News Summary
The Global Colon Cancer Association (GCCA) has launched a worldwide campaign called ‘Know Your Biomarker’ to promote biomarker testing for colorectal cancer. Introduced at the ASCO GI Symposium, the initiative highlights the importance of personalized treatment strategies and timely access to advanced diagnostics for patients globally. The campaign aims to educate patients and healthcare professionals while advocating for policy changes to broaden testing access.
San Francisco, CA
The Global Colon Cancer Association (GCCA) recently launched a new worldwide campaign focused on promoting biomarker testing for colorectal cancer patients. The “Know Your Biomarker” initiative was introduced at the ASCO Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium, an international event held from January 8 to 10, 2026, at Moscone West in San Francisco, California.
The campaign emphasizes the critical role of biomarker testing in identifying personalized and effective treatment strategies for individuals diagnosed with colorectal cancer. It underscores the urgent need for patients globally to have timely access to this advanced diagnostic tool, ideally early in their diagnosis and treatment journey. Furthermore, the initiative advocates for patients to receive targeted treatments directly informed by their biomarker test results.
The Importance of Biomarker Testing
Biomarker testing, also known as genomic or molecular testing, provides detailed insights into the unique genetic and molecular characteristics of a patient’s tumor. This information is instrumental in guiding healthcare providers to develop highly specific and effective treatment plans, moving beyond a one-size-fits-all approach to cancer care.
For patients with colorectal cancer, biomarker testing can reveal whether the cancer has inherited or acquired genetic mutations. These insights are vital for tailoring therapies, including targeted treatments and immunotherapies, which are designed to attack specific characteristics of the tumor.
Enhanced Treatment Decisions
The results from biomarker tests empower oncologists to select treatments that are most likely to be effective for an individual patient, leading to improved outcomes. This approach, known as precision medicine, has significantly transformed the treatment landscape for various cancers, including metastatic colorectal cancer.
Key biomarkers such as RAS, BRAF, and MSI/dMMR are particularly important in guiding treatment decisions for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, as they can predict the effectiveness of certain therapies. The understanding of these molecular pathways and the discovery of new biomarkers continues to evolve, constantly changing the testing and treatment landscape.
Guidance for Clinical Trials and Monitoring
Beyond treatment selection, biomarker testing can also determine a patient’s eligibility for specific clinical trials, opening doors to innovative and experimental therapies. For patients diagnosed with stage II, III, or IV colorectal cancer, regular biomarker testing during follow-up care can help detect if the cancer has recurred or provide further information about tumor changes that may impact treatment effectiveness.
The “Know Your Biomarker” Campaign
The GCCA’s “Know Your Biomarker” campaign involves raising awareness, educating patients and healthcare professionals, and advocating for policy changes that ensure broader access to testing and subsequent targeted treatments. The Global Colon Cancer Association provides patient educational materials in plain language, which can be utilized by patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers.
To support advocacy efforts, GCCA has also published a “Know Your Biomarker Toolkit” designed to assist member organizations in advocating for policy changes within their own communities. The association promotes the importance of knowing one’s biomarker directly to patients and caregivers through social media and printed materials in healthcare offices.
Global Context and the ASCO GI Symposium
The ASCO Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium is a significant annual event that convenes oncology professionals worldwide to delve into the latest advancements in gastrointestinal cancer treatment, research, and patient care. The 2026 symposium, held in San Francisco, focused on “Meeting the Moment: Cancer Research Shaping the Future of Patient Care,” emphasizing innovative science and solutions for improving patient outcomes.
The Global Colon Cancer Association’s mission aligns with this broader goal, as it advocates for equitable access to quality colorectal cancer screenings, testing, treatments, and care globally. The organization believes that geographical location should not dictate a person’s ability to prevent or survive colorectal cancer. Through its membership-based umbrella structure and as a patient advocacy organization, GCCA works to amplify the efforts of its member organizations and conducts its own initiatives to ensure that patient perspectives are central to all policy discussions.
The increasing global incidence and mortality rates of colorectal cancer, despite the availability of effective screening and treatments, highlight an urgent need for improved healthcare access and policy. Initiatives like the “Know Your Biomarker” campaign are crucial in addressing these disparities and ensuring that advancements in biomarker testing translate into tangible benefits for patients around the world. The World Health Organization also noted that regulatory routes exist to approve new anti-cancer agents based on biomarkers. [cite: 7, 2020 annual report]
The Biomarker Testing Process
Typically, biomarker testing occurs after a colorectal cancer diagnosis. The process involves collecting a sample, which can be either a tissue biopsy taken from the tumor or a liquid biopsy using a blood sample. These samples are then sent to a laboratory for analysis by a pathologist. The analysis identifies specific molecules, such as abnormal proteins or genetic mutations within the DNA, which serve as biomarkers. The results of this testing inform the cancer care team about the most appropriate and effective treatment pathways available for the patient.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the “Know Your Biomarker” campaign?
The “Know Your Biomarker” campaign is an awareness, education, and advocacy initiative launched by the Global Colon Cancer Association (GCCA) to promote global access to colorectal cancer biomarker testing.
When and where was the campaign launched?
The campaign was launched at the ASCO Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium, which took place from January 8 to 10, 2026, at Moscone West in San Francisco, California.
Why is biomarker testing important for colorectal cancer patients?
Biomarker testing is crucial because it reveals detailed information about a tumor’s specific genetic and molecular characteristics, which helps doctors determine the most effective, personalized treatment plans, including targeted therapies and immunotherapies. It can also help assess eligibility for clinical trials and monitor for cancer recurrence.
What does biomarker testing involve?
Biomarker testing typically involves collecting a sample of the patient’s tumor, either through a tissue biopsy or a liquid biopsy (blood sample test). These samples are then analyzed by a pathologist to identify specific genetic mutations or abnormal proteins that act as biomarkers.
What is the Global Colon Cancer Association’s overarching mission?
The Global Colon Cancer Association advocates for equitable access to quality colorectal cancer screenings, testing, treatments, and care worldwide, ensuring that geographic location does not determine a patient’s ability to prevent or survive the disease.
Key Features of Biomarker Testing in Colorectal Cancer
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | To uncover specific genetic and molecular characteristics of a tumor. | Nationwide |
| Benefits | Enables personalized treatment plans, including targeted therapies and immunotherapies; helps determine clinical trial eligibility; monitors for recurrence. | Nationwide |
| Timing | Typically performed after a colorectal cancer diagnosis; recommended early in the diagnosis and treatment process. | Nationwide |
| Methodology | Involves tissue biopsy or liquid biopsy (blood sample) analyzed by a pathologist for DNA mutations or abnormal proteins. | Nationwide |
| