Unlocking Access to Broad Molecular Profiling: Benefits, Barriers, and Policy Solutions

Abstract

Objectives: “Personalized healthcare” is generating new approaches to disease management by considering inter-individual variability in genes, environment, and lifestyle. Technologies such as comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) are drivers of this shift. Here, we address the significant hurdles to the equitable implementation of CGP into routine clinical practice. Methods: This article draws on published evidence on the value of genomic profiling, as well as interviews with nine academic and clinical experts from six different countries to validate findings and test policy proposals for reforms. Results: The potential benefits of CGP extend beyond direct patient outcomes, to healthcare systems with societal and economic impacts. Among key barriers impeding integration into routine clinical practice are the lack of infrastructure to ensure reliable clinical testing and the limited understanding of genomics among healthcare personnel. In addition, the absence of health economic evidence supporting broader use of CGP is creating concerns for payers regarding the systemic benefits and affordability of this technology. Conclusion: Policy proposals that aim to improve equitable patient access to CGP will need to consider new funding models, health technology assessment processes that capture both patient and systemic benefits, and appropriate regulatory standards to determine the quality of genomic profiling tests.