Case studies · For Patients & Families
More clarity for the next conversation about care
Composite scenarios that show how a question from a patient or family can be organised into a defined review, and where the treating team remains central.
Illustrative composite scenarios
These are fictional composites that explain process and potential outputs. They are not real KPCIRC cases, testimonials or clinical or research outcomes.
Illustrative composite case 01
“I have a genomic report but do not understand it.”
- Starting question
- What does my report actually say, and which parts should I discuss with my oncologist?
- Available information
- An existing NGS or molecular report listing gene changes and possible therapeutic associations.
- The challenge or gap
- It is unclear which statements are established evidence and which require discussion or further information.
- Relevant KPCIRC pathway
- A clinical consultation or POAS, depending on the question, with the treating oncologist involved.
- Analytical or review process
- KPCIRC assesses whether POAS or a consultation fits the question, explains the report’s scope and limits, identifies missing clinical context, organises questions for the treating oncologist and considers trial questions without promising eligibility.
- Intended output
- A structured review output and question list for discussion with the treating clinician, subject to service scope.
- Limitations and unresolved questions
- A gene alteration alone does not establish a diagnosis, treatment eligibility or likely response.
- Appropriate next action
- Discuss the output with the treating oncologist, who remains responsible for treatment decisions.
Illustrative composite case 02
“Several relatives have had cancer. Should we consider genetic testing?”
- Starting question
- Does our family history suggest that hereditary-risk assessment or counselling would be useful?
- Available information
- A family history including several cancer diagnoses, with some cancer types and ages known.
- The challenge or gap
- The family wants to understand whether testing is appropriate, what it could show and what it could mean for relatives.
- Relevant KPCIRC pathway
- Cancer risk assessment and genetic counselling, with Heritage 65 or Heritage 160+ considered only if indicated.
- Analytical or review process
- Cancer types and ages at diagnosis are reviewed where known. Counselling is discussed. The team considers whether either Heritage panel fits the clinical question and explains possible result categories, limitations and family implications.
- Intended output
- A more clearly defined pathway, which may lead to testing, further assessment or no additional testing at that time.
- Limitations and unresolved questions
- Testing cannot generally predict with certainty whether or when an individual will develop cancer; panel choice requires context.
- Appropriate next action
- Book a risk assessment or genetic counselling discussion.
Illustrative composite case 03
“My prescribed treatment needs supportive medicines and monitoring.”
- Starting question
- How will chair time, supportive medicines, observation and follow-up be planned for a prescribed treatment?
- Available information
- A prescribed cancer treatment, the regimen and the patient’s relevant reaction history.
- The challenge or gap
- The team needs to plan chair time, protocol-directed supportive medicines, observation and post-session instructions at a confirmed site.
- Relevant KPCIRC pathway
- Oncology day care and infusion, with high-risk observation where the protocol requires it.
- Analytical or review process
- Site scope is confirmed. The prescribed order and reaction history are reviewed. Pre-clearance is supported, together with prescribed hydration, electrolyte or antiemetic measures where indicated. Handoff and follow-up are documented under the agreed care model.
- Intended output
- A planned session and a clearer handoff, if staff, facility capability and protocols are confirmed.
- Limitations and unresolved questions
- There is no universal “prevention infusion”. Supportive or prophylactic measures are specific to the treatment and patient and may be oral, injectable or infusion-based.
- Appropriate next action
- Enquire about day-care availability at a confirmed site, with the treating clinician’s order.