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. 2019 Apr;26(2):e241-e254.
doi: 10.3747/co.26.4731. Epub 2019 Apr 1.

A Canadian guideline on the use of next-generation sequencing in oncology

S Yip  1 , A Christofides  2 , S Banerji  3 , M R Downes  4 , I Izevbaye  5 , B Lo  6 , A MacMillan  7 , J McCuaig  8 , T Stockley  9 , G M Yousef  10 , A Spatz  11
Affiliations

A Canadian guideline on the use of next-generation sequencing in oncology

S Yip et al. Curr Oncol. 2019 Apr.

Abstract

Rapid advancements in next-generation sequencing (ngs) technology have created an unprecedented opportunity to decipher the molecular profile of tumours to more effectively prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer. Oncologists now have the option to order molecular tests that can guide treatment decisions. However, to date, most oncologists have received limited training in genomics, and they are now faced with the challenge of understanding how such tests and their interpretation align with patient management. Guidance on how to effectively use ngs technology is therefore needed to aid oncologists in applying the results of genomic tests. The Canadian guideline presented here describes best practices and unmet needs related to ngs-based testing for somatic variants in oncology, including clinical application, assay and sample selection, bioinformatics and interpretation of reports performed by laboratories, patient communication, and clinical trials.

Keywords: Next-generation sequencing; guidelines; molecular genomics; oncologists; pathology; sequencing; somatic variants.

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Conflict of interest statement

CONFLICT OF INTEREST DISCLOSURES We have read and understood Current Oncology’s policy on disclosing conflicts of interest, and we declare the following interests: SY has received compensation from Bayer, Hoffmann–La Roche, and Pfizer for participating in advisory boards; AC has received funding from Hoffmann–La Roche, AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Illumina, and Thermo Fisher Scientific for medical writing services related to this paper; MRD has received compensation from Hoffman–La Roche and AstraZeneca for participating in advisory boards, and honoraria from AstraZeneca; II has received honoraria from Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Novartis, Hoffmann–La Roche, and Bayer for participating in advisory boards; JM has received honoraria from AstraZeneca; TS has received compensation from AstraZeneca, Bristol–Myers Squibb, and Janssen for participating in advisory boards, and has received research funding from AstraZeneca and Janssen; AS has participated in advisory boards for Merck, AstraZeneca, Janssen, Pfizer, Novartis, Roche, Bristol–Myers Squibb, and Myriad; he has also received research funding from Merck, AstraZeneca, Bristol–Myers Squibb, and Pfizer. The remaining authors have no conflicts to disclose.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Next-generation sequencing (NGS): workflow considerations for oncologists. MDT = multidisciplinary team; FFPE = formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Evidence-based variant classification. Adapted from Li et al., 2017. FDA = U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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