The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ; Rockville, Md.) recently released an updated technology assessment that identifies 178 commercially available genetic tests for common cancers. The report, “Update on Emerging Genetic Tests Currently Available for Clinical Use in Common Cancers,” was conducted at the request of the Coverage and Analysis Group at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and is intended to aid both payers and providers in making informed decisions about emerging molecular tests. The assessment, conducted by the Tufts Medical Center Evidence-Based Practice Center, covers a range of genetic tests (genetic variations, panels of genetic markers, measurements of gene expression and transcription products, and biochemical biomarkers) that are already available in clinical practice, particularly for the management of Medicare-aged adults. The tests are used in patients with 10 common solid tumors and hematologic cancers (including breast, lung, colorectal, pancreas, leukemia, and lymphoma) for diagnosing, treating, predicting, prognosticating, monitoring, and detecting cancer recurrence. The report covers tests that are U.S. Food and Drug Administration-cleared (or pending clearance), conducted in CLIA-certified labs and require a physician order, or are offered by Internet sites that specifically require a physician order. The authors caution that the included tests are based […]