AMA announces new modules to help physicians use cancer panel testing

As part of its program aimed at educating physicians and other health care professionals on the benefits and limitations of genomics and precision medicine, the American Medical Association (AMA) today announced two new online educational modules focused on somatic cancer panel testing. The modules will help physicians determine when cancer panel testing is appropriate for their patients and how to interpret the test results to inform the best treatment options for patients.

“We know that genetic technology is rapidly expanding, often too quickly for physicians and other health professionals to become familiar with new technologies before they become clinically available. In particular, somatic cancer panel testing is a relatively new and quickly expanding type of test in cancer care,” said AMA President David O. Barbe, M.D. “With many physicians who treat and follow cancer patients unfamiliar with the use of these panels, and little clinical guidance yet available for their use, the new modules will help physicians better understand the factors that should be considered when incorporating cancer panel testing into patient care.”