Abstract 7: A Colorectal Biomarker Think Tank Collaborative: Devising Solutions for Patients, Caregivers, and Cancer Care Teams
Authors: Newcomer Kimberly Lynn , Fathi Negeen , Goodman Andrea 
Published: June 2022

Background: Colorectal cancer is the third-most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second-leading cause of cancer death in men and women combined in the United States. With more than a dozen known mutations in colorectal cancer, and growing knowledge about different efficacy of drug options dependent on biomarker status, biomarker testing and results can aid in more effective and lifesaving treatment planning specifically for the unique characteristics of each individual’s tumor. However, biomarker testing in colorectal cancer remains low, and the Colorectal Cancer Alliance aims to increase knowledge and awareness of testing among patients and their care teams.

Methods: In 2019, the Alliance conducted an online survey to assess patient, survivor, and caregiver knowledge and understanding of biomarker testing. To further understand identified gaps, the Alliance recruited a diverse set of patients and caregivers at various stages of the colorectal cancer journey for a focus group to explore understanding around biomarkers, treatment pathways, biomarker testing decisions, and gaps around current testing and re-testing processes. Working with a multidisciplinary expert Advisory Committee, the Alliance utilized findings from the survey and focus group to plan a 2021 Summit focused on identifying solutions for known barriers.

Results: Summit participants discussed innovative and evidence-based solutions focused on three audiences: patients, caregivers, and cancer care team members, to close some of the gaps identified previously. Patient solutions focused on developing standard resources that explain biomarker testing and results and updating telehealth infrastructure to allow for clear, transparent notes, patient engagement, and shared decision making. Caregiver solutions focused on clearly defining the role of the caregiver and updating telehealth infrastructure to allow for caregiver support in the journey. Cancer care team solutions focused on creating standard health literacy standards, becoming better advocates for biomarker testing, and creating multidisciplinary discussion opportunities between health professionals.

Conclusions: It is critical that we put swift solutions in place with efforts to improve resources, shared language, infrastructure, and advocacy to empower cancer care teams, patients and caregivers alike to receive guideline-concordant biomarker testing, make informed treatment decisions accordingly, and understand the choices and discussions at each step.

Acknowledgments: The 2021 Colorectal Cancer Biomarker Think Tank was made possible by the support of our sponsors: Founding Sponsor Pfizer, as well as Amgen, Daiichi-Sankyo, Seagen, Merck, and Mirati Therapeutics. The Alliance is grateful to the Biomarker Think Tank Advisory Committee for their support.

Citation Format: Kimberly Lynn Newcomer, Negeen Fathi, Andrea Goodman. A Colorectal Biomarker Think Tank Collaborative: Devising Solutions for Patients, Caregivers, and Cancer Care Teams [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 7.