Learning from my experience: Outpatient care for cancer multigene genomic testing

Abstract

We established an outpatient service in November 2017 to provide cancer gene profiling test services to cancer patients. To date, we have seen approximately 100 patients. Our staŠ includes genetic counselors and nurses specialized in genetic medicine. Our experience highlights the importance of healthcare professionals having in-depth knowledge of cancer therapeutic drugs and/or investigational drugs based on cancer genome medicine. Recently, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors have been approved for treating breast cancer patients with germline BRCA mutation; thus, in-depth knowledge of genetics and skills for genetic counseling are often considered indispensable in working with cancer patients. However, because the prompt treatment of clear and present cancer is the top priority in clinical settings, providing genetic information at that time, including that of unaŠected family members, is of low priority for most patients who are dealing with the severe side eŠects of anti-cancer therapies. Pharmacists have an essential role to play in cancer therapeutics, talking with patients in order to assess their condition and to clarify the status of their treatment with anticancer agents. Genetic pharmacists should therefore work closely with genetics nurses and genetic counselors in the clinical practice of cancer genomic medicine. In this symposium, I would like to describe our experience caring for patients through our outpatient service, and to discuss the ideal framework for multidisciplinary cooperation to promote cancer genomic medicine.