Consensus Statements on Precision Oncology in the China Greater Bay Area

Abstract

Background: Next-generation sequencing comprehensive genomic panels (NGS CGPs) have enabled the delivery of tailor-made therapeutic approaches to improve survival outcomes in patients with cancer. Within the China Greater Bay Area (GBA), territorial differences in clinical practices and health care systems and strengthening collaboration warrant a regional consensus to consolidate the development and integration of precision oncology (PO). Therefore, the Precision Oncology Working Group (POWG) formulated standardized principles for the clinical application of molecular profiling, interpretation of genomic alterations, and alignment of actionable mutations with sequence-directed therapy to deliver clinical services of excellence and evidence-based care to patients with cancer in the China GBA.

Methods: Thirty experts used a modified Delphi method. The evidence extracted to support the statements was graded according to the GRADE system and reported according to the Revised Standards for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence guidelines, version 2.0.

Results: The POWG reached consensus in six key statements: harmonization of reporting and quality assurance of NGS; molecular tumor board and clinical decision support systems for PO; education and training; research and real-world data collection, patient engagement, regulations, and financial reimbursement of PO treatment strategies; and clinical recommendations and implementation of PO in clinical practice.

Conclusion: POWG consensus statements standardize the clinical application of NGS CGPs, streamline the interpretation of clinically significant genomic alterations, and align actionable mutations with sequence-directed therapies. The POWG consensus statements may harmonize the utility and delivery of PO in China's GBA.

FIG 1.

Comparison of the regulations, applications, and reimbursements of NGS CGPs in China, Macao, and Hong Kong. CGPs, comprehensive genomic panels; EGRF, epidermal growth factor receptor; G/G, genetics and genomics; HA, hospital authority; HK, Hong Kong; HKGI, the Hong Kong Genome Institute; HKU, the University Of Hong Kong; HKU-HKSH MTB, Molecular Tumor Board at the University Of Hong Kong and Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital; HKUSZ, the University Of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital; MGTO, molecular guided treatment option; MLT, medical laboratory technologist; MTB, molecular tumor board; NGS, next-generation sequencing; NMPA, national medical products administration; NSCLC, non–small-cell lung cancer; SFIs, self-financed items.