Costs of biomarker testing among patients with metastatic lung or thyroid cancer in the USA: a real-world commercial claims database study

Biomarkers in Contrast-Induced Nephropathy: Advances in Early Detection, Risk Assessment, and Prevention Strategies

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) represents a significant complication associated with the use of iodinated contrast media (ICM), especially in individuals with preexisting renal impairment. The pathophysiology of CIN encompasses oxidative stress, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and hemodynamic disturbances, resulting in acute kidney injury (AKI). Early detection is essential for effective management; however, conventional markers like serum creatinine (sCr) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) exhibit limitations in sensitivity and timeliness. This review emphasizes the increasing significance of novel biomarkers in enhancing early detection and risk stratification of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN). Recent advancements in artificial intelligence and computational analytics have improved the predictive capabilities of these biomarkers, enabling personalized risk assessment and precision medicine strategies. Additionally, we discuss mitigation strategies, including hydration protocols, pharmacological interventions, and procedural modifications, aimed at reducing CIN incidence. Incorporating biomarker-driven assessments into clinical decision-making can enhance patient management and outcomes. Future research must prioritize the standardization of biomarker assays, the validation of predictive models across diverse patient populations, and the exploration of novel therapeutic targets. Utilizing advancements in biomarkers and risk mitigation strategies allows clinicians to improve the safety of contrast-enhanced imaging and reduce the likelihood of renal injury.

Impact of Lung Biomarker Testing on Out-Of-Pocket Costs for Metastatic Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

BACKGROUND

Biomarker testing in metastatic non-small lung cancer (NSCLC) is critical for appropriate treatment. Claims-based datasets offer real-world information on the use and cost of biomarker testing.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used 2013-2021 data from Optum's de-identified Clinformatics Data Mart Database. Eligible patients were adults with ≥ 2 NSCLC diagnosis codes and ≥ 2 claims of a secondary malignant neoplasm. We excluded patients with another primary or no continuous insurance coverage 12 months prior and 6 months after diagnosis. We assessed out-of-pocket (OOP) costs. Descriptive statistics were used to assess testing rates, and multivariable analyses (MVA) were performed to assess factors associated with testing.

RESULTS

We identified 4377 patients with metastatic NSCLC (mean age 60 years (SD 8.33), 49.6% female, 76.7% former smokers). Testing rates within 2 months of diagnosis increased from 58.15% in 2013 to 69.96% in 2021. On MVA, biomarker testing was associated with younger age, nonsmokers, Mountain geographic region, and point-of-service insurance plans. Biomarker testing was associated with a median OOP cost of $98 (IQR: $43.87-$306.58). Patients who underwent biomarker testing had a median total OOP cost of all services within 6 months of diagnosis of $3560.20 (IQR: $1538.37-$6199.44) compared to $1979.58 (IQR: $725.75-$4003.06) for those who did not undergo biomarker testing.

CONCLUSIONS

Using claims data, we find that most patients with metastatic NSCLC undergo biomarker testing early in their treatment course (0-60 days), suggesting that testing is appropriately being obtained early on in their treatment course, but this testing is associated with substantially higher overall OOP costs to patients.

Empowering effective biomarker-driven precision oncology: A call to action

Precision oncology has a significant role to play in delivering optimal patient care. Biomarkers are critical enablers for precision oncology across the continuum of cancer diagnosis, in defining patient prognosis, and in predicting the response to treatments and their potential toxicities, as well as delineating the risk of hereditary cancer syndromes. Biomarkers also potentiate cancer drug development, accelerating patient access to safe and effective therapies. However, despite an accurate and timely diagnosis being critical to patient survival, advances in genomic testing are not being fully exploited in daily clinical practice, leading to missed opportunities to deliver the most effective treatments for patients. Biomarker testing availability and implementation often lag behind approvals of respective biomarker-informed therapies, limiting prompt patient access to these life-saving drugs. Multiple factors currently impede the routine adoption of biomarker testing including, but not limited to, cost, lack of test reimbursement, limited access, regulatory hurdles, lack of knowledge, insufficient cooperation on assay development, and the urgent need to harmonize and validate testing assays, all leading to inefficient diagnostic pathways. Clinical guidelines increasingly include genomic profiling, and recent evidence suggests that precision oncology can be delivered in a cost-effective way for financially-challenged health systems. Therefore, precision genomic testing for cancer biomarkers must be embedded into the clinical practice of oncology care delivery going forward. We articulate a series of recommendations and a call to action to underpin the mainstreaming of a biomarker-informed precision oncology approach to enhance patient outcomes and deliver cost effective 21st century cancer care.