The implementation of an on-site, guideline-based genetic testing model for prostate cancer significantly improves patient compliance with genetic testing, according to a study published in Urology Practice. Researchers examined the benefits of
implementing an on-site, guideline-based genetic testing process for patients with prostate cancer (N=474; after September 2018) versus off-site swab collection (N=78; before September 2018). A statistically significant increase in testing compliance was observed after the implementation of on-site Philadelphia Consensus Conference guideline-based testing. Compliance increased from 33.3% to 98.7%, whereas the time to receive the results dropped from 38 to 21 days. “Adopting a guideline-based model with on-site genetic testing improved the ability of urologists to detect germline mutations,” a co-author said in a statement. “The foresight of the urology group to partner with medical oncologists allowed us to better utilize targeted therapies, offer enrollment in clinical trials, and recommend cascade testing for family members.”
