Abstract

Oncology Biomarker Testing: Current U.S. Practice Baseline and Emerging Trends

Julia Trosman, Director, Center for Business Models in Healthcare

Molecular biomarkers, a cornerstone of precision oncology, are critical for management of a number of cancers. Testing practices are varied and intensely debated, impacting diagnostic quality and affecting pathologists, oncologists and patients. However, little is known about testing approaches used in the US clinical practice. This presentation will outline key issues in oncology biomarker testing and describe findings from a study of practices used by National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated cancer centers, the leading U.S. oncology institutions, for testing key biomarkers in three solid tumors - breast, gastroesophageal and non-small cell lung cancers. Taken together, these three cancers represent an epitome of molecular profiling practices. We will discuss these practices as the groundwork for a U.S. practice baseline, in the context of current guidelines, testing challenges and implications for community-based oncology. Finally, we will outline emerging trends in biomarker testing, namely next-generation tumour sequencing, and related adoption and reimbursement implications.