Two Decades of the Department of Molecular Diagnostics at the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana

The Department of Molecular Diagnostics at the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana was established in 2005 at the initiative of Prof. Dr. Srdjan Novaković. Over the past 20 years, it has evolved into the central national laboratory for genetic testing of individuals with a higher risk of hereditary cancer syndromes, as well as for molecular genetic testing of various types of solid tumours, where tumour genotyping plays a key role in diagnosis, treatment planning, and prognosis. A special area of the department’s work involves pharmacogenetic testing, which identifies patients at increased risk of severe adverse drug effects. In terms of the complexity and quality of its diagnostic services, the Department of Molecular Diagnostics is comparable to internationally recognized centres performing molecular diagnostics. This is demonstrated by its extensive range of tests that follow international clinical guidelines for the management of cancer patients, as well as by its regular participation and successful performance in external quality assessment schemes. As a result, Slovenian cancer patients have access to comprehensive molecular genetic testing within the country, without the need for referral abroad. An important step forward has also been the agreement with the Health Insurance Institute of Slovenia (ZZZS) on the funding of these services, ensuring patients have access to high-quality diagnostics and personalized treatment with targeted therapies, in accordance with the most up-to-date international guidelines and without any additional costs to patients. Patients from healthcare institutions across Slovenia may be referred for molecular genetic testing to the Department of Molecular Diagnostics.