Health and Global Policy Institute (HGPI) has published the discussion points “Considering Comprehensive Genomic Profiling from the Perspective of Patient Access: Utilizing the Medical Service Fee Reimbursement System and the Mixed Medical Services Program to Meet the Needs of Today.”

Since comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) was granted insurance coverage in 2019, people serving in clinical settings have built experience with genomic cancer medicine, and findings from various studies continue to accumulate. In June 2023, Japan enacted the “Act on the Comprehensive and Systematic Promotion of Policies to Ensure that the Public Can Receive High-Quality and Appropriate Genome Medicine with Peace of Mind” or the Genome Medicine Promotion Act, and momentum for the promotion of genomic cancer medicine continues to grow. However, various issues must be addressed before appropriate genomic cancer medicine can be broadly provided to patients.

On June 11, 2025, a joint report titled “Briefing Report on Solid Cancer Treatment Based on Gene Panel Testing Using Next-Generation Sequencers” was presented by the Japanese Society of Medical Oncology (JSMO), the Japanese Cancer Association (JCA), and the Japan Society of Clinical Oncology (JSCO). Guidance provided by these three societies was utilized as an important foundation when CGP was granted insurance coverage in 2019, and the 2025 Briefing Report is another resource that should be used as guidance during the next revision of the medical service fee schedule. Now is precisely the time that it is critical for us to deepen discussions and take concrete action to promote genomic cancer medicine so its benefits can be delivered to patients in a more appropriate manner.

In light of this, HGPI hosted a policy dialogue convening stakeholders from industry, government, academia, and civil society to exchange views on the current landscape, ongoing challenges, and future directions of cancer genomic medicine in Japan.

This discussion points document outlines the concrete actions and future directions that stakeholders across industry, government, academia, and civil society must pursue to ensure that cancer genomic medicine truly translates into tangible benefits for patients.

For details, please see the PDF at the bottom.