Adaptation to the Progress in Cancer Genomic Medicine by a Japanese Community Hospital

Abstract

Background: Remarkable progress in cancer genomic medicine (CGM) has been made with the advent of next-generation sequencing and advanced computational data analysis approaches. In Japan gene panel testing has been covered by the National Health Insurance System since June 2019. Although Nagoya Memorial Hospital has been designated as a regional medical support hospital, their medical staff are unfamiliar with CGM and generally experience difficulty in explaining the genetic testing to cancer patients. Methods: A multi-disciplinary CGM team was created in July 2019 to adapt to the clinical application of gene panel testing. Hospital functions were then maintained focusing on the following three aspects: a pathology system for handling genetic information, human resource development related to CGM, and a patient support system, including genetic counseling. Results: Third party ISO15189 (International Organization for Standardization) certification was acquired for the Department of Pathology to establish a quality-assured laboratory. Here, we report on 21 cancer patients who consulted and received information from the CGM outpatient department of our hospital. Among them 14 patients were introduced into a group of certified hospitals by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare and 10 patients underwent gene panel tests. Conclusions: As a regional medical support hospital dealing with many cancer patients, we will further improve hospital functions to match the progress in CGM.