VIDEO: Studies address how to better use genetic testing

CHICAGO — Stephen B. Gruber, MD, PhD, MPH, director of the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, discusses studies that show multiplex panel testing is efficacious and safe for patients and their families at the ASCO Annual Meeting.

Gruber reviewed a genetic testing framework that includes information on how to use and interpret high-risk genes in addition to moderate-risk genes.

In addition to studies on genetic testing, there were many other presentations of interest at ASCO, Gruber said.

“I would say the entire range of information that has been provided across the spectrum of science from prevention, to treatment outcomes to survivorship, included some really exciting work,” he said.

The takeaway from one such study is that physicians should encourage patients with cancer in clinical trials to stop smoking.

“As sophisticated as we see with the immune therapy, chemotherapy, genetic testing and somatic mutational profiling, sometimes we just can’t forget that the simplest things are the most important, and we have to encourage our patients to stop smoking because it is never too late,” Gruber said.