Cancer patient management: Current use of next-generation sequencing in the EU TOP4

Abstract

Background: Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is recognised by a growing audience of medical professionals as a functional diagnostic tool in oncology. However, adoption in clinical routine proceeds haphazardly in Europe.

Methods: A semi-structured interview survey was administered to 68 cancer care professionals in four EU countries between June-August and November-December 2021. Pre-screening questionnaires assessed sufficient NGS expertise, diverse geographical distribution, and professional roles.

Results: Our findings provide a better understanding of current clinical, regulatory, and reimbursement practices for NGS in four EU countries.

Conclusions: Despite the impending European In-vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices Regulation (IVDR), tortuous national guidelines implementations and limping reimbursement policies are common traits across surveyed countries and produce disparity in access to advanced healthcare services amid regional distinctions.

Policy summary: The evident information gap between involved parties and demand for consistent national guidelines could be filled by health economics analyses tailored to local specifics to provide factual leverage for a structured adoption of NGS testing.

Keywords: Cancer; Diagnostics; European Union; Next-generation sequencing; Policy; Survey.