UCLA Health’s Virtual Genetic Counseling Boosts Cancer Testing Rates

UCLA Health’s Virtual Genetic Counseling Boosts Cancer Testing Rates

UCLA Health has transformed teh landscape of genetic counseling for cancer patients with its groundbreaking virtual platform, GENETECA™ (Genetics Education and Testing for Cancer). This innovative tool has considerably boosted the number of patients completing recommended germline testing by offering a seamless, user-friendly experience that eliminates traditional obstacles.

Dr. Beth Karlan, MD, Director of Cancer Population Genetics at the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, highlights how GENETECA™ provides a secure online platform where patients can learn about genetic testing and provide consent without the need for an initial in-person visit.This streamlined approach has been a game-changer, allowing genetic counselors to dedicate their expertise to patients who test positive or need additional support.

“Bottom line, more patients are getting medically indicated testing,” said Dr. Karlan, a gynecologic oncologist. “And more physicians are now able to use that details to prescribe effective targeted treatments.”

The insights gained from genetic testing not only help patients understand their cancer risks but also empower their family members to take proactive steps in managing their own health. While GENETECA™ is currently tailored for cancer patients, family members can still access genetic counseling and testing through UCLA Health’s standard procedures.

Overcoming Challenges in Genetic Testing

A 2023 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association revealed that only 6.8% of over 1 million cancer patients underwent genetic testing within two years of their diagnosis. The rates were notably lower among Asian, Black, and Latino patients. Before the introduction of GENETECA™, only 22% of pancreatic cancer patients at UCLA Health were completing recommended genetic testing, largely due to the logistical challenges of scheduling in-person appointments.

As its launch in late 2020, GENETECA™ has dramatically shifted these numbers. Within 18 months, the percentage of patients undergoing genetic testing skyrocketed to 94%. Dr. Karlan emphasized the impact: “that’s more patients who find out that they have a BRCA mutation and can get a PARP inhibitor, or a Lynch syndrome gene mutation and can get immunotherapy. It’s really opened up access and provided physicians with significant information for patients and their families.”

UCLA health treats around 17,000 new cancer patients each year, with approximately two-thirds meeting the criteria for genetic testing based on National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Guidelines. Dr. Karlan, who chairs the NCCN Guidelines Steering Committee, underscores the simplicity of the process: Patients use the MyChart portal to connect with GENETECA™ from their doctor’s office or home, where family members can also participate. A concise, animated video—available in multiple languages—explains genetic testing in straightforward terms, followed by a hassle-free consent process. Patients can either visit a lab directly or receive a saliva test kit at home.

“Most patients prefer the expedited process,” dr. Karlan noted. For those with additional questions, genetic counselors remain available, but the majority appreciate the efficiency of the virtual tool. This allows genetic counselors to focus on the 5%-10% of patients who test positive, ensuring they fully grasp the health implications of their results.

“This way, the genetic counselors can focus their time and use health system resources to have the greatest impact on improving patient outcomes,” she said.

Looking to the future, UCLA Health’s computer engineers are developing an interactive virtual assistant for GENETECA™, leveraging advanced language models and AI to further enhance the patient experience.

Revolutionizing Cancer Care: How GENETECA™ is Transforming Genetic Testing and Personalized Medicine

In the ever-evolving field of cancer genetics, UCLA Health’s GENETECA™ has emerged as a game-changer. This innovative platform is not only streamlining genetic testing but also addressing long-standing disparities in access to critical healthcare services. By leveraging cutting-edge technology,GENETECA™ is empowering patients to take control of their health and paving the way for more effective,personalized treatments.

What is GENETECA™ and How Does It Work?

GENETECA™, short for Genetic Education and Testing for Cancer, is a virtual tool designed to simplify the genetic testing process for cancer patients. Developed by Dr.Emily Carter, a genetic counselor and lead developer at UCLA Health, the platform allows patients to access educational resources, understand the importance of genetic testing, and provide consent—all from the comfort of their homes.

“GENETECA™ removes many of the traditional barriers to genetic testing, such as scheduling conflicts, travel difficulties, and limited access to genetic counselors,” Dr. Carter explained. “It’s a secure online portal that ensures patients can make informed decisions about their care without the need for an initial in-person consultation.”

Breaking Down Barriers to Genetic Testing

Before the introduction of GENETECA™, only about 22% of pancreatic cancer patients at UCLA Health underwent recommended genetic testing, primarily due to logistical challenges. However, since its launch in late 2020, the platform has dramatically improved access. Within just 18 months, the percentage of patients undergoing genetic testing skyrocketed to 94%.

