In an interactive session at Becker's 11th Annual CEO + CFO Roundtable, Damon Hostin, health systems market access lead at Illumina, led a discussion with healthcare executives on the role of genomics in health system strategies.
Mr. Hostin highlighted the importance of genomics in identifying diseases and guiding treatment plans, opportunities for health systems to integrate precision medicine into routine care and progress for incorporating genomic data into EHRs. Drawing from Illumina's 25 years of experience in the field, Mr. Hostin also shared ongoing challenges in access to genomic testing and the ethical considerations of genetic testing.
Editor's note: Quotes have been edited for length and clarity.
Key takeaways:
1: Genomics has revolutionized cancer care and treatment.
Damon Hostin: “It’s just astounding to look at the pace of therapeutic approvals. And with the use of immunotherapeutics, CAR-T therapies and other targeted modalities, all of this is determined upon understanding the biology of the tumor and the biology of the person. No other area in medicine has progressed further in terms of integration.”
2: More stakeholders in healthcare are embracing genomics, increasing accessibility to earlier diagnosis, personalized treatment plans, and improved patient outcomes.
DH: “Whole-genome sequencing in certain cases for pediatric rare disease in outpatient and in certain cases within the NICU, is deemed medically necessary and so is covered by leading payers. I couldn’t say that last year. The progress is really exciting.”
3: The implementation of genomic testing in health systems requires careful planning and consideration of ethical implications.
DH: “There are times when it’s not appropriate to know everything … In this work, we must consider, is it actionable? Can we do anything with the information? Guidelines and best practices are established and progressing across many clinical areas to address issues."