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

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.