Cancer affects racial, ethnic, and social groups differently. Ethnic and racial minorities, impoverished people, and sexual and gender minorities (LGBT+) are typically affected more negatively with cancer. The basis for this disparity is often late detection of cancer, poor access to precision medicine, non-inclusion in clinical trials, and inadequate evaluation for potential difference in the biology of their cancer.
GTC is establishing a program offering comprehensive molecular testing (DNA+RNA) to patients with cancer who are affected by cancer disparity and unable to pay due to lack of coverage of this type of testing. Testing is provided at no cost to these patients and funded through our donation program.
GTC’s comprehensive genomic testing will provide the treating physician and patient with a proper diagnosis, all relevant biomarkers, classification of the tumor, help in determining prognosis, selecting therapy and in developing a strategy for treatment that is specific for the patient.
The molecular report provides information regarding potential clinical trials that will help the patients evaluate their options to participate and be treated on these clinical trials.
Participation in this program will increase access to those underserved and reduce disparity within our community cancer care.
In addition, the data generated from this program will be de-identified and shared with various academic and scientific groups for the purpose of developing more personalized cancer treatment for each group of patients.
At GTC, we believe all patients with cancer should have the right to comprehensive testing, and that all options for management and treatment should be discussed and explored. As a cooperative organization, we are aiming to democratize and disseminate precision medicine. We are doing our part to deliver high-quality, state-of-the-art molecular tests and making this testing available to every patient with cancer.
GTC is committed to donating 5% of its annual testing volume to this program and to help in the effort towards reducing cancer disparity. We are also establishing a fund to support this program and increase the number of patients benefiting from it. Individual donors and organizations can contribute to this program and,100% of the raised funds will be used to pay for the actual cost of testing.
Patients must be nominated for the program by their physicians. Patients with solid tumors or hematologic neoplasms are eligible for testing. Hematologists and oncologists can download a simple nomination form, fill in the required information and fax to GTC. Patients can mention this program to their hematologists/oncologists and request nomination for this program.
Patients matched to a precision medicine can request support for funding their treatment by the matching pharmaceutical company. Here is a guide* to each pharmaceutical company’s patient assistance program.
*provided by the Association of Community Cancer Centers
