported wanting assistance with interpretation of CGP and patient-centric resources to aid communication with patients. CONCLUSIONS: Oncologists are integrating genomics into clinical care, but only display moderate confidence in communication and changing management accordingly. The development of patient- and clinician- targeted resources may assist with routine utilisation of CGP results in cancer care.
Type | Journal |
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ISBN | 1949-2553 (Electronic) 1949-2553 (Linking) |
Authors | Thavaneswaran, S.; Ballinger, M.; Butow, P.; Meiser, B.; Goldstein, D.; Lin, F.; Napier, C.; Thomas, D.; Best, M. |
Publisher Name | Oncotarget |
Published Date | 2021-10-31 |
Published Volume | 12 |
Published Issue | 21 |
Published Pages | 2169-2176 |
Status | Published in-print |
DOI | 10.18632/oncotarget.28076 |
URL link to publisher's version | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34676049 |