Today, science allows us to examine a person's genetic makeup and use their information to predict risk for some cancers, give a diagnosis of cancer and determine how a patient will respond to treatment; allowing for targeted therapies. This breakthrough field, called molecular oncology, has evolved rapidly. To ensure Ontarians have access to these services and the health system can meet demand, the Molecular Oncology Task Force, sponsored by Cancer Care Ontario (CCO), released its report and recommendations today.
"As a key initiative of our 2008-2011 Ontario Cancer Plan, the report of the Molecular Oncology Task Force is an important first step in ensuring Ontarians have access to high quality genetic testing," said Terrence Sullivan, president and CEO, CCO. "The advances in this field allow us to test a person for predisposition to cancer and for treatment to be tailored to the patient's cancer. It is imperative that our health system keep pace with these developments by making these tests available in a safe and sustainable manner."
Ontario has a strong licensing and quality assurance program in place for most types of testing; however, the system has not kept pace with rapid advances in genetics and molecular testing. The report has identified several areas that need to be addressed including ensuring equitable access across the province, consistency of standards and quality assurance, and a process for introducing these new technologies.
While molecular oncology continues to be an area of exciting growth and opportunity, genetics testing in cancer is a reality today.
"Genetic testing allows us to test eligible women's BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes to determine their likelihood of developing breast and ovarian cancer," said Dr. Suzanne Kamel-Reid, chair of the Task Force. "For a patient with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML), genetic tests can identify the gene mutation enabling doctors to provide chemotherapy using a drug that specifically targets that particular mutation and kills the cancer cells."
"I am pleased with the diverse representation and high level of expertise the task force has brought together," said David Caplan, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care. "This important report helps us to understand the current state of genetic testing and services."
Key Task Force recommendations include:
Assigning an oversight body responsible for a test approval process that evaluates clinical validity and utility, ensuring cost-effectiveness strategies, implementing new technologies when evidence warrants and delivering discoveries to patients quickly.
Ensuring quality and patient safety by implementing a mandatory approval process for each genetic test performed by laboratories in Ontario for routine patient care, including: accreditation and licensing of laboratories, and appropriately credentialed personnel.
Educating providers and patients about molecular oncology and genetic services.
Developing a sustainable system for evaluating and funding of new cancer tests so that Ontarians have access to predictive tests and targeted therapies that can be of great benefit to patients and cost-effective for the system.
"We will continue to actively work with all of our partners to strengthen the quality and safety of molecular oncology and genetics services and to prepare the system for the future," added Sullivan.
Cancer Care Ontario is the provincial agency responsible for continually improving cancer services. As the government's cancer advisor, Cancer Care Ontario works to reduce the number of people diagnosed with cancer, and make sure that patients receive better care every step of the way.
For more information visit [url=http://www.cancercare.on.ca]http://www.cancercare.on.ca[/url].
