New report evaluates cost effectiveness of exome sequencing

A collaboration between King’s Health Partners and PHG Foundation has been the undertaking a health economic analysis into the cost effectiveness of using exome sequencing as a routine clinical test. The results from the pilot project, which was funded by Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, are now published in the free report  Whole-exome sequencing in clinical genetics: A health economic evaluation.

Exome sequencing is a relatively new technique that involves determination of the DNA sequence of the comparatively small proportion of the genome that is expressed as messenger RNA. The technique has been shown to greatly increase the likelihood and accuracy of a diagnosis for patients with conditions suspected to be of inherited genetic origin

King’s Health Partners is working to establish routine clinical use of exome sequencing to enhance diagnostic and treatment pathways for patients. As part of this work a pilot was set up to determine whether this currently represents a cost-effective use of NHS resources where diagnosis is otherwise difficult, expensive or unavailable in the required time scale, or would require invasive procedures.

Two clinical scenarios are presented in the health economic evaluation: one where the exome virtual gene panel test is offered in addition to standard genetics tests and another in which it is offered as a ‘near first-line’ test (e.g. after an array CGH test in a case of developmental delay). 

The evaluation showed that the virtual gene panel is currently more expensive than conventional sequential testing. However, diagnostic yield would be increased by around 42%. Proposals to remove confirmatory testing, which would help reduce the costs of this test, are under consideration. The full report is available for free here