Choosing the Best Genomic Tumor Test (CME)

Getting Started

Genomic tumor testing includes a range of test options with varying benefits and limitations. Increasingly, “genomic” tests that assess DNA variants include multiple test methods which can assess  other types of biomarkers, such as RNA and protein expression that also can help to inform appropriateness of targeted treatments and immunotherapy. This course will help you differentiate among these test options by working through cases and learning more about (1) tests used to detect DNA variants, (2) tests used to detect immunotherapy biomarkers and (3) the origin of cells and genetic material used in the analysis. This module uses practice cases to facilitate learning-by-doing, discussion of in-depth topics, and additional resources for more detail.

To claim credit, please complete the following steps:

1. Take a short pre-assessment. Complete two questions.

2. Review the course materials. Launch a new window to view the course, and close the window when you have completed the activities to return to this page.

3. Take the course evaluation.

4. Take the post-assessment to receive credit. Complete the four multiple choice questions. You must get 3 of the 4 answers correct to claim credit.

5. Go to your dashboard to print or view your certificate.

CME Information & Disclosures

Jointly Provided by The Jackson Laboratory and the University of Connecticut School of Medicine Office of Community and Continuing Medical Education

Publication Date: April 15, 2021
Expiration Date: March 25, 2024

Learning objectives

• Identify benefits and limitations of available test options
• Identify the test that is the best fit for the patient’s clinical situation

Target Audience
Oncologists and other cancer clinicians, including fellows, physician assistants and nurses.

Accreditation
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of the University of Connecticut School of Medicine and The Jackson Laboratory. The University of Connecticut School of Medicine is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The University of Connecticut School of Medicine designates this enduring material for a maximum of .5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Planners, Writers, and Reviewers

• Emily Edelman, MS, CGC – The Jackson Laboratory
• Hayley Dunnack, MS, RN, CMSRN, OCN – Hartford Cancer Center
• Therese Ingram, MA – The Jackson Laboratory
• Kate Reed, MPH, ScM, CGC – The Jackson Laboratory
• Kathryn Robinson, PhD, MHA/Ed, RN – University of Maine
• Jens Rueter, MD – The Jackson Laboratory
• Linda Steinmark, MS, LGC – The Jackson Laboratory
• Christine Walko, PharmD – Moffit Cancer Center

Conflict of Interest Policy
All faculty members participating in CME activities sponsored by the University of Connecticut School of Medicine are required to disclose to the program audience any actual or apparent conflict of interest related to the content of their presentations. Program planners have an obligation to resolve any actual conflicts of interest and share with the audience any safeguards put in place to prevent commercial bias from influencing the content. 

Disclosure
Unless otherwise noted, the program planners and faculty do not have a financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organizations that could be perceived as a real or apparent conflict of interest in the context of the subject of this course. The following disclosures are reported that could be perceived as a real or apparent conflict of interest in the education program: Emily Edelman and Kate Reed received salary support in 2020 from Pfizer Inc. through an unrestricted quality improvement grant that focuses on improving ascertainment of hereditary breast cancer, provided by the American Community Cancer Centers and Pfizer Independent Grants for Learning & Change. In their roles as a planners and content authors, Ms. Edelman and Ms. Reed recused themselves from all deliberations relating to content related to the commercial entity with which they have financial interest and were not responsible for reviewing for bias any related content. All educational material has been peer-reviewed by external reviewers to assess for bias.

The program discusses investigational and off-label use of drugs in general terms, as options that may be considered for patients with advanced cancer after standard of care options have been exhausted.

Commercial Support
There is no commercial support being received for this activity. This program is supported by educational grants from The Maine Cancer Foundation and Harold Alfond Foundation.

References

Jensen K, Konnick EQ, Schweizer MT, Sokolova AO, Grivas P, Cheng, HH et al. Association of Clonal Hematopoiesis in DNA Repair Genes With Prostate Cancer Plasma Cell-free DNA Testing Interference. JAMA Oncol. 2021;7(1):107-110.

Li MM, Chao E, Esplin ED, et al. Points to consider for reporting of germline variation in patients undergoing tumor testing: a statement of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG). Genet Med. 2020;22(7):1142-1148. 

Meléndez B, Van Campenhout C, Rorive S et al. Methods of measurement for tumor mutational burden in tumor tissue. Transl Lung Cancer Res. 2018;7(6):661-667.

Merck and Co., Inc. KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) highlights of prescribing information. Published 6/29/20. Accessed 9/16/20.

National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Cutaneous Melanoma (version 4.2020). Published September 1, 2020. Accessed 11/21/20.

National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Esophageal and Esophagogastric Junction Cancers (version 2.2021). Published March 9, 2021. Accessed 4/5/2021.

National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Breast, Ovarian, and Pancreatic (version 1.2021). Published September 8, 2020. Accessed 11/5/20. 

National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Genetic/familial high-risk assessment: Colorectal (version 1.2020). Published July 21, 2020. Accessed 11/5/20. 

Penault-Llorca F, Rudzinski ER, Sepulveda AR. Testing algorithm for identification of patients with TRK fusion cancer. J Clin Pathol. 2019;72(7):460-467.

Reed EK, Steinmark L, Seibert DC, Edelman E. Somatic Testing: Implications for Targeted Treatment. Semin Oncol Nurs. 2019; 35(1):22-33.

Saarenheimo J, Eigeliene N, Andersen H, Tiirola M, Jekunen A. The Value of Liquid Biopsies for Guiding Therapy Decisions in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer. Front Oncol. 2019;9:129.

Hardware/Software Requirements

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Adobe Reader 5.0 or higher

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Should you have technical questions or questions regarding the content of the activity, please email Clinical and Continuing Education at the Jackson Laboratory.

Disclaimer 

All information in Precision Oncology Online Education is provided for educational purposes only. This information is not a substitute for clinical guidance or the consultation of a medical professional. Always seek the advice of a qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in Precision Oncology Online Education. Reliance on any information in Precision Oncology Online Education is solely at your own risk. The Jackson Laboratory does not endorse or recommend any specific procedures, tests, products, services, health professionals or other information that may be found in Precision Oncology Online Education.