Potential Barriers to Implementation of Next-generation Sequencing in Cancer Management: a U.S. Physician-based Survey

Overview

Journal Future Oncol

Specialty Oncology

Date 2024 Nov 28

PMID 39606845

Authors

Arif Hussain

Elizabeth Szamreta

Ning Ning

Allysen Kaminski

Ruchit Shah

Jyoti Aggarwal

Gboyega Adeboyeje

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to identify barriers to physicians' NGS use and preferred strategies to alleviate these barriers.

Research Design And Methods: A cross-sectional online survey link was sent to a sample of US oncologists/hematologists, surgeons, and pathologists identified through a panel. The survey collected data, from October-December 2020, on barriers to NGS testing and potential strategies.

Results: Two hundred physicians participated (mean age: 46.2 years; 65% male; 80% White, mean years in clinical practice: 13.7). Despite the use of NGS testing by all physicians, 99.5% reported concerns/barriers. Reimbursement challenges were the most cited reason (87.5%), followed by lack of knowledge of NGS testing methodologies (81.0%), and lack of clinical utility evidence (80.0%). The most common reimbursement challenge was prior authorizations for NGS testing (72.0%), followed by knowledge of new fee codes for reimbursement or corresponding therapy (68.0%), and paperwork/administrative duties (67.5%). Surgeons were more likely to encounter challenges in using NGS testing than other physicians.

Conclusions: The results highlight the barriers reported by oncologists/hematologists, pathologists, and surgeons, which may impact the evolving role of NGS in the context of the overall management of cancer patients.

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