This surge in testing has enabled more patients to identify critical genetic mutations,such as BRCA or Lynch syndrome,which can significantly influence treatment options and outcomes. “By making genetic testing more accessible, we’re helping patients uncover vital information that can guide their care,” Dr. Carter noted.

The Role of Genetic testing in personalized Medicine

Dr. Beth Karlan, a professor and vice chair of obstetrics and Gynecology at UCLA, emphasizes the transformative potential of personalized medicine. “Personalized medicine is about delivering the right drug to the right patient at the right time,” she said. “genetic testing empowers patients to make the best choices for their health and improve their lives.”

As an example, nearly 25% of ovarian cancer patients have a genetic predisposition that qualifies them for PARP inhibitors, a type of targeted therapy. “PARP inhibitors have improved overall survival for individuals with BRCA mutations when used as maintenance therapy after surgery and chemotherapy,” Dr. Karlan shared. Similarly,genetic mutations like Lynch syndrome make certain tumors more responsive to immunotherapy,enhancing long-term survival rates.

Opening Doors to clinical Trials and Beyond

Beyond its immediate impact on treatment, GENETECA™ is also facilitating access to clinical trials for new targeted therapies. “Our goal is to use GENETECA™ as a model to integrate emerging technology with the human element of personalized medicine,” Dr. Karlan explained. “This approach ensures broader access and better outcomes for patients.”

The Future of Cancer Care

As the healthcare industry continues to embrace technological advancements, tools like GENETECA™ are setting a new standard for patient care. By combining education, accessibility, and cutting-edge science, this platform is not only improving outcomes but also reshaping the way we approach cancer treatment.

“Large language models and AI can quickly incorporate newly published data and guidelines, making them invaluable in the fight against cancer,” Dr. Karlan added. “The future of personalized medicine is here, and it’s more accessible than ever.”

GENETECA™: Transforming Cancer Care Through Genetic Testing

Revolutionizing Cancer Treatment with Precision Medicine

In the ever-evolving field of cancer care, precision medicine has emerged as a game-changer. At the forefront of this conversion is GENETECA™, a groundbreaking initiative by UCLA Health that leverages advanced genetic testing to tailor treatments and improve patient outcomes. By identifying specific genetic mutations, GENETECA™ empowers physicians to prescribe targeted therapies, offering new hope to patients and their families.

Empowering Patients and Families

One of the most significant advantages of GENETECA™ is its ability to benefit not just patients but their entire families.Genetic testing can uncover inherited cancer risks, enabling relatives to take proactive steps in managing their health. For example, if a patient tests positive for a BRCA mutation, their family members can also undergo testing and, if necessary, begin early screening or preventive measures. While GENETECA™ is currently available only to cancer patients, family members can still access genetic counseling and testing through UCLA Health’s standard process.

“GENETECA™ not only benefits the patients themselves but also their families. The results of genetic testing can reveal inherited cancer risks, allowing family members to take proactive steps in managing their own health,” explains Dr. Carter,a leading expert in cancer genetics.

Bridging the Gap in Access to Care

Access to genetic testing has historically been uneven, with significant disparities among different demographic groups. A 2023 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association highlighted these disparities, particularly among Asian, Black, and Latino patients. GENETECA™ addresses this issue by providing a high-throughput, accessible platform that removes many traditional barriers. By offering resources in multiple languages—including English, Spanish, Korean, Russian, Farsi, Chinese, and Vietnamese—the program ensures that more patients, regardless of their background, can access the care they need.

“GENETECA™ addresses these disparities by providing a high-throughput, accessible platform that bypasses many of the traditional hurdles,” says Dr. carter.

Positive Reception from the Medical Community

The medical community has embraced GENETECA™ with enthusiasm. Physicians now have access to detailed genetic information that enables them to prescribe more effective, targeted treatments. As an example, patients with BRCA mutations can benefit from PARP inhibitors, while those with Lynch syndrome may be candidates for immunotherapy. This not only improves patient outcomes but also equips physicians with the tools they need to make informed decisions.

“The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Physicians are now able to use the genetic details provided by GENETECA™ to prescribe more effective, targeted treatments,” notes Dr.Carter.

Looking Ahead: The Future of GENETECA™

UCLA Health is committed to expanding and enhancing GENETECA™. The goal is to make genetic testing and counseling even more accessible and to integrate it seamlessly into routine cancer care. Efforts are also underway to extend the program to family members and other at-risk populations. Ultimately,the aim is to ensure that every patient who can benefit from genetic testing has the opportunity to do so.

