The NHIA is planning to include next-generation sequencing (NGS) testing in the NHI Benefit Scheme. Dr Shih Chung-Liang, Director-General of the NHIA, stated that a preliminary consensus has been reached regarding the classification of genetic loci targeted by drug treatments into three levels. NGS testing will be reimbursed at a fixed price, with the option for patients to pay for additional tests.

Precision medicine and personalized medicine have become prominent trends in cancer treatment. Emerging targeted therapies and immunotherapies all require NGS biomarker testing to identify mutations as treatment targets.  Dr Shih hinted that NGS testing could become available under the NHI next year. 

According to NHIA's data, the NHI currently provides 22 targeted therapies for 11 different types of cancers.  Dr Shih said in a press conference that a preliminary consensus was reached in the first meeting on NGS testing to check and list all genetic loci targeted by treatments.

Dr Shih explained that all listed genetic loci will be put into 3 levels.   Level 1 loci are targeted by NHI-reimbursed therapies. Level 2 loci are targeted by licensed therapies which are not yet available under the NHI.  Level 3 loci are targeted by investigational new drugs still under clinical trials.  They will also be further classified according to cancer type.

According to D. Shih, the next meeting will focus on discussing the scope of the basic kit and the expansion kit for NGS testing. Some NGS testing kits are already available on the market, and their prices are relatively uniform. The NHIA will take this into account when formulating the reimbursement policy. Dr Shih stated that the NHIA intends to reimburse basic testing kits but also to allow patients to pay for additional tests.

【2023-10-26 / Central News Agency】