Revolutionizing Cancer Care: UCLA Health’s GENETECA™
UCLA Health is at the forefront of cancer care innovation with its groundbreaking virtual platform, GENETECA™ (Genetics Education and Testing for Cancer). This dynamic tool has significantly transformed the landscape of genetic counseling for cancer patients, leading to a dramatic increase in the number of patients undergoing medically necessary genetic testing.
GENETECA™ provides a secure online platform where patients can learn about genetic testing, understand its implications, and provide consent – all without the need for an initial in-person visit. This streamlined approach has freed up genetic counselors to focus their expertise on patients who test positive or require additional support, ensuring personalized care for those who need it most.
Bridging the Gap: Overcoming Disparities in Genetic Testing
A 2023 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association revealed a stark disparity in genetic testing rates among different racial and ethnic groups. Only 6.8% of over 1 million cancer patients underwent testing within two years of their diagnosis, with significantly lower rates among Asian, Black, and Latino patients. Accessibility was often cited as a key barrier.
GENETECA™ has effectively addressed this challenge. By offering a virtual platform, it eliminates scheduling conflicts, travel difficulties, and other logistical hurdles that historically prevented patients from accessing this vital information. Since its launch in late 2020, GENETECA™ has significantly increased genetic testing rates at UCLA Health, soaring from 22% to a remarkable 94% within 18 months.
Empowering Patients and Families: The Benefits of Personalized Medicine
GENETECA™’s impact extends beyond individual patients. By shedding light on inherited cancer risks, genetic testing empowers family members to make proactive decisions about their health. While the platform is currently focused on cancer patients, family members can still access genetic counseling and testing through UCLA Health’s standard procedures.
"GENETECA™ not only benefits the patients themselves but also their families," explains Dr. Emily Carter, a leading expert in cancer genetics and a key developer of GENETECA™. "The results of genetic testing can reveal inherited cancer risks, allowing family members to take proactive steps in managing their own health."
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for GENETECA™
UCLA Health remains committed to evolving GENETECA™ and expanding its reach. The development team is currently working on integrating advanced language models and AI into the platform, creating an interactive virtual assistant that will provide patients with personalized guidance and support.
“Large language models and AI can quickly incorporate newly published data and guidelines, making them invaluable in the fight against cancer,” says Dr. Beth Karlan, Director of Cancer Population Genetics at UCLA Health’s Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center. " The future of personalized medicine is here, and it’s more accessible than ever."
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With GENETECA™, UCLA Health is demonstrating a commitment to innovation, equity, and patient empowerment, setting a new standard for cancer care in the digital age. As the platform continues to evolve, its impact is expected to grow, offering hope and healing to countless patients and their families.