VA National Precision Oncology Program.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Genomics
• Health Informatics

Background:

• The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the largest integrated health care system.
• VA diagnoses approximately 50,000 new cancer cases annually.
• Variations in molecular testing prompted the creation of a national precision oncology program.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a national program for precision oncology within the VA.
• To standardize molecular testing and provide consultative services for veterans with cancer.
• To leverage integrated health informatics for improved patient care and research.

Main Methods:

• The National Precision Oncology Program (NPOP) offers tumor sequencing and consultative services.
• NPOP utilizes tumor sequencing, cell-free DNA (liquid biopsy), and PD-L1 immunohistochemistry analyses.
• The program initially focused on advanced-stage nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer, expanding to metastatic prostate cancer and hematologic malignancies.

Main Results:

• NPOP has sequenced over 13,000 samples, serving nearly all VA oncology practices.
• The program provides cutting-edge oncology services to veterans nationwide.
• NPOP integrates clinical services with health informatics resources.

Conclusions:

• The VA National Precision Oncology Program is a leading clinical DNA sequencing initiative in the US.
• NPOP facilitates patient care, clinical trials, and health outcomes research.
• The program aims to provide equitable, advanced oncology care and serve as a national research resource.