Expand access to biomarker testing

Cancer is a relentless adversary that has touched the lives of millions, including my own. I lost both my wife and son to this unforgiving disease. Their battles fuel my commitment to ensuring that their fight was not in vain.

Through my work in founding two bioscience companies dedicated to exploring the causes of cancer, I have come to understand two critical elements in the war against this disease: the importance of access to treatment and the necessity of continuous innovation in the biopharmaceutical industry.

One of the most promising areas in cancer research today is the development and utilization of biomarkers. Biomarkers are biological molecules found in blood, other body fluids, or tissues that indicate a normal or abnormal process, or the presence of a condition or disease. They are crucial in diagnosing the presence of cancer, predicting its progression, and determining the most effective treatments. Biomarkers can guide clinicians in tailoring treatments to the individual characteristics of each patient’s cancer, thereby increasing the chances of successful outcomes.

Biomarkers hold the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment in several ways. They enable early detection of cancer, which is often critical for successful treatment. Detecting cancer at an earlier stage can significantly improve survival rates and reduce the need for more aggressive treatments.

Secondly, biomarkers can provide insight into the likely progression of the disease, allowing for more accurate prognoses and better-informed treatment decisions.

Lastly, they play a pivotal role in the development of personalized medicine. By understanding the specific biomarker profile of a patient’s cancer, clinicians can select therapies that are most likely to be effective for that individual, minimizing trial and error and improving overall treatment outcomes.

Unfortunately, the positive impact of biomarker testing is not being felt in all communities. This practice is not as widespread as it should be due to various factors and policies. While precision medicine has advanced rapidly over the past several years, health insurance coverage policies have not kept pace with this innovation.

Differing coverage policies across health plans have impeded the advancement of biomarker testing. Even when covered by insurance, high out-of-pocket costs and the requirement for prior authorization present additional financial and administrative hurdles. These barriers to access disproportionately affect older adults, the uninsured and those living in rural or low-income communities.

Some states, including Nevada, have passed laws mandating coverage for comprehensive biomarker testing, and I applaud those efforts. However, more action is needed to reduce insurance barriers to testing. Biomarker testing should be as easily obtained as an MRI or any other commonly prescribed diagnostic test.

As a cancer researcher, I implore lawmakers to consider the human cost of limiting access to advanced treatments. By addressing the disparities in coverage and ensuring equitable access to biomarker testing, we can honor the memory of those who have fought and lost their battles against cancer, and we can provide hope to those still fighting.

The future of cancer treatment lies in our ability to bring the latest and most effective therapies to all who need them, regardless of their economic circumstances.

In memory of my wife and son, and for the millions of families affected by cancer, let us ensure that no patient is denied the chance to fight for their life with every available resource. The importance of biomarkers and the innovation they drive cannot be overstated. Let us commit to supporting and expanding access to these life-saving advancements for all.

Dr. John Klacking was appointed to the Washoe County District Health Department board in 2023. He sits on the Dean’s advisory board of the UC-Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and formerly served on the National Board of the American Cancer Society.