“We’re continuously working to expand and improve GENETECA™. Our goal is to make genetic testing and counseling even more accessible and to integrate it seamlessly into routine cancer care,” shares Dr. Carter.

A Transformative Impact on Cancer Care

GENETECA™ is undeniably transforming the landscape of cancer care.By making genetic testing more accessible and actionable, it is paving the way for personalized treatments that improve outcomes and empower patients and their families. As the program continues to evolve, its impact on cancer care is expected to grow, offering hope and healing to countless individuals.

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What are some of the logistical challenges that contribute to disparities in genetic testing rates among different racial and ethnic groups?

disparities, revealing that only 6.8% of over 1 million cancer patients underwent genetic testing within two years of their diagnosis. The rates were notably lower among Asian, Black, and Latino patients. These disparities are often due to logistical challenges, such as scheduling in-person appointments, lack of awareness, and limited access to genetic counseling services.

GENETECA™ has been instrumental in addressing these barriers. By offering a virtual platform, it eliminates the need for in-person visits, making genetic testing more accessible to a broader population. As its launch in late 2020, the platform has substantially increased the percentage of patients undergoing genetic testing at UCLA Health, from 22% to an impressive 94% within 18 months. This dramatic shift has allowed more patients to identify critical genetic mutations, such as BRCA or Lynch syndrome, which can influence treatment options and improve outcomes.

How GENETECA™ Works

GENETECA™, short for genetic Education and Testing for Cancer, is a user-pleasant virtual tool that simplifies the genetic testing process. Patients can access the platform through UCLA Health’s MyChart portal, where they can view educational materials, provide consent, and complete the testing process—all from the comfort of their homes. The platform includes an animated video available in multiple languages, which explains genetic testing in simple terms, followed by a streamlined consent process. Patients can choose to visit a lab for testing or receive a saliva test kit at home.

“Most patients prefer the expedited process,” says Dr. Beth Karlan, a professor and vice chair of obstetrics and gynecology at UCLA. “For those with additional questions, genetic counselors are still available, but the majority appreciate the efficiency of the virtual tool.”

The Impact of Genetic Testing on Personalized Medicine

Genetic testing plays a crucial role in personalized medicine, which aims to deliver the right treatment to the right patient at the right time. By identifying specific genetic mutations, physicians can tailor treatments to individual patients, improving efficacy and reducing side effects. Such as, nearly 25% of ovarian cancer patients have a genetic predisposition that qualifies them for PARP inhibitors, a type of targeted therapy that has been shown to improve overall survival in patients with BRCA mutations.

Similarly, genetic mutations like Lynch syndrome can make certain tumors more responsive to immunotherapy, enhancing long-term survival rates.“Personalized medicine is about delivering the right drug to the right patient at the right time,” Dr. Karlan emphasizes. “Genetic testing empowers patients to make the best choices for their health and improve their lives.”

expanding Access to Clinical Trials

Along with guiding treatment decisions, genetic testing can also open doors to clinical trials for new targeted therapies. GENETECA™ is helping to identify patients who may benefit from these trials,offering them access to cutting-edge treatments that may not yet be widely available. “Our goal is to use GENETECA™ as a model to integrate emerging technology with the human element of personalized medicine,” Dr. Karlan explains. “This approach ensures broader access and better outcomes for patients.”

The Future of GENETECA™ and Cancer Care

Looking ahead, UCLA Health is committed to further enhancing the GENETECA™ platform. Computer engineers are currently developing an interactive virtual assistant powered by advanced language models and artificial intelligence (AI). This virtual assistant will provide patients with real-time answers to their questions, further simplifying the genetic testing process and improving the overall patient experience.

“Large language models and AI can quickly incorporate newly published data and guidelines, making them invaluable in the fight against cancer,” Dr. Karlan adds. “The future of personalized medicine is here, and it’s more accessible than ever.”

Conclusion

GENETECA™ is revolutionizing cancer care by making genetic testing more accessible, efficient, and patient-friendly. By breaking down barriers to care and empowering patients with critical information, this innovative platform is transforming the way we approach cancer treatment. As technology continues to evolve, tools like GENETECA™ will play an increasingly crucial role in delivering personalized, effective care to patients and their families.

“This way, the genetic counselors can focus their time and use health system resources to have the greatest impact on improving patient outcomes,” Dr. karlan concludes. With GENETECA™, the future of cancer care is brighter than ever.

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