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Cancer patients' perspectives and practices regarding pharmacogenomic testing and its cost
Mohammad Dweib1,2, Hussein Hallak3, Hani Hour3
1College of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Hebron University, Hebron, Palestine.
Frontiers in Pharmacology
|May 7, 2026
Summary
Palestinian cancer patients show low awareness but moderate acceptance of pharmacogenomic testing. Most are willing to undergo genetic testing to reduce adverse drug reactions and improve treatment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacogenomics and Precision Medicine
- Oncology
- Translational Research
Background:
- Pharmacogenomics tailors drug therapy based on individual genetic variations, crucial for oncology precision medicine.
- Understanding patient perspectives on pharmacogenomic testing is vital for its implementation, yet research in the Middle East is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the awareness, attitudes, and willingness of cancer patients in Palestine toward pharmacogenomic testing.
- To identify factors influencing patient acceptance of pharmacogenomic testing in a Middle Eastern context.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 368 cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in the West Bank, Palestine.
- Data collected included awareness, prior experience, understanding, and willingness to undergo and pay for pharmacogenomic testing.
Main Results:
- Only 19.8% of participants had heard of pharmacogenomic testing, with limited understanding among most.
- Despite low awareness, 74% were willing to provide a blood sample, and 53% were willing to pay for the test.
- Willingness to undergo testing increased when patients understood its potential to reduce side effects, hospitalizations, or treatment delays.
Conclusions:
- Palestinian cancer patients exhibit limited awareness but moderate acceptance of pharmacogenomic testing.
- Patient willingness is strongly linked to the perceived benefits of genetic testing for improving treatment safety and efficacy.
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