Lithuania to Fund Comprehensive Genetic Test for Advanced Ovarian Cancer Patients

Lithuania is introducing a significant advancement in cancer care by fully funding a comprehensive genetic test for patients diagnosed with stage III or IV ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer. This crucial test, financed by the Compulsory Health Insurance Fund (PSDF), will identify BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations, assess genomic instability, and determine homologous recombination deficiency (HRD).

The results from this single, detailed examination will be instrumental in guiding treatment decisions, particularly concerning the use of the targeted therapy drug olaparib. The Ministry of Health (SAM) stated that this integrated approach will not only reduce the need for multiple, potentially burdensome repeat tests but also enable physicians to select the most effective treatment more rapidly.

"By obtaining all the necessary answers from one comprehensive test, doctors can more quickly choose the most suitable assistance, and women will no longer have to endure the exhausting wait for repeat tests," stated the Minister of Health, Linas Kukuraitis. "This is not only a rational use of resources but, above all, greater safety and hope for patients."

Each comprehensive test is estimated to cost the PSDF budget approximately 1,000 euros. Data from SAM indicates that Lithuania diagnoses fewer than 300 such cancer cases annually. Epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal cancer remain the leading causes of death from gynecological malignancies among women in Lithuania, with approximately 70-75% of cases diagnosed at late stages.

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By obtaining all the necessary answers from one comprehensive test, doctors can more quickly choose the most suitable assistance, and women will no longer have to endure the exhausting wait for repeat tests. This is not only a rational use of resources but, above all, greater safety and hope for patients.