Biomarker testing is key to unlocking precision medicine.
Biomarkers are often used to help determine the best treatment for a patient, but not all communities are benefitting from the latest advancements in biomarker testing and precision medicine.
Progress in improving cancer outcomes increasingly involves the use of precision medicine. Biomarker testing is an important step for accessing precision medicine including targeted therapies that can lead to improved survivorship and better quality of life for cancer patients. But without action to expand coverage of and access to biomarker testing, advances in precision medicine could increase existing disparities in cancer outcomes by race, ethnicity, income, and geography.
ACS CAN is working to expand insurance coverage of comprehensive biomarker testing.
Legislation enacted: AR*, AZ, CA, GA, IL, KY, LA, MD, MN, NM, NY, OK, RI, TX Legislation introduced/expected in 2024: CO, CT, HI, IA, IN, FL, MA, ME, NJ, NV, OH, PA, WA, WV, VT
Biomarker testing helps ensure cancer patients get the right treatment at the right time.
It allows doctors to precisely target a specific cancer so patients may not have to undergo more generalized treatments like chemo and radiation that may not work as well for them.
Biomarker testing is the latest advanced in cancer research that is personal to the patient and their cancer, helping ensure patients get the right treatment at the right time.
DENVER, COLO. — MARCH 13, 2024 — American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) volunteers from across Colorado convened at the State Capitol on Wednesday. They urged lawmakers to pass SB 124, which if enacted would ensure biomarker testing is covered by more insurance plans, including Health First Colorado, when supported by medical and scientific evidence.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – March 6, 2024 – The Florida legislature passed a bill late Tuesday that expands patient access to biomarker testing, a key tool used by physicians to identify the most effective treatment of cancer and other diseases.
Cancer biomarker testing can lead to targeted therapy which can improve survival and quality of life by connecting patients to the most beneficial treatment for their disease.
Pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing is a component of precision medicine that involves examining a patient’s inherited genes to detect variations that may impact the way a drug is broken down, absorbed and used within the body.