Oklahoma City – Tuesday (June 6), Governor Kevin Stitt signed legislation that advocates say “will improve access to care for patients by expanding coverage for biomarker testing.”

Matt Glanville, Oklahoma’s government relations director for the American Cancer Society, applauded the new law, saying Senate Bill 513 will enable more patients to benefit from the “essential step in accessing precision medicine treatments” known as biomarker testing

“ACS CAN thanks Senator Paul Rosino for his leadership on the biomarker testing legislation and Gov. Stitt for signing this important piece of legislation,” said Matt Glanville.

“This legislation will help dismantle barriers and bring the promise of precision medicine to more patients no matter their income, race, or where they live.

“Patients who receive biomarker testing and are eligible for targeted or personalized treatments often have better health outcomes, improved quality of life, and in some cases, reduced costs from bypassing ineffective therapies.”

Dubbed “the right treatment at the right time,” precision medicine has played a critical role in improving cancer outcomes.

As an example, the Cancer Action Network asserts that patients with certain lung cancer types who received biomarker testing and targeted therapy had a 31% reduction in mortality.

But to determine if a patient will benefit from certain targeted therapies, doctors must test for specific biomarkers -– such as gene mutations –- found in blood, tissues, or other biospecimens that provide insight into physiological processes, medical conditions, or diseases.

“Biomarker testing can open the door to treatments that improve and extend lives. It can help doctors match some patients with treatments that are more effective and have fewer side effects than traditional therapies,” said Sen. Rosino, R-Oklahoma City.

“Biomarker testing is key to bringing the hope and promise of cancer research to patients. Patients deserve that benefit and the hope that comes with these treatment options.”

For more information on precision medicine, cancer biomarkers, current barriers to biomarker testing, and ACS CAN’s policy recommendations, visit https://www.fightcancer.org/what-we-do/access-biomarker-testing

Notes: The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) makes cancer a top priority for policymakers at every level of government. For information, visit https://www.fightcancer.org./

In promotional material, the group said, “ACS CAN empower volunteers across the country to make their voices heard to influence evidence-based public policy change that improves the lives of people with cancer and their families. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and advanced proven tobacco control measures. We’re more determined than ever to stand together with our volunteers to end cancer as we know it, for everyone.” Pat McGuigan, founder and publisher of CapitolBeatOK.com, prepared this story, adapted a press release from ACS CAN. CapitolBeatOK.com is an independent, non-partisan and locally-managed news service based in Oklahoma City.