Abstract
BackgroundIt has been over a decade since the completion of the Human Genome Project (HGP), genomic sequencing technologies have yet to become parts of standard of care in Canada. This study investigates medical oncologists’ (MOs) genomic literacy and their experiences based on their participation in a cancer genomics trial in British Columbia, Canada.MethodsThe authors conducted a survey of MOs from British Columbia, Canada (n = 31, 52.5% response rate), who are actively involved in a clinical genomics trial called Personalized Onco-Genomics (POG). The authors also measured MOs’ level of genomic knowledge and attitudes about clinical genomics in cancer medicine.ResultsThe findings show a low to moderate level of genomic literacy among MOs. MOs located outside the Vancouver area (the major urban center) reported less knowledge about new genetics technologies compared to those located in the major metropolitan area (26.7 vs 73.3%, P < 0.07, Fisher exact test). Forty-two percent of all MOs thought medical training programs do not offer enough genomic training. The majority of the respondents thought genomics will have major impact on drug discovery (67.7%), and treatment selection (58%) in the next 5 years. They also thought the major challenges are cost (61.3%), patient genomic literacy (48.3%), and clinical utility of genomics (42%).ConclusionsThe data suggest a high need to increase genomic literacy among MOs and other doctors in medical school training programs and beyond, especially to physicians in regional areas who may need more educational interventions. Initiatives like POG play a critical role in the education of MOs and the integration of big data clinical genomics into cancer care.
Highlights
It has been over a decade since the completion of the Human Genome Project (HGP), genomic sequencing technologies have yet to become parts of standard of care in Canada
Sample We surveyed medical oncologists (MOs) involved in an experimental clinical genomics trial in the province of British Columbia, Canada. These specific medical oncologists’ (MOs) were chosen for the survey because they are investigators in a precision medicine clinical trial called Personalized Onco-Genomics (POG), led by clinicians and scientists at the British Columbia Cancer Agency (BCCA) in Canada (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02155621)
After we developed the protocol, we piloted the survey with a small sample (n = 9) of MOs at POG
Summary
It has been over a decade since the completion of the Human Genome Project (HGP), genomic sequencing technologies have yet to become parts of standard of care in Canada. There are a number of challenges to the adoption of genome sequencing into routine practice such as doctors’ attitudes toward genomics, their level of genomic. One of the main challenges is a lack of familiarity and understanding of cancer genomics among healthcare professionals. Physicians often report their level of genomic knowledge is inadequate in order to make treatment decisions based on a patient’s genome sequencing information [6,7,8]. Otherwise, a mixed attitude toward genomics and their willingness to adopt the technologies [15,16,17]
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