Microcosting Study of Genomic Profiling for Precision Cancer Medicine: Application from the National Infrastructure for Precision Diagnostics in Norway

Abstract

Detailed cost analyses of genomic profiling for precision cancer medicine can inform strategic planning and cost-effectiveness analysis. A flexible costing framework was developed in this study to conduct microcosting of genomic profiling in precision cancer medicine using the broad gene panel TruSight Oncology 500 and accounting for its integration into the molecular tumor board within the national Infrastructure for Precision Diagnostics in Norway. The framework enables calculation of costs per sample, by workflow steps and cost categories. Site visits and discussions with staff at Oslo University Hospital informed the diagnostic workflow, validation of the framework, and resource use inputs. Sensitivity analysis addressed alternative resource use estimates, higher batch sizes, and investment costs for automation of the library preparation step. Total costs per sample were $2944 USD, ranging from $2366 to $4307 when considering uncertainties in estimates. Consumables and personnel were the most resource-intensive cost categories across analyses. Automating the resource-intensive library preparation step enabled a higher weekly batch size with slightly lower costs per sample ($2881) despite the additional equipment costs. The dynamic costing framework highlights how the choice of equipment and batch sizes affects sample costs and personnel needs for genomic profiling. Consumables and personnel offer the largest potential for costs savings, but potential personnel bottlenecks need to be considered when further upscaling capacity.