Universal germline testing is essential for identifying hereditary cancer risk, especially for patients with young-onset colorectal cancer who were diagnosed before the age of 50. However, the implementation of universal germline testing has been hampered by increasing demand and limited physician and genetic counselor resources.
A new study being presented at the 2025 ASCO Annual Meeting provides insights into how an online care delivery platform may help patients overcome those barriers (Abstract 11004).
Researchers led by Julie Moskowitz, MS, and Y. Nancy You, MD, of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, developed a platform that enables patients independently to access education, provide informed consent, and initiate germline genetic testing without the need for upfront provider input The pilot study protocol incorporated a 3-month phase to assess feasibility and refine procedures, followed by a 12-month main trial period.
In a cohort of 160 patients with young-onset colorectal cancer, 100 (63%) actively engaged on the platform, 89 (89%) of whom completed universal germline testing. Of note, 79 of 82 patients (96%) self-navigated through the entire process without requiring involvement from genetic counselors, suggesting that online interactive platforms may make universal germline testing more accessible for patients with young-onset colorectal cancer.
Disclosure: Ms. Moskowitz and Dr. You reported no conflicts of interest. For full disclosures of the other study authors, visit coi.asco.org.
