Optimizing Biomarker Testing in Your Practice: Leveraging In-House Testing Strategies

EP. 1: Key Considerations When Ordering Biomarker Testing

December 24th 2024

Panelists discuss how optimal biomarker testing requires careful balancing of multiple factors. Critical considerations include the turnaround time needed to inform timely treatment decisions, the comprehensiveness of testing panels to identify actionable mutations, and the demonstrated clinical utility of results for guiding therapy selection. Patient-specific factors such as cancer type, stage, prior treatments, and urgency of therapeutic decisions must guide test selection.

EP. 2: The Importance of Broad Biomarker Testing: Uncovering Actionable Targets Across Tumor Types

January 16th 2025

Panelists discuss how comprehensive biomarker testing enables detection of actionable mutations across cancer types, informing targeted therapy selection. This broad molecular profiling approach can reveal treatment opportunities regardless of tumor origin.

EP. 3: When to Choose Narrow Panel Testing Over Comprehensive Testing in Biomarker Analysis

January 16th 2025

Panelists discuss how comprehensive genomic testing may not be practical for well-understood tumors with established treatment pathways. Narrow panel testing is preferred when specific mutations guide therapy (like EGFR in lung cancer) or when time/cost constraints exist.

EP. 4: Centralized vs Decentralized Biomarker Testing: Workflow, Control, and Collaboration Insights

January 20th 2025

Panelists discuss how centralized biomarker testing outsources analysis to specialized laboratories while decentralized testing occurs in-house. In-house testing offers tighter workflow control and closer pathology collaboration but requires more resources, whereas send-out testing leverages external expertise.

EP. 5: In-House Comprehensive Genomic Profiling: Expert Insight Into Balancing Benefits and Challenges

January 20th 2025

Panelists discuss how in-house comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) testing offers key benefits like reduced turnaround times, direct control over processes, and immediate access to testing resources. However, significant challenges include substantial initial capital investment, the need for specialized staff recruitment and retention, and ongoing equipment maintenance requirements. Health care facilities must carefully weigh these trade-offs, considering their patient volume, existing infrastructure, and financial capabilities before implementing in-house CGP services.