Denis Horgan: Precision Oncology – A Global Perspective on Implementation and Policy Development

Denis Horgan, Chair of ICGC ARGO Independent Advisory Committee at International Cancer Genome Consortium, shared a post on LinkedIn:

“Proud to Announce: Our Publication in JCO Global Oncology!

Brussels, January 28th, 2025: After more than a year of collaboration, research, and strategic planning, I am thrilled to share the publication of our article in JCO Global Oncology:
‘Precision Oncology: A Global Perspective on Implementation and Policy Development’

This landmark paper delves into the transformative potential of precision oncology (PO) to revolutionize cancer care. By tailoring treatments to the unique genetic profiles of patients, PO promises to improve outcomes, reduce toxicity, and make cancer care more efficient.

Key Highlights from the Article: Despite its potential, precision oncology remains underutilized, with barriers such as inadequate funding, regulatory challenges, and disparities in access.
In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), gaps in infrastructure, workforce, and access to genomic tools amplify these challenges.

The paper advocates for innovative public-private partnerships, robust data-sharing frameworks, and training programs to build the expertise needed for successful implementation.

Financial inefficiencies: Globally, over €100 billion annually is spent on ineffective cancer treatments. Precision medicine can redirect resources by ensuring patients receive the right treatments at the right time.
Success stories from countries like South Korea’s K-MASTER program highlight how systematic efforts in genomic sequencing and matched therapies can significantly improve patient outcomes.

Proposed Solutions and Strategies:

1. Equitable Access: Establish regional biobanks, pooled drug procurement systems, and streamlined reimbursement models to support underserved regions.
2. Capacity Building: Train physicians and healthcare professionals in genomics and molecular diagnostics, ensuring readiness for cutting-edge treatments.
3. Data and Privacy: Invest in secure systems to manage genomic data, addressing privacy concerns and promoting international collaboration.
4. Policy Reform: Foster governance that recognizes the long-term benefits of precision oncology, even in resource-constrained settings.

Global Impact:
This paper emphasizes the need to bridge the divide between high-income countries and LMICs, ensuring that precision oncology becomes a reality for all.

Acknowledgments:
This publication is a testament to the efforts of an incredible team of co-authors from around the world. A special thank you to Vivek Subbiah, whose guidance and dedication over the past year were instrumental in shaping the concept and implementation of this initiative.

Let’s continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in cancer care, working together to ensure no one is left behind.”

Precision Oncology: A Global Perspective on Implementation and Policy Development | JCO Global Oncology

Authors:  Denis Horgan, Marcel Tanner, Charu Aggarwal, David Thomas, Surbhi Grover, Lina Basel-Salmon,  Rodrigo Dienstmann,  Tira Jing Ying Tan, Woong-Yang Park, Hadi Mohamad Abu Rasheed, Lillian L. Siu, Brigette Ma, Rocío Ortiz-López, Marc Van den Bulcke, Silvia Castillo Taucher, Andrea Ferris, Naureen Starling, Umberto Malapelle, John Longshore,  Hugo Alberto Barrera Saldaña, and Vivek Subbiah