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Last Posted: Jun 20, 2024
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The State of State Biomarker Testing Insurance Coverage Laws

From the article:" There has been a recent push for legislation mandating coverage of “biomarker testing” according to evidence that receipt of such testing can depend on race and ethnicity, age, geography, or site of care. A specific type of biomarker testing for cancer subtypes (ie, “tumor profiling”) is becoming particularly important because many newer cancer therapies target specific mutations (eg, EGFR in non–small cell lung cancer, KRAS in colorectal cancer). Although use of biomarker testing is increasing, barriers to access persist. Cost and lack of insurance coverage are common barriers to testing because insurance coverage varies across commercial payers, Medicare, and Medicaid."

Racial and ethnic disparities in genomic testing among lung cancer patients: a systematic review.
Clare Meernik et al. J Natl Cancer Inst 2024 2

From the abstract: "We conducted a systemic review to examine racial and ethnic disparities in the use of genomic testing among lung cancer patients in the U.S. Two comprehensive searches in PubMed, Embase, and Scopus were conducted (September 2022, May 2023). Original studies that assessed rates of genomic testing by race or ethnicity were included. A majority of studies, though not all, observed racial and ethnic disparities in the use of genomic testing among patients with lung cancer. Heterogeneity of study results throughout a period of changing clinical guidelines suggests that minoritized populations—Black patients in particular—have faced additional barriers to genomic testing."

Concurrent Circulating Tumor DNA and Tissue Genotyping-Ready for Prime Time?
Benjamin A Bleiberg et al. JAMA Netw Open 2024 1 (1) e2351679

From the article: "Cell-free circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is shed by tumor cells into the systemic circulation and, thanks to advancements in next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies, affords the opportunity to noninvasively detect cancer-specific somatic variants. The use of ctDNA-based molecular genotyping for tumor profiling and identification of patients eligible for targeted therapies has been integrated into clinical practice for a variety of tumor types. The prime example of this is in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), where identifying actionable variants via genomic profiling is essential to determining the appropriate standard of care for patients. "

Lung cancer in patients who have never smoked - an emerging disease.
Jaclyn LoPiccolo et al. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2024 1

From the abstract: " New data have provided important insights into the molecular and genomic characteristics of LCINS, which are distinct from those of smoking-associated lung cancers and directly affect treatment decisions and outcomes. Herein, we review the emerging data regarding the aetiology and features of LCINS, particularly the genetic and environmental underpinnings of this disease as well as their implications for treatment. "


Disclaimer: Articles listed in the Public Health Genomics and Precision Health Knowledge Base are selected by the CDC Office of Public Health Genomics to provide current awareness of the literature and news. Inclusion in the update does not necessarily represent the views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention nor does it imply endorsement of the article's methods or findings. CDC and DHHS assume no responsibility for the factual accuracy of the items presented. The selection, omission, or content of items does not imply any endorsement or other position taken by CDC or DHHS. Opinion, findings and conclusions expressed by the original authors of items included in the update, or persons quoted therein, are strictly their own and are in no way meant to represent the opinion or views of CDC or DHHS. References to publications, news sources, and non-CDC Websites are provided solely for informational purposes and do not imply endorsement by CDC or DHHS.

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