Clinical Outcomes of Comprehensive Genomic Profiling Tests for Gastrointestinal Cancers: Experience from Tokushima University Hospital

Abstract

In Japan, cancer genome profiling (CGP) for cancer patients without standard treatment has been covered by public insurance since June 2019. This study analyzed data of 122 patients with gastrointestinal tumors who underwent CGP to clarify cancer genome medicine's current status and possible problems at the Tokushima University Hospital. The major types of cancer included pancreatic (n=30), colorectal (n=25), biliary tract (n=15), gastric (n=11), and hepatocellular carcinoma (n=8). CGP tests included F1CDx in 70 patients (57%), F1LCDx in 36 (30%), TSO500 in 14 (11%), and NCC Oncopanel in 2 (2%). Actionable gene alterations were identified in 72 patients (59%), but only 5 patients (4%) were treated for pancreatic (n=1), colorectal (n=3), and small bowel cancers (n=1). The main reasons for not receiving genotype-matched therapy included the lack of appropriate drugs or clinical trials that matched the actionable gene alterations (n=40) and the inability to participate in clinical trials (n=10). There is still not a sufficient number of patients receiving genotype-matched treatment for gastrointestinal cancers. To promote cancer genome medicine in regional areas, attempts to improve access to genotype-matched therapies are required, as well as to promote the development of new molecular-targeted drugs and clinical trials for these drugs. J. Med. Invest. 70 : 154-159, February, 2023.