Barriers prevent patient access to personalized therapies identified by molecular tumor profiling of gynecologic...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Genomics
• Translational Medicine

Background:

• Personalized therapies offer targeted treatment options for cancer patients.
• Molecular tumor profiling aims to identify specific mutations for guiding treatment decisions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the utility of commercial molecular tumor profiling in identifying actionable mutations in gynecologic malignancies.
• To identify barriers hindering patient access to personalized therapies based on tumor profiling results.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 26 patients with gynecologic malignancies undergoing commercial tumor profiling.
• Analysis of tumor profiles for targeted therapy and clinical trial recommendations.
• Descriptive statistical analysis of patient data and treatment outcomes.

Main Results:

• 46% of patients had serous epithelial ovarian, primary peritoneal, or fallopian tube carcinoma.
• A median of one targeted therapy was suggested per patient profile.
• 27% of patients had no clinically actionable mutations identified.
• 33% of insurance requests for targeted therapy were denied.
• Only 4% of patients received a targeted therapy, with one discontinuation due to progression.

Conclusions:

• Significant barriers exist for gynecologic cancer patients seeking targeted therapies.
• Limited FDA-approved targeted agents and lack of insurance coverage impede access.
• Geographic limitations in clinical trial availability further restrict treatment options.