A health services research agenda for cellular, molecular and genomic technologies in cancer care.
BACKGROUND
In recent decades, extensive resources have been invested to develop cellular, molecular and genomic technologies with clinical applications that span the continuum of cancer care.


METHODS
In December 2006, the National Cancer Institute sponsored the first workshop to uniquely examine the state of health services research on cancer-related cellular, molecular and genomic technologies and identify challenges and priorities for expanding the evidence base on their effectiveness in routine care.


RESULTS
This article summarizes the workshop outcomes, which included development of a comprehensive research agenda that incorporates health and safety endpoints, utilization patterns, patient and provider preferences, quality of care and access, disparities, economics and decision modeling, trends in cancer outcomes, and health-related quality of life among target populations.


CONCLUSIONS
Ultimately, the successful adoption of useful technologies will depend on understanding and influencing the patient, provider, health care system and societal factors that contribute to their uptake and effectiveness in 'real-world' settings.
National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA. Wideroff@nih.gov
Louise
L
Wideroff
Kathryn A
KA
Phillips
Gurvaneet
G
Randhawa
Anita
A
Ambs
Katrina
K
Armstrong
Charles L
CL
Bennett
Martin L
ML
Brown
Molla S
MS
Donaldson
Michele
M
Follen
Sue J
SJ
Goldie
Robert A
RA
Hiatt
Muin J
MJ
Khoury
Graham
G
Lewis
Howard L
HL
McLeod
Margaret
M
Piper
Isaac
I
Powell
Deborah
D
Schrag
Kevin A
KA
Schulman
Joan
J
Scott
D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D023281:Genomics; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006302:Health Services Research / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000628:therapy*; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D012935:Social Justice