Fran Lowry

ASCO has issued policy recommendations designed to eliminate existing disparities between minorities and whites, and between those with and without health insurance. “Disparities in Cancer Care” comes as the incidence of cancer is projected to increase significantly in the next 20 years, a situation that could be catastrophic if not dealt with sooner rather than later.

The value of a molecular marker in cancer depends on whether its use will improve clinical outcomes. Studies on tumor biomarkers are in preliminary stages, and there is a “near total” absence of any papers examining the clinical implications of using markers, according to a speaker at the 2009 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium.