Attempt to solve problems in application of genomic tumor profiling tests into healthcare insurance by a cooperation office for genomic medicine set up in a cancer support center

Abstract

Nurses at the cancer support center of Nagano Red Cross Hospital attend important meetings of the main department about counseling, decision support, advance care planning, case work and collaboration with palliative care wards/home palliative care in both inpatient and outpatient settings. A genomic medicine cooperation room was set up at this center, and a clinical geneticist and genetic counselor were assigned part-time to conduct continuous training. As a result, provision of consultation support, interventions and continuous follow-up became possible by holding genomic medicine-related meetings with the patient and their family. Interventions for intractable cancer performed at our center may help in assessing the indication of genomic tumor profiling, and support patients and their relatives. Cooperation between the main medical department and relevant departments, such as genetic services, clinical trial facilities and palliative care facilities, is expected to improve. It will also become possible to share information about the patient’s values and relationships with his/her family, appropriately address ethical issues and increase expertise.