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Updated: Jun 11, 2025

Integration of Wet and Dry Bench Processes Optimizes Targeted Next-generation Sequencing of Low-quality and Low-quantity Tumor Biopsies
Published on: April 11, 2016
[Precision medicine in oncology: A reality… without equity]
Frédérique Pénault-Llorca1, Clarisse Audigier-Valette2, Pierre-Jean Lamy3
1Centre Jean-Perrin, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France.
Abstract:
The prognostic of certain cancers improved significantly in recent years thanks not only to the launch of innovative treatments but also to progress made in the diagnostic field. Thus, next-generation sequencing (NGS) became paramount to help characterizing tumors and selecting the most pertinent treatments. The survey conducted by a multi stakeholder committee, at the end of 2022, with 103 actors of the management of cancer patients (public and private centers, labs, prescribers, biologists, pathologists, direction) confirmed the heterogeneity of use of NGS tests across France due to, mainly, the lack of systematic reimbursement of related costs. Référentiel des actes innovants hors nomenclature de biologie (RIHN) covers, in a delayed and partial way, only half of costs engaged by centers. Only those with a critical mass of patients or with a sufficient funding capacity can guarantee an access to large panels. Postponing the initiation of a required treatment represents a risk of loss of opportunity for patients who cannot benefit of this technology. NGS large panels tests, an efficiency lever for cancer treatment, must be part of the care toolbox. Those with a demonstration of value created should nowadays be fully reimbursed by collectivity after HAS' evaluation, for a fair access throughout the territory. Precision diagnostic can open the way to a more personalized and efficient medicine.
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.
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