Evolving a therapy manufacturer's genetic testing program for a rare solid tumour

A small innovative medicines company, needed to streamline their complementary genetic testing that identified patients for its emerging therapy, an FGFR2 inhibitor to treat a rare solid tumour, cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). The client needed to assess if medical oncologists have sufficient knowledge and access for FGFR2 genetic testing which identifies eligible patients for therapy.

KeyOps co-created a 15 minute question survey targeting medical oncologists who treat CCA rare solid tumour of interest. A total of 24 participants were surveyed.

Working with the therapy manufacturer on their recruitment criteria for the survey, nearly half of the respondents were from Quebec where experience with the therapy is unique given easier access.

The manufacturer felt they were less experienced in working with community hospitals given their focus on academic centers, and asked to have some representation from medical oncologists in this practice setting.

While KeyOps works with clients to recruit targeted physicians, for this study, they suggested recruiting off target participants in Quebec and Ontario as well. This allowed the client to get a fuller picture of what physicians need to identify these rare disease patients.

The client confidently determined what new topics for education were needed for medical oncologists in academic and community settings.

With the understanding that institutions are able to send patient samples out for testing, the client identified what logistical and financial assistance can be offered to ensure eligible patients for its therapy are identified.

This case study was published anonymously to protect the competitive intelligence of our client.