Overview
Rockville, MD 20850
Tumor panel testing for cancer gene mutations is becoming standard evidence-based practice in oncology. Somatic test results often have implications for inherited cancers and other diseases; yet, many cancer patients do not have available or affordable access to genetic services, and oncology providers often feel at sea trying to interpret the clinical significance of potentially inherited mutations. In addition, next generation exome and genome sequencing are powerful research tools commonly employed in precision medicine clinical trials conducted or supported by the NCI. Oncologists and oncology researchers feel ethically obligated to disclose variant information that may confer a risk of serious disease which could be mitigated by timely medical intervention. The heterogeneity of data and the breadth of potential findings that arise in the use of precision oncology technologies requires careful consideration of potential risks and benefits of disclosure There are issues of analytical and clinical validity, pathogenicity, penetrance, and clinical utility.
At this workshop, NCI seeks to bridge the gap between oncology and genetics, and facilitate discussion of workable models for disclosing precision oncology test findings by:
- Showcasing current research projects delivering incidental and secondary findings from next generation sequencing
- Providing issues to consider in deciding when mutational information, including multiplex testing results in cancer research, rises to a level of clinical utility or personal significance to patients such that its return is ethically compelling.
- Offering frameworks for appropriate disclosure of somatic test results, including results that suggest further workup to explore possible germline mutations.
- Relating strategies for educating and training oncology providers in the return of precision oncology test results.
See Agenda:
- WebEx (Monday, June 8, 2020 - Join the meeting) or attend in person at NCI Shady Grove, TE 110
- Interactive break-out sessions (in-person attendance only) will be the morning of June 9, 2020