A genetic testing station (GTS) can increase uptake and improve the efficiency of germline genetic testing for patients with ovarian cancer, according to a study published in Gynecologic Oncology.
Researchers evaluated the GTS by comparing 482 patients who underwent standard care before the GTS was implemented and 625 patients who received care using the GTS. Standard care included pre-test counseling and post-test follow-up with a genetic counselor.
Patients who used the GTS had an appointment for genetic testing on the same day as their oncology appointment. The patients met with a genetic counseling assistant, watched educational videos about genetic testing, provided consent, gave a brief family history, and had a sample taken for testing. The testing was performed using a 133-gene panel, and results were delivered by a genetic counselor in person or via telehealth.
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The rate of genetic testing increased from 68.5% before the GTS was implemented to 75.5% after (P =.012). Genetic testing increased in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer (from 79.8% to 89.2%; P =.005), those with high-grade serous ovarian cancer (from 82.9% to 90.6%; P =.003), and those with carcinosarcoma (from 57.14 to 92.3%; P <.001).
The increase in genetic testing was primarily driven by patients who were White, with an increase in testing from 71.4% to 79.0% for this group (P =.02). For patients belonging to all other racial/ethnic groups, the rate of genetic testing increased from 63.5% to 69.9%, which was a non-significant difference (P =.18).
Patients who lived more than 40 miles from the hospital had a significant increase in genetic testing rates, from 67.1% pre-GTS to 75.3% after GTS implementation (P =.037). The increase for patients who lived closer to the hospital was not significant (70.5% to 75.7%; P =.175).
The researchers compared the timing of genetic testing in the post-GTS period between patients who used the GTS and those who did not. The results showed that GTS users had quicker turnaround times.
The median time from referral to genetic counseling to sample collection was faster in the GTS group than in the non-GTS group — 11 days and 47 days, respectively (P =.001). The median time from referral to genetic testing to obtaining results was faster in the GTS group as well — 21 days and 56 days, respectively (P <.0001)
“The GTS reduces barriers to care and facilitates discussion of precision treatment within a timely fashion,” the researchers concluded. “Access improvement remains integral to improving uptake of genetic testing.”
Reference
Marjon N, Guerra R, Freeman A, et al. Same day service: A genetic testing station model to improve germline genetic testing in patients with ovarian cancer. Gynecologic Oncol. 2023;177:53-59. doi:10.1016/j.ygyno.2023.07.019
