Health systems' molecular testing labs haven't had to cut back on genomic profiling for cancer patients yet but may need to accommodate COVID-19 testing if needed.
Paired tumor/germline analysis is not routinely done in cancer care, but some labs are starting to report incidental germline findings alongside patient's tumor profiles.
The findings should spur cancer centers to review testing rates and address barriers, said experts from Hackensack University, Cota Healthcare, and Guardant Health.
Among the firms presenting, drugmakers, speciality biotechs, and genetic testing firms provided an update on their precision oncology development programs.
In response to CMS reopening its national coverage determination to address its germline testing policy, stakeholders point out areas of concern and confusion.
The researchers found differences in mutational patterns among their African-American patients and that liquid biopsies seem to catch metastases early.
