[The national Network Genomic Medicine (nNGM) : Model for innovative diagnostics and therapy of lung cancer within a public healthcare system].

BACKGROUND

Since 2012, the Network Genomic Medicine (NGM) has been providing a large number of lung cancer patients from referring partner sites with comprehensive molecular-pathological diagnostics on the single diagnostic platform at the University Hospital Cologne. In addition, the network headquarters in Cologne interprets the findings in close interdisciplinary coordination between pathologists and oncologists, provides information on innovative treatment options, and evaluates the personalized therapies using the central database. As part of one of its largest single grants in 2018, the German Cancer Aid (DKH) rolled out this interdisciplinary and intersectoral care model to all existing DKH-funded German comprehensive cancer centers at the time of the initial application.

GOAL

Presentation of the treatment reality within the national Network Genomic Medicine (nNGM) with its core elements and actors (network centers and intersectoral clinical partners sites).

METHODS

This article is based on our own experience in NGM and nNGM and includes a summary of the currently applicable guidelines for reimbursement and an overview of the treatment landscape in the field of molecular-pathological diagnostics in Germany.

RESULTS

The focus of nNGM is on the implementation of innovative molecular diagnostics and personalized therapy in broad clinical routine in Germany. This is enabled by developing molecular-pathological diagnostics within the network centers on an ongoing basic, interdisciplinary counseling of referring partner sites, offering innovative clinical trials, and performing central evaluation. In particular, a focus of nNGM is the development of regional networks to treat the affected lung cancer patients close to home at the partner sites whenever possible.

DISCUSSION

Interdisciplinary teams are essential for the success of a broad implementation of molecular-pathological diagnostics. nNGM addresses a severe deficit in German lung cancer care and in the future will be expanded to further network centers while meeting the defined quality criteria.