ESMO is committed to ensuring the timely and optimal treatment of cancer patients, which includes the usage of biomolecular technologies. These technologies, which include biomarkers, play a crucial role in the treatment of patients with cancer. However, there is currently limited data on their availability, use, costs, and reimbursement across Europe.
To address this gap, ESMO conducted a comprehensive study, published in Annals of Oncology in July 2023. This study aimed to provide a detailed overview of the availability of biomolecular technologies for cancer patients, their usage and prescription practices, barriers to access, and the economic challenges related to their cost and reimbursement. The study draws on various resources, including the Recommendations for the use of next-generation sequencing (NGS) for patients with metastatic cancers presented in a report from the ESMO Translational Research and Precision Medicine Working Group. It was conducted under the auspices of the ESMO Global Policy Committee, in collaboration with the Cancer Medicines Committee and the National Societies Committee.
The study highlights that overall, basic single-gene techniques are widely available, whereas access to advanced biomolecular technologies, including large next-generation sequencing panels and complete genomic profiles, is highly heterogeneous. In most countries, advanced biomolecular technologies remain largely inaccessible in clinical practice, are limited to clinical trials or basic research, and associated with progressively increasing cost as the technique becomes more advanced.
Differences also exist regarding national sequencing initiatives or molecular tumour boards. The most important barriers to multiple versus single-gene sequencing techniques are the reimbursement of the test (59% versus 24%), and the availability of a suitable medicine, either through reimbursement of treatment (48% versus 30%), off-label treatment (52% versus 35%), or clinical trial enrolment (53% versus 39%).
This study underscores the urgent need to address barriers to accessing advanced biomolecular technologies, as these challenges limit patients’ access to targeted cancer treatments. To advocate for improved availability, it is essential to collect robust data to engage in meaningful dialogue with health authorities.
ESMO acknowledges and thanks all coordinating, collaborating and supporting project partners for their valuable contribution to this project which made it such a great success.