Abstract
Purpose: Cancer genomic medicine is a personalized therapeutic approach that enables the optimal treatment of individuals based on tumor-profiling multiplex gene panel tests. The Hyogo Cancer Center launched a cancer genomic medicine outpatient clinic in June 2018. Here, we show that medical technologists evaluate and prepare specimens for tumor-profiling multiplex gene panel tests and work as cancer genome medical coordinators at this clinic. Methods: The quality and quantity of DNA extracted from the target specimens were measured. The amount of DNA to be submitted for each tumor-profiling multiplex gene panel test was calculated from the size of the specimen, and the appropriate number of sliced specimens were prepared. We also interviewed patients and explained about tumor-profiling multiplex gene panel tests and secondary findings. Results: Gene profiling data were successfully obtained in 94.9% of the patients. The patient interviews enabled us to confirm the patients’ will and whether their statuses match insurance coverage or not. We obtained the consent of 94.2% of the patients interviewed in advance. Conclusions: In providing cancer genomic medicine, medical technologists are expected to play a role as cancer genome medical coordinators, not only by conducting tests and sample management, but also by conducting patient interviews.
