A biomarker is a substance that can be measured in specimens such as blood or tissue. In cancer care, these are often gene mutations or protein expression. Biomarker testing identifies the gene mutations or protein expressions and helps match that specific cancer with the right treatment, often leading to improved health outcomes, better quality of life, and ultimately cost savings.
By testing for certain markers, doctors are able to match that specific type of cancer to a treatment that is more likely to be effective; this is called a targeted treatment. Targeted treatments allow some people to avoid broader, systemic treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation treatments, and instead receive precision treatments that often have fewer side effects and may offer a better outcome. Importantly, this also allows your healthcare team to avoid treatments that will be ineffective, saving valuable time and costs.
Access to Biomarker Testing
Unfortunately, not all people diagnosed with cancer who might benefit from biomarker testing are receiving it, and access to testing varies across different groups. Studies have shown that people with cancer who have lower incomes, are insured by Medicaid, are Black, or are receiving care at nonacademic medical centers are all less likely to receive guideline-indicated biomarker testing. One reason many patients who could benefit from biomarker testing aren’t able to get it is because their insurance won’t cover the testing they need.
Legislative Efforts to Increase Access
As the policy affiliate of the American Cancer Society (ACS), the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) supports proven policies to save lives and reduce suffering from cancer, including access to biomarker testing. We’re working with lawmakers, partner organizations, providers, and patient advocates to pass state legislation to require more insurance plans to cover biomarker testing that is supported by the latest evidence.
So far, legislation to expand coverage of biomarker testing has passed in 16 states, and bills are moving through the legislative process in 9 states (Table).
While we’ve made a lot of progress, this work isn’t easy and often several years of coordinated efforts are required to pass legislation that will make a real difference for people with cancer.
How You Can Help
You can help us pass policies that will enable more people with cancer to get the care they need. Visit fightcancer.org to learn more and get involved. You can connect with ACS CAN staff and volunteers in your state. Lawmakers need to hear from people like you about the challenges you face.
These personalized treatments are the future of healthcare, not just for cancer, but for other conditions as well. Let’s make sure everyone can benefit.
About the Author
Hilary Gee Goeckner, MSW, is Director of State and Local Campaigns at the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network.
