Streamlining Oncology Precision Testing Protocols

Molecular “omics” testing is now essential in precision oncology, guiding first-line treatment decisions across multiple tumor types and requiring timely, equitable access for all patients. Increasingly, collaborative testing approaches (variably known as standing order-based, pathologist-initiated, reflex, etc.) are being adopted to streamline workflows, though they bring practical and regulatory challenges that this series will examine through real-world examples.

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COURSE DESCRIPTION

Molecular “omics” testing has become vital to the practice of precision oncology.  Molecular test results are now necessary for front line therapy decisions in multiple tumor types.  It is important that this testing is inclusive of all populations and as timely as possible, allowing patients in different health care settings to efficiently receive the same care.  As many of the tests are predictive, the treating provider has traditionally been the individual ordering a specific test.  More recently, there has been movement towards a more collaborative approach, often involving pathologist-initiated testing (sometimes referred to as “reflex testing”), to optimize the testing workflow.  There are several reasons for adoption of this trend, but also hurdles that pathologists, laboratories and hospitals must overcome to ensure that such testing fulfills patient care goals while complying with regulatory and laboratory standards.  The goal of this series is to present examples of these types of testing protocols in various disease types where they are most commonly used and indicated. Presentations will describe reasons for these workflows and discuss the issues that arise with establishment of such testing protocols in both academic and community settings.

TARGET AUDIENCE

• Primary: Pathologists, clinical laboratorians, laboratory directors
• Secondary: Medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, care coordinators, radiologists, pulmonologists, patient advocacy groups

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Identify the different disease types where streamlined testing protocols (e.g., standing order-based testing, pathologist-initiated testing, reflex testing, etc.) are most likely to be incorporated into the pathology laboratory and why.
2. Explain the rationale behind why organizations may wish to implement these streamlined protocols.
3. Describe financial, regulatory, and logistical issues that may complicate these types of testing pathways.
4. Discuss why streamlined testing is important for health equity among various populations.
5. Identify practices from other institutions that may be useful in implementing similar testing protocols.

SCHEDULE

WORKING GROUP

This webinar series is planned and coordinated by the following AMP working group members:

Allison M. Cushman–Vokoun,
M.D., Ph.D. (chair)
 University of Nebraska Medical Center

Andrew C. Nelson, M.D., Ph.D.
 University of Minnesota

Antonia R. Sepulveda, M.D., Ph.D.
The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences

And supported by the AMP Training & Education Committee.

CERTIFICATE

Learners will be awarded a Certificate of Attendance at the conclusion of the course. CME or CMLE credits are NOT available for this educational series.

SPONSORS

This educational series is supported by funding from Amgen, AstraZeneca, and Eli Lilly and Company