ASCO on gene testing
This article was originally published in The Gray Sheet
Executive Summary
In an updated policy statement on genetic screening released Jan. 11, the American Society of Clinical Oncology says it now believes there is wiggle room in whether or not it is reasonable to perform genetic testing on a patient without family history of cancer. Oncologists should still consider ASCO's 2003 guidance to offer genetic testing to a patient based on the criteria that the patient has a history suggestive of cancer susceptibility, that the genetic test can be "adequately" interpreted and that the results have accepted clinical utility, but now says that the first point may not always be crucial with emerging genomic screening technologies. ASCO also pushes for increased oversight of genetic testing by both FDA and CMS, and proclaims its support for a publicly available registry that requires manufacturers of genetic tests to disclose information about their tests' analytical and clinical validity, as well as clinical utility