A new campaign aims to bring awareness to the importance of biomarker testing in people newly diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Called “Get Tested: Unlock your treatment options,” the campaign was launched in March by the International Colorectal Cancer Association (ICCA).
The campaign’s primary goal is to “improve outcomes for mCRC patients through the use of biomarker testing as part of a personalised cancer care plan,” according to the Get Tested website. Organizers hope to raise awareness and understanding of the importance of biomarker testing among people newly diagnosed with mCRC, as well as their families. They also plan to establish a call to action that encourages newly diagnosed patients to discuss biomarker testing with their healthcare providers prior to selecting a first-line treatment for their cancer. Additionally, Get Tested intends to partner and network with existing groups and initiatives to establish new activities, where appropriate.
A white paper released when Get Tested launched calls for improved access to testing for those newly diagnosed with mCRC and for the routine use of RAS biomarker testing before starting first-line therapy in establishing a personalised cancer care plan.
“For patients newly diagnosed with mCRC, having a RAS biomarker test before starting first-line treatment is extremely important,” said Fortunato Ciardiello, ICCA chairman, president-elect of the European Society for Medical Oncology and professor of Medical Oncology at the Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli in Naples, Italy, in a prepared statement. “RAS tests can help select the most appropriate treatment as part of a patient’s personalised treatment plan. Our campaign website gives patients more information on mCRC and RAS testing so they can better understand the options available to them and discuss these with their physician.”