Factors affecting the adoption and use of gene expression profiling by oncologists in clinical practice.

Abstract

In this study, we evaluated the association between oncologists' perceptions of and attitudes toward one frequently used gene expression profiling assays, the Oncotype DX® and oncologists' intention to use this assay in making treatment recommendations for breast cancer patients. A nationally representative sample of breast cancer oncologists was surveyed using an adapted technology acceptance model. The survey response rate was 44.1%. The test characteristics `validity of the test' (p = 0.006) and 'use of Oncotype DX by fellow oncologists' (p = 0.0068) were significantly associated with use of the assay by oncologists. Oncologists' intention to use Oncotype DX increased consistently with their perceptions about its usefulness (β = 0.222). Insurance status of the patients was also significantly associated with physicians' use of Oncotype DX (p = 0.008). We report a novel application of an adapted technology acceptance model to understand the adoption of gene expression profiling by oncologists who treat breast cancer patients in making treatment recommendations.