MOLECULAR TESTING FOR SOLID TUMORS
in Latin America

Molecular testing is the cornerstone of precision oncology, an approach that has proven to be more effective, carry less toxicity, and improve outcomes in cancer care, despite the high costs that have stifled the uptake of precision medicine in limited-resource settings. In order for Latin America to move towards the modernity of oncological practice, access to high-value molecular testing must be considered.
In Latin America, despite efforts to improve coverage and reimbursement, molecular-based precision medicine remains inaccessible and highly dependant on limited healthcare budgets, pharmaceutical industry support, and out-of-pocket expenses. Given that molecular testing and target therapies are not standard of care in most public health systems in the Region and not generally reimbursed, cancer centers and laboratories who offer it are scarce.

In November 2021, AHF convened a meeting of Latin American experts on precision oncology via Zoom to develop recommendations for increasing the adoption and implementation of molecular testing in the Region. The manuscript entitled “Adopting Molecular Testing for Solid Tumors in Latin America: Challenges and Opportunities” has been published at the Ras Oncology and Therapy Journal. Click here to read the full article.