Somatic Testing: Implications for Targeted Treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To provide an overview of key considerations for somatic testing for the purpose of targeting cancer treatment.

DATA SOURCES: Literature; research reports.

CONCLUSION: Genomic testing of cancer cells to identify variants that drive the carcinogenic process is becoming common in clinical settings. Providers and patients need to weigh the potential benefits of testing with technologic and logistic issues.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Testing is available for thousands of genomic variants to identify one or more to guide targeted treatment. Oncology nurses need to understand the benefits and limitations of participating in patient-centered implementation of this testing.