Last month, the American Cancer Society (ACS) released its annual report on cancer facts and trends, which found that, between 2017 and 2021, New Jersey had the highest incidence of pancreatic cancer behind D.C. It also found that progress is lagging for pancreatic cancer with incidence and mortality both increasing, and the 5-year survival for 9 out of 10 people diagnosed with tumors in the exocrine pancreas sitting at just 8%. Despite the concerning data, local pancreatic cancer survivor Nick Pifani is optimistic and views a path forward, in part through expanded access to biomarker testing. He is calling on leaders to help to improve access to biomarker testing when Assembly Bill 4163 / Senate Bill 3098 come under consideration.
Biomarker testing is an essential step in accessing precision medicine. It is typically used to inform treatment plans and match patients to targeted therapies, often resulting in improved survivorship and better quality of life. In a study on pancreatic cancer, patients receiving targeted therapies following biomarker testing lasted twice as long on treatments without disease progression.
For Pifani, an 8-year pancreatic cancer survivor of Delran, NJ, biomarker testing was critical to his survivorship with his results indicating that he was a prime candidate for a platinum-based chemotherapy as well as an intensive surgery, called the Whipple procedure. This enabled his providers to build a treatment plan that was unique to his disease and just as aggressive. After just two infusions of the platinum-based chemo, Nick’s persistent pain faded, and his tumor began to shrink.
Unfortunately, insurance coverage is not keeping pace with medical innovation in New Jersey, leaving many cancer patients unable to access biomarker testing.
Patient advocates like Pifani and those at ACS’s advocacy affiliate, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), want to increase access to biomarker testing in part to promote participation in and discoveries from clinical trials. The percentage of cancer clinical trials that involve biomarkers grew from 15% in 2000 to 55% in 2018. Additionally, between 2016 and 2020, 37 of the 62 oncology drugs launched required or recommended biomarker testing prior to use.
“Not only is biomarker testing incredibly important for current patients, their outcomes and quality of life, it is key to enabling discoveries around pancreatic cancer and developing treatments that save lives for future patients,” said Pifani. “I am hopeful that state lawmakers act to improve access to biomarker testing, spurring further breakthroughs and giving pancreatic cancer patients, like me, the best chance to survive their diagnosis.”
Legislation to extend coverage of biomarker testing to New Jersey patients, who can benefit and are insured through state-regulated health plans, including Medicaid, has been making its way through the New Jersey State Legislature. Assembly Bill 4163 / Senate Bill 3098 is awaiting consideration by the Assembly and the Senate Budget & Appropriations Committee, respectively. Advocates with ACS CAN and the New Jersey Biomarker Testing Coalition are hopeful that the bills will receive the necessary support to secure swift passage this legislative session.
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) advocates for evidence-based public policies to reduce the cancer burden for everyone. We engage our volunteers across the country to make their voices heard by policymakers at every level of government. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, 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 stand with our volunteers, working to make cancer a top priority for policymakers in cities, states and our nation’s capital. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.