Global cancer report highlights the gap between advances in cancer research and access to genomic profiling
A new Lancet Oncology Commission, with Pankind's Amber Johns among its international Commissioners, finds that each year four in five people with cancer who need genomic profiling don’t get it. For people with pancreatic cancer, that gap can mean missing the chance to join a clinical trial.
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Each year, seven to eight million people worldwide need standard molecular testing to help guide their cancer treatment. Four in five don't get it.
For many people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, a clinical trial offers hope of a new treatment option. But before anyone can take part, they may need a test to understand the molecular characteristics of their cancer.
A new Lancet Oncology Commission, launched today at the World Cancer Congress in Hong Kong, highlights how often that testing is out of reach. Cost and access barriers can prevent people from getting the tests that may help identify targeted treatment options or clinical trials they could be eligible for.
Why genomic profiling matters
Genomic profiling, also known as tumour profiling, looks at the genetic and molecular characteristics of a person's tumour. The results can help identify targeted treatments and potential matches to biomarker-led clinical trials.
Many clinical trials exploring new treatment options for pancreatic cancer require molecular or biomarker testing as part of their eligibility criteria. Without access to that testing, people can miss opportunities to take part.
Testing is only the first step. When it identifies a potential match to a targeted treatment, that treatment still needs to be available and affordable in Australia.
This Commission confirms what we hear from patients every day: science is moving faster than access. If genomic profiling isn't available, funded and routine, patients don't get a genuine chance at the trials that could extend or save their lives. We'll continue working with our partners to push for that to change
- Michelle Stewart, Pankind CEO
What improved access can look like
A regional snapshot released alongside the Commission shows what greater access to genomic profiling can look like.
In South Korea and Japan, comprehensive genomic profiling is offered as standard care rather than being limited to research settings. Matched therapy has also been shown to extend median overall survival.
Our contribution
Pankind's Head of Research and Evidence Generation, Amber Johns, served as a section lead international Commissioner on the report. Amber contributed expertise in data, ethics and regulation, and patient engagement.
Two stories are unfolding in cancer at the same time. One is extraordinary scientific progress, faster and more precise than anything we've had before. The other is who actually gets to benefit from it, and that story is not keeping pace.
We can't keep treating those as separate conversations
- Amber Johns, Head of Research, Pankind and contributing international commissioner for the Lancet Oncology Commission
Free genomic profiling for people with pancreatic cancer
Cost should never be the reason someone misses an opportunity to take part in a clinical trial.
Omico's Cancer Screening Program offers free comprehensive genomic profiling to people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, at any stage, with a referral from their oncologist. The results can help identify potential matches to biomarker-led clinical trials and other treatment options. A number of paid private testing options are also available.
Pankind is calling for wider access to genomic profiling, affordable, targeted treatments when a match is found, and greater investment in pancreatic cancer research so everyone with pancreatic cancer can benefit from the progress being made in cancer treatment.
About genomic testing
Pankind recommends that all people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer explore genomic testing, if they wish to, as soon as possible after diagnosis as it may provide important information.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, talask to your oncologist about genomic profiling. Our Support team can help you prepare for that conversation.
