Dr. Norden on Cost and Effectiveness of Genomic Testing

Andrew Norden, MD, MPH, MBA, chief medical officer, Cota, discusses concerns surrounding cost and efficacy of molecular testing.

Molecular testing that is being used in an appropriate and clinically validated manner is often solid evidence that conducting these tests ensures that patients get the right treatment, said Norden.

For example, data suggest that the application of Oncotype DX genomic testing in breast cancer ensures patients who are treated with chemotherapy actually need chemotherapy. There is always a risk that a broad application to molecular testing could increase costs, but if carefully selected based on published evidence, then this is usually a cost-effective approach, concludes Norden.