Foundation Medicine Champions Health Equity in Cancer Testing

Foundation Medicine's Commitment to Health Equity

Foundation Medicine, a leader in cancer molecular profiling, has recently announced its efforts to tackle disparities in biomarker testing for breast and prostate cancer. Following an open call for grants, the organization awarded funding to two key initiatives aimed at fostering collaborative partnerships for enhanced health equity in oncology care.

Spotlighting the Award Recipients

The two organizations that received grants exemplify a commitment to understanding and addressing the challenges faced in cancer care:

Living Beyond Breast Cancer and Jefferson Health

The first grant goes to Living Beyond Breast Cancer and the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Jefferson Health. Their project, titled No One Missed: Grassroots Pilot for Under-Resourced Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients, aims to investigate the factors influencing the participation of under-resourced, metastatic breast cancer patients in Philadelphia. The initiative is designed to enhance patient involvement in biomarker testing and shared decision-making processes and is set to conclude in mid-2025.

Patient Advocate Foundation and ZERO Prostate Cancer

The second grant is awarded to the Patient Advocate Foundation and ZERO Prostate Cancer for their project titled A Patient-Focused Partnership to Advance Health Equity in Biomarker Testing among Patients with Prostate Cancer. This program focuses on forming a Prostate Cancer Biomarker Education Patient Advisory Group, seeking to address the specific needs of Black men facing unique challenges in the approach to prostate cancer care, including financial obstacles and a general mistrust of healthcare systems. This program aims to wrap up by the end of 2025.

Understanding the Importance of Biomarker Testing

With recent advancements in precision medicine, the significance of biomarker testing has gained increased recognition. According to Mia Levy, M.D., Ph.D., the Chief Medical Officer at Foundation Medicine, while advancements in cancer care have great potential to enhance treatment options, they can also unintentionally widen the gap in education and access for some patient groups. This is why Foundation Medicine is advocating strongly for equality in cancer care, especially for patients facing advanced illness.

The Road Ahead in Precision Oncology

Foundation Medicine's efforts are part of a larger commitment to bridge the gaps in cancer care. The organization recognizes that while precision therapies driven by biomarkers hold promise for cancer patients, there have historically been significant barriers that have hindered equitable access. The grants awarded this year underscore the organization's ongoing dedication to overcoming these obstacles.

In prior initiatives, Foundation Medicine awarded grants to other organizations, such as Moffitt Cancer Center and LUNGevity, further solidifying its role in addressing disparities in biomarker testing across various cancer types.

About Foundation Medicine

Foundation Medicine is at the forefront of molecular profiling for cancer, playing a critical role in shaping the future of clinical care and research. The company works with numerous partners in the cancer community, striving for quality and scientific excellence. Through its deep knowledge of cancer biology, Foundation Medicine supports clinicians in making informed treatment decisions and aids researchers in developing innovative therapies. The organization is dedicated to helping its partners provide precision cancer care to patients worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main goals of the grants awarded by Foundation Medicine?

The grants aim to address disparities in biomarker testing for breast and prostate cancer by fostering collaborative efforts between organizations that directly serve affected communities.

Who are the recipients of the grants?

The grants were awarded to Living Beyond Breast Cancer with Jefferson Health and the Patient Advocate Foundation with ZERO Prostate Cancer.

What specific challenges do the funded projects address?

The projects seek to tackle the barriers that prevent under-resourced patients and Black men from accessing biomarker testing and participating in prostate cancer care.

What impact do biomarker testing disparities have?

These disparities can lead to insufficient cancer care, affecting treatment options and reducing the potential for successful health outcomes for patients from marginalized communities.

How does Foundation Medicine support precision cancer care?

Foundation Medicine provides comprehensive molecular profiling, ensuring that patients receive tailored treatment options based on their individual cancer biology.

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