Community oncologists' perceptions and utilization of large-panel genomic tumor testing

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Genomics
• Clinical Practice

Background:

• Large-panel genomic tumor testing (GTT) is an emerging technology with potential clinical value.
• Previous studies noted variability in academic oncologists' perceptions of GTT.
• Little is known about community oncologists' views on GTT and its adoption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess community oncologists' perceptions of GTT.
• To explore how these perceptions relate to their intentions to use GTT in clinical practice.

Main Methods:

• A survey was administered to 58 community oncology physicians.
• The survey assessed confidence in GTT use, attitudes toward GTT value, perceived barriers, and future intentions to use GTT.
• Descriptive and multivariable regression analyses were performed.

Main Results:

• Clinicians' perceptions of GTT were highly variable.
• Moderate confidence in using GTT was reported, with lower confidence in patient understanding and treatment access.
• Positive attitudes toward GTT value were observed.
• Future GTT use intentions correlated with higher confidence and perceived barriers, but not with attitudes about GTT value.

Conclusions:

• Community oncologists' perceptions of GTT are diverse.
• Confidence and perceived barriers, rather than attitudes toward value, influence intentions to use GTT.
• Further research is needed to understand factors influencing GTT adoption in oncology.