Biomarkers are valuable tools that can help doctors diagnose, monitor, and treat diseases. The specific markers—genetic or protein alterations within a cancer cell—bring a characteristic profile to the disease that allows the healthcare team to diagnose, monitor, and/or treat in a tailored manner. Oncology patient navigation is a supportive system that helps cancer patients navigate the complexities of their treatment journey. Navigators help ensure that patients can access necessary care and follow treatment plans effectively by addressing their unique barriers to care, whether they are logistical, cultural, linguistic, systemic, financial, or social. Biomarkers inform treatment decisions based on a patient’s specific cancer profile, while patient navigation helps patients access and adhere to those treatment plans by overcoming potential obstacles.
By identifying high-risk patients, certain biomarkers might indicate a higher risk of cancer recurrence or progression, enabling the navigator to prioritize support and monitoring for those patients. Each of these modalities works together by personalizing treatment selection. Doctors can tailor their treatment strategy, which the navigator can then help the patient access and understand. In monitoring treatment effectiveness, biomarkers can be used to identify a patient’s response to treatment over time, allowing the navigator to adjust support based on the patient’s evolving needs.
When distinctive parts of a healthcare system work together, they form a structure that advocates for personalized treatment. By integrating the use of biomarkers with patient navigation, improved patient outcomes are possible, as targeted treatments are aligned with proactive patient support. Patient navigation can help mitigate inconsistencies in access to care by addressing barriers faced by specific populations and opening the door for biomarker testing. Most importantly, the patient experience is enhanced as patients receive clear information about their cancer and treatment options so they can feel more empowered and engaged in their care.
Sharon S. Gentry, MSN, RN, HON-ONN-CG, AOCN, CBCN, is a champion of people living with cancer and an oncology healthcare provider with over 40 years of oncology care experience.
