Thanks to advances in early detection, innovative therapies, and an increased understanding of cancer treatment options, getting a Stage 4 cancer diagnosis no longer feels like a death sentence.
Engr. Emer Rojas, President of the New Vois Association of the Philippines, is a proud survivor of Stage 4 laryngeal cancer and has been living cancer-free for the past 22 years. He has transformed his personal battle with cancer into a lifelong commitment to improving public health, using his voice to advocate patient-centered healthcare in the Philippines.
“Cancer patients should be empowered to be a part of the decision-making process–from the diagnosis stage to after the treatment,” says Engr. Rojas. “However, they cannot be empowered if they are not educated about the disease and the treatment options available to them.”
It is in this regard that MSD in the Philippines launched the “Hit the Mark” campaign to raise awareness on the value of personalized medicine to achieve better patient outcomes.
Supported by patient groups, medical societies, laboratories, and other healthcare companies, Hit the Mark aims to drive equitable access to biomarker testing and other innovative treatment options for lung cancer patients in the Philippines through impactful multi-stakeholder collaborations.
When it comes to cancer, no two experiences are ever the same, as each person’s cancer holds a unique pattern called biomarkers, or tumor markers, which may impact how specific cancer treatments work.
“Biomarkers are information in the tumor that gives us a guide on what are its mutations and how to tailor the treatment,” says Dr. Herdee Glorianne Luna, President of the Philippine Society of Oncologists (PSO). “Much like how each individual has their own unique fingerprints, each individual has their own unique tumor profile, and no two patients are alike.”
Biomarker testing can be the critical first step to improved survivorship and better quality of life for lung cancer patients. Through biomarker testing, doctors can look for genes, proteins, and other substances that may provide crucial information about how one’s cancer behaves and, in turn, inform personalized treatment options for the patient.
Personalized treatments, also known as precision medicine, tailor treatment to the individual characteristics of each patient’s disease. Precision medicine is the new standard of quality cancer care, and its guiding principle is to deliver the appropriate cancer treatment to eligible patients at the right time. Access to precision medicine can lead to better patient outcomes, helping avoid ineffective interventions and hefty healthcare costs.
Medical oncologists, pathologists, and other medical consultants must work together to craft precise treatment plans for cancer patients. Oncologists, for example, need to work closely with pathologists as they test the tumors, analyze the biomarkers, and describe the tumor profile.
“The role of the pathologist is to test for and detect if a mutation is present or not,” shares Dr. Jose Jasper Andal, a pathologist at St. Luke’s Medical Center. To start the biomarker testing, pathologists get a piece of the patient’s tumor through a needle biopsy. “We diagnose it as a specific type of malignancy, whether it’s a lung, colon, or breast cancer. Then, we subject the tumor tissue to additional tests, depending on the tumor type.”
For lung cancer, for example, there are 11 biomarkers. “We’re testing for specific mutations in the tumor, which we can target with the drugs that oncologists prescribe to the patient. If that mutation is absent, the drugs might not work,” adds Dr. Andal. “So, biomarker testing helps us select which patients will benefit most from certain drugs.”
“This is why I advocate for personalized medicine,” shares Dr. Luna. “Fear can cripple you, but you need to know that there are advancements in science, medicine, and treatments, and all of these can help improve patient outcomes. This is also why we want to highlight the different cancer patient and survivor stories out there.”
Bridging gaps in cancer care through multi-stakeholder collaboration
Only an intersectoral multi-stakeholder approach that includes patients as partners can unlock and realize the potential of precision medicine for patients who could benefit.
“We believe in an inter-sectoral multi-stakeholder approach,” says Helena Harnik, Executive Director at the From Testing to Targeted Treatments (FT3) program, a not-for-profit, open and global community of practice dedicated to better patient outcomes. “That means bringing together all different types of stakeholders in the health system.”
FT3 does this through an international community of practice. “We have an international group of people, such as patient organizations, champions from the health system and beyond, who believe in the potential of personalized health care,” adds Harnik.
After launching its first two pilots in Spain and Hungary last year, FT3 is embarking on an important journey by launching the Philippines pilot program for cancer care, the first country pilot FT3 conducted in Asia-Pacific. “We’re using this partnership to identify the most important needs for patients and healthcare professionals in the Philippines, and we will work on solutions together,” explains Harnik.
FT3 has identified critical success factors, such as securing the involvement and support of all stakeholders in the health system, and having a strong core group representative of the country’s health system. “As a global program, we don’t have all the local insights. So it’s important for us to understand the needs of patients, care providers, and other stakeholders in the Philippines,” adds Harnik.
Local lawmakers have also committed to advocating for cancer patients’ rights and access to quality care. For one, Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, has been championing more funding and national policies for cancer control.
“Cancer is a societal concern that requires a comprehensive multi-sectoral response to raise awareness and educate about cancer prevention. Early detection and access to treatment options is a critical step toward improving outcomes for cancer patients,” shares Ejercito.
As a senator and a staunch advocate for healthcare reform, Ejercito remains committed to advocating for policies and initiatives that prioritize cancer prevention, improve screening and diagnosis, and ensure equitable access to innovative treatments.
“Together, we can work towards closing the gaps and barriers that hinder access to quality cancer care. Let us stand united in our fight against cancer and strive to create a future where every Filipino has the opportunity to live a healthy and fulfilling life,” adds Ejercito.
Additionally, Representative Ray Florence T. Reyes from the AnaKalusugan Partylist emphasized the need for the full implementation of the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA) and adequate funding of the Cancer Assistance Fund (CAF), so that more patients can benefit from accessible diagnostic and laboratory services. To date, 35 cancer centers in the Philippines offer 61 varieties of medicine for the most common cancers.
“Most cancer patients depend on financial assistance to alleviate their medical conditions,” shares Reyes. “These financial challenges highlight the importance of early screening to detect cancer at the onset, possibly lowering the costs of treatment and leading to better patient outcomes.”
