Looking to leverage genomic testing results at the point-of-prescribing for advanced cancer patients, CVS Health has launched an initiative, Transform Oncology Care, anchored on a precision medicine strategy for payers.
The program uses genomic testing results at the point-of-prescribing to help patients start on the best treatment, faster, and in addition, matches eligible patients to clinical trials, officials said in a press release announcement. The strategy is enabled by a collaboration with Tempus, a technology company that looks to advance precision medicine through the practical application of artificial intelligence in healthcare.
Last year, CVS Health acquired Aetna in a $69 billion dollar merger. Officials said that Transform Oncology Care is available to other health plans; Aetna has adopted the program for fully insured commercial populations and is rolling it out with participating Aetna provider networks in 12 states.
For patients diagnosed with late-stage cancers, many can benefit from advanced genomic testing, yet very few eligible patients receive this type of testing today, CVS Health leaders noted, adding that this can inhibit the start of the most appropriate treatment and result in cancer progression and higher costs.
For these patients, a web-based provider portal, built into the e-prescribing workflow, informs oncologists of the availability of Tempus' broad-panel gene sequencing tests at diagnosis, compared with the single-gene tests that are used today. The broad-panel tests identify a patient's genomic variants and the therapeutic options specific to their molecular and clinical profile. The testing results also match and help support the rapid enrollment of eligible patients in local clinical trials through Tempus' platform, facilitating broader access to experimental therapies. In addition, the portal provides oncologists real-time access to the latest National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines at the point-of-prescribing, officials explained.
Therapeutic regimens that align to NCCN guidelines, including those matched with the results of the broad-panel gene sequencing tests, will automatically receive prior authorization approval, speeding time to start of the therapy for patients, they added.
The program includes CVS Health nurse-led care management, integrated with payers’ existing programs, aiming to create a more personalized experience for patients and their caregivers and close existing gaps in care. “In addition, payers can adopt value-based contracts that employ provider networks to drive high-quality care and lower costs. Transform Oncology Care also uses the CVS Health's accessible, local footprint, connected data and integrated systems to help better identify and intervene with patients who could benefit from preventive or screening services,” officials pointed out.
"Timing in cancer care is everything and when a patient does not get started on the right treatment it can result in progression and higher costs," Alan Lotvin, M.D., executive vice president and chief transformation officer, CVS Health, said in a statement. "We are the first company working to make the latest in precision medicine accessible to more patients and further empower informed treatment decision-making based on a patient's genetic profile to give them the best chance for successful treatment and improved quality-of-life,” he added.
