Abstract
The use of biomarkers to "personalize" cancer treatment- identifying discrete genes, proteins, or other indicators that can differentiate one type of cancer from another and enable the use of highly tailored therapies-offers tremendous potential for improved outcomes and lower treatment costs. However, the rapid development of cancer biomarker, or genomic, tests-combined with a paucity of evidence to support the effectiveness of the tests-presents a challenge for patients, clinicians, and other stakeholders. In this article we propose that comparative effectiveness research be used to strengthen what is now a haphazard process for developing and marketing cancer biomarker tests. We suggest novel funding approaches and a systematic process for moving from regulatory approval to the generation of evidence that meets the needs of stakeholders and, ultimately, patients.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 2259-2268 |
| Number of pages | 10 |
| Journal | Health Affairs |
| Volume | 30 |
| Issue number | 12 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Dec 2011 |
| Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Health Policy