Technological evolution of diagnostic testing in oncology

• Published in: Personalized medicine Vol. 10; no. 3; pp. 275 - 283
• Main Authors: Steffen, Julius Alexander, Lenz, Christian
• Format: Journal Article Book Review
• Language: English
• Published: England Future Medicine Ltd 01.05.2013
• Subjects: Biomarkers; diagnostic testing; Diagnostic tests; Genetic testing; medical oncology; Medical technology; Medical tests; molecular diagnostic techniques; multiplex assays; Oncology; personalized medicine; Technology application; technology S-curve; whole-genome sequencing; medical oncology; diagnostic testing; whole-genome sequencing; technology S-curve; molecular diagnostic techniques; multiplex assays; personalized medicine
• ISSN: 1741-0541; 1744-828X; 1744-828X
• DOI: 10.2217/pme.13.19

Diagnostic testing has been improving the quality of cancer care. The dynamics of this field can be grasped through the application of innovation lifecycle models. Single testing, parallel testing and whole-genome sequencing are major technological evolutions. Given the increasing availability of biomarkers, the performance of single testing will be limited in the future, favoring the further implementation of parallel testing technologies. Whole-genome sequencing will lead to a further performance increase by introducing the era of genomic medicine. A broad adoption of presently available diagnostic technologies sets up the infrastructure for future technologies. The speed at which these technologies are introduced depends heavily on the regulatory and reimbursement environment, while their final diffusion is subject to pragmatic criteria such as user friendliness, perceived risk and perceived value added.