Cancer genomic profiling

Abstract

Clinical implementation of cancer genomic medicine using the cancer genomic profiling test reimbursed by national health insurance is proceeding in Japan. The principal purpose of the study is to obtain useful genomic profiles for the treatment of patients with cancer. Performing the cancer genomic profiling test under the health insurance system is only for patients with cancer with no standard chemotherapy, such as certain rare malignancies and cancer of unknown primary. This also includes patients with already well-treated solid tumors who would be expected to have a good performance status even after the cancer genomic profiling test. The results of the genomic profile and treatment strategies based on genomic information for patients are discussed in the conference by an expert panel. However, only about 10% of patients can eventually receive genotype-matched treatment based on the results of the cancer genomic profiling test based on the current system in Japan. For the maximum utilization of data from the cancer genomic profiling test, we have to consider the proper timing to perform it and develop an accessible system for taking genotype-matched treatment including off-label use of various anticancer agents.