Underutilization of DNA Sequencing in Cancer Treatment Despite Improved Outcomes.
Germline genetic testing is recommended by practice guidelines for patients diagnosed with cancer to enable genetically targeted treatment and identify relatives who may benefit from personalized cancer screening and prevention. However, a recent observational study found that only 6.8% of patients diagnosed with cancer in California and Georgia between 2013 and 2019 underwent germline testing. Testing was highest in males with breast cancer (50%) and in patients with ovarian cancer (38.6%).