Today, Gov. Kevin Stitt signed legislation that will improve access to care for cancer patients by expanding coverage for biomarker testing. Senate Bill 513 will enable more patients to benefit from biomarker testing, an essential step in accessing precision medicine treatments.
“ACS CAN thanks Sen. Paul Rosino for his leadership on biomarker testing legislation and Gov. Stitt for signing this important piece of legislation,” said Matt Glanville, Oklahoma government relations director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) . “This legislation will help dismantle barriers and bring the promise of precision medicine to cancer patients no matter their income, race, or where they live. This will provide many benefits to patients, including better outcomes, improved quality of life, and in some cases, reduced costs from bypassing ineffective therapies.”
Dubbed ‘the right treatment at the right time,’ precision medicine has played a critical role in improving cancer outcomes. For example, patients with certain lung cancer types who received biomarker testing and targeted therapy had a 31% reduction in mortality. But to determine if a patient will benefit from certain targeted therapies, doctors must test for specific biomarkers – such as gene mutations – found in blood, tissues, or other biospecimens that provide insight into physiological processes, medical conditions, or diseases.
“Biomarker testing can save lives. It can help doctors identify treatment that is faster, more effective, and less painful, and can ultimately save lives,” said Sen. Paul Rosino. “Biomarker testing allows doctors to make full use of all the cancer research and treatments that are available. Patients deserve that benefit and the hope that comes with these treatment options.”
For more information on precision medicine, cancer biomarkers, current barriers to biomarker testing, and ACS CAN’s policy recommendations, visit www.fightcancer.org/biomarkers.
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About ACS CAN:
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) makes cancer a top priority for policymakers at every level of government. ACS CAN empowers volunteers across the country to make their voices heard to influence evidence-based public policy change that improves the lives of people with cancer and their families. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and advanced proven tobacco control measures. We’re more determined than ever to stand together with our volunteers to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.
