New Regional Lynch Syndrome Expert Networks in development

Although a common condition, only 5% of patients with LS are known in the UK.

The Genomic Medicine Service Alliance (GMSA) LS project aims to deliver more effective diagnosis, supporting cancer teams to offer genetic testing to their own patents, rather than referring them elsewhere along more complex diagnostic pathways.

Subsequent routine clinical management may be delivered in primary and secondary care guided by clinical genetics services. Many patients will have complex needs that benefit from a multi-specialty and multi-disciplinary coordinated approach that is best delivered through a centre of regional expertise.  However there is extensive evidence that access to this care for people with LS is currently highly variable across England.

The GMSA project is working to establish regional expert networks to ensure that patients can access this coordinated approach wherever they are in the country. The networks will launch on Monday 13th March 1-2pm. If you would like to attend, please contact The NHS National Lynch syndrome project team by email at lnwh-tr.lynchsyndrometeam@nhs.net

Overview of Regional Expert Network Activity

The network should be responsive to local / regional needs but is likely to include the following elements:

1. Multi-disciplinary and multi-specialty representation (affiliated to clinical genetics services, but including a broad range of multidisciplinary expertise from gastroenterology, gynaecology, nursing, pathology and others)
2. Provide support to secondary care teams providing ‘mainstreamed’ genetic testing
   1. Review results and advise on complex cases
   2. Ensure that mainstreamed diagnoses of LS are linked to regional genetic service referral pathways, and ascertained for national screening
3. Provide an electronic platform so that communication is possible between clinicians within the geography and the specialist network
4. Accessible MDT meetings for discussion of genetic test interpretation, clinical queries, complex case discussion etc.
5. A dedicated Network Pathway Coordinator funded by NHSE.  This coordinator would liaise between mainstreaming services in cancer MDTs and specialist services to ensure that all mainstreamed LS diagnoses are managed consistently.
6. Participate in internal audit and research
7. Have clear governance arrangements (twice yearly review with GMSA board)

Networks will support;

• Local cancer MDTs via Lynch champions within MDTs
• Mainstreaming pathways
• Family history services
• Primary care clinicians

The Role of Virtual MDT meetings

Expert centres and regional networks can offer ‘virtual review’ of patients from other centres who will receive management locally but for whom support may be given in management decisions and/or specific treatments, e.g. segmental of extended resection in LS, resection of CRC in FAP patients, advise about the appropriateness of potential referrals to expert centres.