Study finds missed opportunities for targeted cancer treatments

Angus Chen covers all issues broadly related to cancer, including drugs, policy, science, and equity. He joined STAT in 2021 after covering health and science at NPR and NPR affiliate stations. His work has been recognized by national Edward R. Murrow awards, the June L. Biedler prize for cancer journalism, and more. You can reach Angus on Signal at angus.08.

For certain advanced cancers, sequencing the tumor genome should be among the initial steps for patients and physicians. However, a new study reveals that many patients miss out on genomic testing, losing the opportunity to discover if they could benefit from newer, more targeted treatments.

The study, published Tuesday in JAMA Network Open, investigated the number of patients with one of five different metastatic cancers who underwent genetic sequencing. The findings showed that for most cancers studied, about half of the patients received genetic sequencing. The study also highlighted that patients with low income, those on Medicare or Medicaid, and individuals identified as Black or Hispanic were less likely to undergo sequencing.

Over the past few decades, cancer medicine and research have made significant strides. By 2026, the overall five-year survival rate has increased to 70%, and for metastatic cancer, it has doubled since the 1960s. This progress is largely attributed to advancements in medicines and technologies, such as targeted therapies that leverage critical cancer mutations to treat the disease.