[Precision medicine in oncology: A reality… without equity]

Frédérique Pénault-Llorca1, Clarisse Audigier-Valette2, Pierre-Jean Lamy3

  • 1Centre Jean-Perrin, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France.

Bulletin Du Cancer
|October 9, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) significantly improves cancer prognostics but faces uneven access in France due to inconsistent reimbursement. Full coverage is crucial for equitable patient care and personalized medicine.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Genomics
  • Medical Diagnostics

Background:

  • Innovative cancer treatments and diagnostic advancements, particularly next-generation sequencing (NGS), have improved patient prognostics.
  • NGS is crucial for tumor characterization and guiding personalized treatment selection.
  • A 2022 survey revealed heterogeneous NGS test utilization across France, primarily due to inadequate cost reimbursement.

Discussion:

  • The Référentiel des actes innovants hors nomenclature de biologie (RIHN) partially and belatedly covers only half of NGS-related costs.
  • Centers with substantial patient volume or funding are better positioned to offer comprehensive NGS panels.
  • Delayed treatment initiation due to limited NGS access poses a significant risk of missed therapeutic opportunities for patients.

Key Insights:

  • NGS large panels are essential tools for effective cancer treatment strategies.
  • Unequal access to NGS testing across France hinders equitable healthcare.
  • Demonstrated value of NGS should warrant full public reimbursement following health authority evaluation.

Outlook:

  • Full reimbursement of NGS tests is advocated to ensure fair access nationwide.
  • Integrating NGS into standard care can enhance personalized and efficient cancer medicine.
  • Addressing reimbursement barriers is key to unlocking the full potential of precision diagnostics in oncology.