The Precision Cancer Consortium (PCC) has announced the formation as a new collaboration of pharmaceutical companies with a shared vision of enabling access to comprehensive testing for all cancer patients globally.

The PCC will drive a variety of initiatives aimed at increasing patient access to precision diagnostics using comprehensive genomic testing, including next generation sequencing (NGS). The PCC's founding members are Bayer, GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis, and Roche.

Despite significant treatment advances that target specific molecular alterations in cancer cells, many patients still do not undergo biomarker testing necessary to inform their treatment options. Currently, stakeholders may not be aware of the benefits of comprehensive genomic testing or may not know how to translate results into appropriate patient care. In addition to limited use of precision diagnostics in routine cancer treatment, there are other challenges related to recruiting patients into research studies investigating targeted therapies in biomarker subgroups defined by genomic alterations.

"With cancer, the earlier patients are diagnosed and begin treatment, the better their outcomes tend to be. Precision diagnostics, including comprehensive genomic testing, are an important part of developing treatment plans that can help patients," explains Espen Walker (Roche), Chair of the Precision Cancer Consortium. "The PCC is focused on addressing these barriers across the cancer ecosystem with the aim of improving outcomes for patients."