FAQs

What is the purpose of INTERACT Coalition?
  • The INTERACT Coalition’s mission is to bring hereditary cancer genetic testing laboratories, other related industry organizations, and patient advocacy groups together to support the progression and evolution of medical policy and industry guidelines for hereditary cancer genetic testing. The Coalition intends to accomplish this mission through collective engagement and evidence sharing with appropriate societal/guideline stakeholders.
  • The Coalition works to promote evidence-based standards for the use of genetic testing as a tool for the prevention, early detection, and effective treatment of cancer.
  • The Coalition also seeks to conduct research needed to provide evidentiary support for specific guidelines changes.
Who are the members of the INTERACT Coalition?

A list of current Coalition members can be found in our Membership Directory.

Learn more or to inquire about membership

What NCCN guidelines do you review?
  • We primarily focus on any NCCN guideline that provides recommendations for individuals and their family members who are at risk for hereditary cancer syndromes. This not only includes the Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Breast, Ovarian, Pancreatic, and Prostate and the Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Colorectal, Endometrial, and Gastric guidelines but any of the specific cancer treatment guidelines that include germline genetic testing guidance.
Do you review other guidelines besides NCCN?
  • We are interested in any position statements or guidelines that impact patient access to genetic testing. To date we have primarily focused on NCCN guidelines because they have the most influence on health insurance criteria and coverage, and they have a publicly available calendar and process for feedback. However, we are open to addressing other guidelines as well.
Does the Coalition only work in the oncology space?
  • Yes, the focus is limited to genetic testing for hereditary cancer risk.
Does the Coalition work on tumor (somatic) or non-hereditary (germline) mutation guidelines?
  • Currently we are only focused on germline genetic testing.
What are some of the Coalition successes?
  • Since the inception of the INTERACT Coalition in 2020, we have submitted numerous letters to various NCCN Committees and one letter to ASCO Panel members requesting evidence-based modifications to their guidelines. These requests focused on improving access to hereditary cancer genetic testing for patients and their families, correcting confusing language in the guideline, or aligning recommendations across different guideline groups/organizations.
  • For more details, please refer to our Guideline Requests webpage. and/or the NCCN transparency documents available on its website.
What does INTERACT Coalition membership entail?

Representatives from member organizations are expected to:

  • Participate in a one-hour monthly meeting
  • Contribute as appropriate to discussions on proposed guidelines changes
  • Review working documents developed by the coalition in a timely manner
  • Obtain organizational approval of any public documents in a timely manner
  • Share in the nominal operating expenses of the group (Industry partners ONLY; advocacy group partners are not expected to contribute financially to INTERACT)
How can my organization become a member?
  • The INTERACT Coalition welcomes any commercial company or non-profit organization whose mission includes addressing genetic testing, management, or other needs of individuals at risk for hereditary cancer.
  • Membership applications are reviewed on a regular basis and require consensus approval by current INTERACT Coalition members.
  • See the Membership tab for the application form or contact us at [email protected] with any questions.