Biomarker Testing
What is Biomarker Testing?
Biomarker testing is a critical development in precision medicine that helps patients ensure they are receiving the right treatment, or the best targeted treatment for their specific diagnosis, at the right time. A biomarker is a sign of disease or abnormal function that can be measured in blood, tissue, or bodily fluid and a patient’s tissue, blood, or fluid biospecimen can be tested for the presence of a biomarker.
This form of precision testing has revolutionized treatment delivery for patients. Biomarker tests can help determine the best treatment plan for a specific patient more quickly and accurately, leading to improved survivorship and better quality of life. Biomarker testing is increasingly important for cancer care and for the treatment of chronic and debilitating conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, neurological disorders, and more.
In cancer, biomarker testing is looking at the specific cells in the cancer tumor. This provides information about that specific cancer tumor and can help better identify the best drug or combination of drugs and therapies to kill the cancer tumor. Biomarker testing can also be used to help determine other important information for survivorship, like risk of recurrence, and can help doctors prescribe treatments to reduce those risks.
Lack of Patient Access to Biomarker Testing
Despite the growing importance of biomarker testing to ensure patients are receiving the best treatment that is right for them, significant access barriers to these tests persist. Many patients do not receive biomarker testing because it is not covered by their insurance plan and/or the out-of-pocket costs are too high.
Impact of Biomarker Testing on Health Equity
Lack of access to crucial biomarker testing can exacerbate health disparities across the nation. Marginalized communities, including communities of color, individuals with lower socioeconomic status, and patients living in rural areas, are less likely to receive biomarker testing. Insurance coverage for biomarker testing has not kept up with the pace of innovation and advancements in treatment and testing. Patients need access to this testing to get accurately treated more quickly and improve chances of survival. Expanding access to biomarker testing is a crucial step towards health equity.
Expand Access to Biomarker Testing
Tigerlily Foundation supports and advocates for expanded access and coverage for biomarker testing so that every patient has access to the best possible precision treatment.
We urge policymakers to support legislation to improve coverage of biomarker testing and ensure patients living with cancer and other severe illnesses receive the treatment that is right for them.
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