FORT MYERS, FL -- The most rewarding part of our roles as oncology providers is the opportunity to extend and enrich lives. It enables people to witness cherished milestones such as a child’s wedding or the birth of a grandchild.
The oncology world is witnessing a transformative phase with the growing use of personalized medicine. In tandem with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), we at Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) are working to improve access to biomarker testing, including innovative diagnostic tests that can provide game-changing information for cancer treatment.
Thanks to modern medical breakthroughs, when someone is diagnosed with cancer and when clinically appropriate, we use biomarker testing to precisely identify the mutations unique to a patient’s cancer. Biomarker testing has revolutionized the entire approach to oncology care.
We have seen tremendous gains in the understanding and adoption of biomarker testing over the last five years. The results from such testing have led to increased survivorship and quality of life for cancer patients, but we need strong policy to support access to such innovation.
However, there’s a looming discrepancy: a widening gap between the incredible potential of this technology and barriers that keep too many Floridians from having access to biomarker testing. The reason is that insurance coverage of biomarker testing fails to keep pace with innovations in treatment and testing.
Nearly 70 percent of oncology providers say insurance coverage is a significant or moderate barrier to appropriate biomarker testing for their patients. Delays and bureaucratic denials disproportionately hurt minority populations, who are often diagnosed with cancer at a later stage. Barriers must be removed to allow more patients access to biomarker tests.
Time is the most critical factor in fighting cancer; early detection and treatment saves lives. When patients don’t have access to biomarker testing, their likelihood of survival may drop. Without the knowledge provided by biomarker tests, patients who could benefit from the testing are more likely to go through failed treatments.
At FCS, we are acutely aware of the long-term cost savings associated with biomarker testing that reduces the financial burden on the health care system. The ability to tailor therapies to specific cancer traits may lead to improved clinical outcomes and cost reduction. The goal of a precision approach is to minimize hospitalizations, adverse effects and drug usage, which should lower the overall total cost of care.
Comprehensive biomarker testing can allow patients to avoid treatments that are likely to be ineffective and can also identify patients at low risk for disease progression or recurrence, allowing them to avoid treatments that may not be beneficial or necessary.
Together, we are working with ACS CAN to call on Florida lawmakers to join 12 other states, including our neighbors in Georgia and Texas, to ensure comprehensive biomarker testing coverage so Floridians covered by state-regulated plans, including Medicaid, can have better access to this essential testing.
This originally published as an op-ed in the Ft. Myers News-Press and Naples Daily News on October 1. Florida Cancer Specialists' Dr. Lucio Gordan co-authored it with his colleague, ACS CAN volunteer Kiana Mehring.
