The role of biomarkers in cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment continues to rapidly evolve. Biomarkers, which are also referred to as tumor or molecular markers, are biological changes occurring in the body in response to cancer. These changes can be reflected in protein expression, receptors, hormones, and enzymes, as well as in both somatic and germline genetic mutations. Biomarkers have enabled researchers to better understand cancer subtypes and to develop targeted anti-cancer therapies. As knowledge about the molecular biology of cancer continues to expand, identification of actionable biomarkers continues to increase. The National Cancer Institute has compiled a list of commonly used biomarkers, their associated cancer types, and how each marker is used.
Communities around the globe recognize August 1 as World Lung Cancer Day—a day to commemorate, educate, and support individuals and families impacted by lung cancer. Read highlights on a few ACCC initiatives that are helping cancer care teams better support their patients with this disease.
March is Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month. Learn how ACCC is supporting collaboration among healthcare providers with practical, scalable solutions to the real-world challenges of improving quality care delivery for patients with multiple myeloma.
In launching its new campaign, Transforming Complex To Clear, ACCC brought together expert panelists to discuss effective practices and offer tips to address current barriers to biomarker testing in the community setting.
Led by the Prevent Cancer Foundation, ACCC has joined more than 300 organizations in signing a letter urging the passage of the MCED Screening Coverage Act, which will help cancer care providers be able to use the latest testing technologies to improve quality of life and better patient outcomes.
CANCER BUZZ previews the sessions, people and topics of this week’s ACCC 40th National Oncology Conference. We interview Kathy Oubre, MS, CEO of the Pontchartrain Canter Center, about helping patients overcome access barriers to biomarker testing.
Presented at the 2020 ASCO Virtual Scientific Program