Abstract PO3-08-06: Challenges in Implementing Genetic Counseling and Genetic Testing for Breast Cancer: Insights from the First 1000 Families Assessed in a Public University Hospital in Argentina
Authors: Mansilla Dolores , Bequelman Diana , Cavallero Jorgelina , Ursino Hernan , Gaston Berman , Martin Ipiña , Armanasco Eduardo , Aguilar Andrea , Caceres Valeria , Azar Eugenia 
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Integrating genetic testing into breast cancer patients care is crucial for personalized treatment recommendations, risk reduction strategies, and family members evaluation. However, Argentina faces several concerns in implementing these services.

Objective: This study aims to explore the challenges encountered in implementing genetic testing for breast cancer, drawing insights from the assessment of the first 1000 patients at a public university hospital in Argentina.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent genetic counseling in our institution from January 2015 to June 2023. We also analyzed patients who underwent surgery from June 2022 to May 2023.

Results: 1032 patients were evaluated in our unit. 836 patients (81%) met the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) criteria for genetic testing. Genetic testing was requested for 575 patients (68.7%) Only 44% of patients were able to access the test, with 60% receiving only the BRCA1/2 test (see Table 1 and 2 for details).

In the analysis of breast cancer surgeries (n=246), 62% (n=154) met the NCCN criteria for genetic testing. However, only 56% of these patients underwent genetic counseling prior to their surgery and only 15 (9.86%) received their results before primary treatment.

Discussion

Unfortunately, only 9.8% of patients have the results of genetic testing prior to their primary treatment, indicating a critical need for timely referrals and mainstream genetic testing. To counteract, our university hospital's breast cancer unit has taken proactive measures since January 2015. Genetic counseling has been established as a standard of care for all patients, and a streamlined workflow has been implemented to optimize referrals. Trained professionals, including a genetic counselor, psycho-oncologist, and geneticist, have been integrated into core teams.

Additionally, healthcare professional continued education has played a pivotal role in improving referrals. Additionally, we have introduced an easy workflow to optimize referrals to genetic counseling.

Completion rate of requested genetic tests is concerning, with 56% of tests not being completed, and 60% of the completed tests limited to BRCA1/2.

Improving access to genetic testing is imperative. Currently, comprehensive genetic testing is inaccessible to patients without medical coverage, and even those with coverage face difficulties in testing access.

Moreover, patient education plays a vital role in promoting the importance of genetic testing and its impact on patient care and their families. In collaboration with the Argentinean Breast Pathology Society, we have developed two informative videos that reinforce knowledge provided by primary care physicians and breast surgeons.

Conclusion,

Our study is the first in Argentina to analyze the numerous challenges faced in conducting genetic testing for breast cancer in a public hospital. By addressing these challenges collectively, we can facilitate the effective integration of genetic counseling and testing into routine practice for breast cancer patients in Argentina.

Table 1: Breast Cancer Genetic Counseling Unit Patients (2015-2023)

Table 2: Breast Cancer Genetic Counseling Unit Patients studies (2015-2023)

Citation Format: Dolores Mansilla, Diana Bequelman, Jorgelina Cavallero, Hernan Ursino, Berman Gaston, Ipiña Martin, Eduardo Armanasco, Andrea Aguilar, Valeria Caceres, Eugenia Azar. Challenges in Implementing Genetic Counseling and Genetic Testing for Breast Cancer: Insights from the First 1000 Families Assessed in a Public University Hospital in Argentina [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO3-08-06.