# Japanese General Clinical Oncologists’ Knowledge and Real-world Experiences of Cancer Genomic Medicine: A Nationwide Web-based Survey Study

## TL;DR

A survey of Japanese oncologists found that those at specialized genomic hospitals have more knowledge and experience with cancer genomic medicine than others.

## Contribution

This study reveals disparities in genomic medicine knowledge and experience among Japanese oncologists based on hospital type.

## Key findings

- Physicians at cancer genome hospitals showed significantly higher knowledge and experience with cancer genomic tests.
- There were no significant regional differences in test performance rates among physicians.
- Disparities in genomic medicine knowledge suggest a need for improved collaboration and training.

## Abstract

In Japan, insurance began covering two cancer gene panel tests in 2019. However, the availability of these tests remains limited to 247 facilities (as of October 2023). This survey-based study assessed the knowledge and recognition of cancer genomic medicine by physicians involved in cancer treatment.

Written requests for participation in a web-based questionnaire survey were sent to 14,579 affiliated general clinical oncologists certified by the Japanese Board of Cancer Therapy. The survey was conducted from July 1 to 31st, 2021. Data between physicians affiliated with cancer genome hospitals and noncancer genome hospitals and between regions of Japan were compared.

In total, 2,402 valid responses were analyzed. Of the respondents, 1,296 and 1,106 were physicians working at cancer and noncancer genome hospitals, respectively. Physicians working at cancer genome hospitals showed significantly higher results for both knowledge of cancer genomic medicine and experience in cancer gene panel test performance compared with those working at noncancer genome hospitals. There were no significant regional differences in the percentage of physicians who reported having performed cancer gene panel tests.

The survey results suggest a disparity in the knowledge of cancer genomic medicine between physicians working at cancer genome hospitals and those working at noncancer genome hospitals; this disparity should be addressed by stakeholders. Closer collaboration between these facilities may be necessary to achieve national dissemination of cancer genomic medicine.