It provides families with other avenues for treatment when there are no other options Surgeons' perspectives of being part of a precision medicine trial for poor prognosis paediatric cancer patients: A short report

Abstract

Abstract Objective Precision medicine is transforming cancer treatment, yet the perspectives of surgeons who often play a critical role in the delivery of precision medicine remain understudied. Methods We conducted semi‐structured interviews with 13 surgeons involved in a precision medicine trial for children with poor prognosis cancer. We explored knowledge of genetics, confidence with somatic and germline results, ratings of benefit to stakeholders and willingness to undertake surgical procedures. Results Surgeons generally had positive attitudes towards precision medicine but expressed concerns about families' unrealistic expectations, mixed opinions on the benefits and the use of research‐only biopsies. Most surgeons rated their genetics knowledge as ‘good’ (69%) and felt ‘very confident’ in identifying genetic specialists (66%), but ‘not confident’ (66.6%) in making treatment recommendations. Surgeons' willingness to undertake a procedure was influenced by potential patient benefit. Conclusions Our findings support the need for more workforce and training support for surgeons to fully engage with precision medicine.

Keywords

• cancer
• precision medicine
• surgeon