Genetics saves lives, but in Poland we still reach for it too rarely. Experts sound the alarm
Modern oncology cannot exist without genetic diagnostics, which allows for matching therapy to the individual patient profile. Although these methods can save lives, they are still too rarely used in Poland. Experts are calling for systemic changes and better access to comprehensive genomic testing.
Although many patients are not aware of it, genetic diagnosis makes it possible to treat cancer more effectively.
- Today, in many cancers we cannot talk about effective oncological treatment without knowledge of the molecular profile of the cancer - emphasizes Dr. Andrzej Tysarowski from the National Institute of Oncology in Warsaw.
In his opinion, genetics has become the basis of personalized medicine, and modern therapies, such as immunotherapy or targeted treatment, could not exist without the work of diagnosticians.
Modern oncology is moving away from treating cancer as a single disease.
- Thanks to the progress in molecular oncology, we can determine the 'genetic portrait' of each cancer," says Prof. Jacek Jassem, oncologist and president of the Polish Cancer League.
It is the changes in genes such as EGFR, KRAS or BRAF that determine which therapy will be most effective. Treatment based on the genetic profile of the disease is more accurate and less burdensome for the patient.
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Although modern diagnostics are available, not all patients can benefit from them. Guaranteed benefits usually only cover single-gene tests or small panels. Meanwhile, experts are calling for the introduction of comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP), which allows for the simultaneous testing of hundreds of genes from a single sample.
- Staged studies that require successive portions of material often lead to its exhaustion before the analysis is completed, which closes the way to further diagnostics. Comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) solves this problem by enabling the analysis of hundreds of genes from a single sample. This shortens the waiting time for results and increases the chances of detecting predictive changes that are key to qualifying for targeted therapies or clinical trials. CGP provides a more complete molecular picture of the cancer, allowing for precise matching of treatment to the patient's genetic profile - explains Anna Kupiecka from the OnkoCafe Foundation.
Comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) is a method that shortens the diagnostic time and allows for the selection of a therapy that is ideally suited to the patient.
- Full molecular characterization of the tumor, possible thanks to CGP, allows not only to select effective treatment today, but also prepares the system for the rapid implementation of future innovations - says Prof. Piotr Rutkowski from the Oncology Center.
Despite the positive recommendation of the Health Technology Assessment Agency from 2023, CGP has still not been reimbursed in Poland.
To fully utilize the potential of genetic diagnostics, not only the availability of tests but also knowledge is needed.
- The diagnostic process, especially the interpretation of genetic test results, requires increasing cooperation between doctors of various specialties, diagnosticians and bioinformaticians – emphasizes Dr. Tysarowski.
Patient education and specialist training are essential elements of an effective oncology care system.
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