Expanding access to genetic testing for pancreatic cancer

Fam Cancer. 2024 Aug;23(3):247-254. doi: 10.1007/s10689-024-00389-w. Epub 2024 May 11.

Abstract

Among individuals with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) 5-10% have a pathogenic germline variant (PGV) in a PDAC susceptibility gene. Guidelines recommend genetic testing among all individuals with PDAC. Additionally, at-risk relatives of PDAC patients benefit from their own genetic education, risk assessment, and testing. Multigene panel testing (MGPT) can identify individuals with inherited cancer risk who can benefit from early cancer surveillance and risk reduction strategies. This manuscript discusses various healthcare delivery models for MGPT including traditional in-person genetic counseling, novel integrated in-person infrastructures, telemedicine genetics care via telephone- or video-visits and direct-to-consumer testing. Barriers and facilitators to care on the individual, provider, and system level are also outlined including specific considerations for historically marginalized communities.

Keywords: Disparities to cancer genetics care; Genetic testing; Healthcare delivery models; Pancreatic cancer; Remote genetics care.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal* / diagnosis
  • Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal* / genetics
  • Direct-To-Consumer Screening and Testing
  • Genetic Counseling*
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease*
  • Genetic Testing* / methods
  • Health Services Accessibility
  • Humans
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Telemedicine*