CANCER remains the second leading cause of death in the Philippines, with lung cancer topping the list for cancer- related mortality in the nation. This comes as no surprise as almost a quarter of Filipinos aged 15 years and above smoke cigarettes, increasing the risk of developing lung cancer.

The good news is lung cancer care has improved dramatically over the past decade, thanks to advances in early detection, innovative therapies, and increased understanding that lung cancer treatment is not “one size fits all.”

However, in the Philippines, many cancer patients may potentially miss the appropriate treatment, probably foregoing greater survival and quality of life opportunities.

To raise awareness on the value of lung panel testing and personalized treatment to achieve better patient outcomes, healthcare company MSD in the Philippines, launches “Hit the Mark” campaign through a health forum on March 21, 2024.

Along with partners from patient groups, medical societies, laboratories, and other healthcare companies, the campaign aims to drive equitable access to biomarker testing and other innovative treatment options for lung cancer patients in the Philippines.

Biomarker testing: The key to personalized lung cancer treatment

When it comes to cancer, no two experiences are ever the same, as each person’s cancer holds a unique pattern called biomarkers, or tumor markers, which may impact how specific cancer treatments work.       Through biomarker testing, doctors can look for genes, proteins, and other substances that may provide crucial information about how one’s cancer behaves and, in turn, inform personalized treatment options for the patient.

Precision medicine involves delivering the appropriate cancer treatment to eligible patients at the right time. Access to precision medicine may lead to better patient outcomes, helping avoid ineffective interventions and hefty healthcare costs.

That is why during the health forum, Engr. Emer Rojas, a laryngeal cancer survivor and president of the New Vois Association of the Philippines (NVAP), emphasized the need for the full implementation of the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA) and the adequate funding of the Cancer Assistance Fund (CAF) so that more patients can benefit from accessible diagnostic and laboratory services.

For their part, Dr. Herdee Luna, president of the Philippine Society of Oncologists (PSO) and Dr. Jasper Andal, a pathologist have explained the importance of early detection in improving patient outcomes and overall survival.

Meanwhile, Melissa Ongsue-Lee, vice president of sales and marketing at Hi-Precision Diagnostics (HPD), has discussed how to make nationwide coverage for cancer testing possible through HPD clinics. For the first time, 3 biomarkers — PD-L1, EGFR, and ALK — in a lung panel test have been put together for the benefit of the patient.

Hit the Mark aims that soon, more partner laboratories and the inclusion of more biomarkers will ultimately help all eligible patients get tested and potentially benefit from precision medicine.