ASCO recommendations for genetic testing

ASCO Releases Updated Policy Statement on Genetic Testing

ASCO issued its latest recommendations for genetic testing for cancer susceptibility. The updated statement addresses new developments during the past seven years, including the availability of genetic tests of unproven clinical benefit and direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing. Read the press release, visit Cancer.Net for information for your patients, and read the statement in JCO.

The comments relating to DTC genetic testing are worth reading this alone.  Marketing directly to consumers places us pathologists even more out of the loop given how in recent years, sales reps for test manufacturers have bypassed the lab and marketed directly to clinicians (e.g. ThinPrep, SurePath, OncotypeDx,).  Just a suggestion, folks, but involving us up front could actually help you and your company--but (speaking for myself) not even giving me a courtesy call makes me wants to go out of my way to torpedo your claims.