Cancer Genetic Counselors’ Current Practices and Attitudes Related to the Use of Tumor Profiling

Tumor profiling (TP) is primarily used to identify driver mutations within a tumor for treatment purposes, but it may also identify germline mutations. Current involvement of cancer genetic counselors (GCs) in the TP process is not clear. Members of the National Society of Genetic Counselors Cancer Special Interest Group were invited to participate in a confidential, web-based survey to characterize current practices and attitudes related to the use of TP. Of 105 useable responses, 86.7% of GCs reported their institutions were using TP, although only 6.7% did this routinely. Although 63.7% reported personal involvement in the process, largely with result interpretation and follow-up germline testing, 69.7% reported seeing fewer than 5 patients for this reason and 97.9% desired further education on this topic. Work and regional setting were not predictors of involvement with TP; however, GCs in the academic setting were less aware of who obtains consent (p = 0.001). GCs reported they were not often utilized as a resource regarding TP. Overall, GCs believed TP is beneficial in identifying hereditary cancer syndromes, although most reported finding a germline mutation in <10% of cases. This study provides a snapshot of current GC involvement with TP, and documents the desire by GCs for additional education on tumor profiling.