Episode 39: Improving Patient Understanding of the Language of Precision Medicine

Posted May 25, 2021

Wendy Vogel, MSN, FNP, AOCNP®

Nikki Martin, MA

Allyson Price, MPAS, PA-C

Genomic or biomarker testing? Germline or genetic testing? The various terms that providers use about testing can cause confusion and lead to suboptimal testing and care.

Nikki Martin, MA, Director of Precision Medicine Initiatives at LUNGevity Foundation, talks about the work of the Consistent Testing Terminology Working Group to encourage the use of consistent, plain language terms for biomarker and genetic testing that are applicable across cancer types. Allyson Price, MPAS, PA-C, a member of the working group, describes the important role of the advanced practitioner in explaining testing results to patients.

The official recommendations are: “Biomarker testing” is the preferred term for tests that identify characteristics, targetable findings, or other test results originating from malignant tissue. “Genetic testing for an inherited mutation” or “genetic testing for inherited cancer risk” are recommended to describe tests to identify germline mutation.

Resources:

Working Group White Paper

ASCO abstract

Cancer.Net article