Expand Access to Biomarker Testing in Maine

Biomarker testing helps connect patients with the right treatment at the right time. ACS CAN and partners are working together to make sure more Maine residents can benefit from this important testing.

What is Biomarker Testing?

• In cancer care, biomarkers are often used to help determine the best treatment for a patient.
• A “biomarker” is a sign of a normal biological process, disease or abnormal function that can be measured in blood, tissue or bodily fluid. 
• Biomarker testing is the analysis of a patient’s tissue, blood or other biospecimen for the presence of a biomarker.

Political action is needed to ensure more Maine residents benefit.

• Not all communities are benefiting from the latest advancements in biomarker testing and precision medicine.
  
  • Communities that have been excluded, including communities of color, individuals with lower socioeconomic status, rural communities, and those receiving care in non-academic medical centers are less likely to receive biomarker testing.
  • Improving coverage for and access to biomarker testing across insurance types is key to reducing health disparities.
• Without action to expand coverage and access to biomarker testing, advances in precision medicine could increase existing disparities in cancer outcomes by race, ethnicity, income, and geography.
• Insurance coverage for biomarker testing is failing to keep pace with innovations and advancements in treatment.

Key Resources

• Maine Biomarker Testing Fact Sheet

• General Biomarker Testing Fact Sheet

• Pharmacogenomic (PGx) Testing Fact Sheet

• Policy Reports

• Types of Biomarker Testing

• Patient Profiles (www.fightcancer.org/biomarkerprofiles)

• Biomarker Testing Costs and Savings

• Non-Oncology Biomarker Testing

• National Coalition Partners

• 2-Minute Animated Explainer Video

• Biomarker Testing in Maine: A Storybook

Story Collection

Stories about biomarker testing and precision medicine from real Mainers are what will inspire state lawmakers to act. If you or someone you know have benefitted from biomarker testing, please consider sharing your story to make a difference for other patients who could benefit from right treatment at the right time.

What are other words for biomarker testing?

• Mutation testing, genomic testing, molecular testing, molecular profiling, and tumor profiling are all terms for biomarker testing.
• The results of biomarker testing are key to precision oncology – which can include: targeted therapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, and stem cell or cell-based therapy.

The results of biomarker testing are key to precision oncology – which can include: targeted therapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy and stem cell or cell-based therapy.

• Stories about biomarker testing could include:
  
  • finding a patient is eligible for a targeted treatment
  • knowing which treatments to avoid because they would be toxic or ineffective
  • eligibility for a clinical trial based on their biomarkers
  • early detection of recurrence from monitoring test

When you share your story with ACS CAN, you are using your voice for change. After you submit your story using the form linked below, you will be contacted by your Maine Grassroots Manager. They will request a meeting so they can get to know you and capture your story in all it's important detail. You will have the opportunity to review and approve your story before it is shared with any one, any where. Your story is precious, and we are here to help amplify your voice in a way that is personal, comfortable, and impactful.

Share your story with us!

Questions about the campaign? Contact your local ACS CAN staff members:

Jula MacDonald, Maine Government Relations Director 
[email protected] | 207.888.9826

Emily Johnson, Maine Grassroots Manager
[email protected] | 603.602.7092