With the advancement of technology, precision medicine has become crucial in improving treatment efficacy and patient quality of life. The application of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) and the establishment of a nationwide database are of significant importance in enhancing Taiwan's capabilities in precision medicine. Huey-Kang Sytwu, Director of the National Health Research Institutes, pointed out that this will enable Taiwan to synchronize with the global forefront in precision medical treatment, assisting patients in receiving precise treatment, reducing unnecessary side effects, and enhancing patient quality of life.
The Health Big Data Sustainable Platform initiated by the Taiwan Clinical Oncology Group (TCOG) is currently collecting data and conducting NGS testing and research on 4,000 patients across 11 cancer types in Taiwan. This serves as the vanguard of a nationwide NGS database. Through in-depth analysis of gene mutations in cancer patients, these studies can effectively guide cancer treatment.
Legislation Needs Improvement to Regulate Data Application
Taking bile duct cancer as an example, traditionally, chemotherapy has been the main treatment. However, after NGS testing, it was found that 28.5% of patients had specific genetic mutations. This provides them with the opportunity to receive more accurate targeted drug or immunotherapy, significantly improving treatment efficacy and reducing side effects.
However, the integration of NGS into national healthcare reimbursement and the establishment of a nationwide database have also raised concerns among the public about personal privacy. Huey-Kang Sytwu emphasized that the government attaches great importance to this issue and has implemented strict privacy protection measures. All genetic testing and data collection must be based on explicit patient consent and undergo de-identification processing before use to ensure strict protection of personal privacy. Additionally, the use of this data will be strictly limited to academic research and clinical applications and will not be abused for other purposes.
Huey-Kang Sytwu stressed that the biggest challenge in establishing a nationwide NGS database is how to integrate electronic medical record systems between hospitals. This is not only a technical challenge but also involves cross-institutional cooperation and the regulation of data sharing. To overcome these challenges, the government needs to establish a comprehensive legal and policy framework to regulate the collection, use, and sharing of data, while ensuring that all operations are based on explicit patient consent and de-identification.
Genetic Database Promotes Drug Development
Establishing a nationwide NGS database is not just a genetic database; it contains data such as treatment responses, treatment prognosis, and survival rates. This information will promote drug development and provide empirical support for clinical decision-making, driving the development of precision medicine and thereby improving the quality of cancer prevention and treatment in the country.
Huey-Kang Sytwu mentioned that Taiwan, as a microcosm of the global Chinese population, possesses characteristics of a diverse ethnic group. The Health Insurance NGS Genetic Database will be a valuable indigenous data source for the Chinese population. Because most global genetic medical databases consist of data from Western populations, establishing local data is essential for better precision medicine, making it invaluable. The National Health Research Institutes will collaborate with United Daily News to host a cancer forum, where the NHRI will present exciting content on "The Core of Cancer Treatment Advocated by NHRI - Taiwan Clinical Oncology Group (TCOG)."
Resource (Mandarin):
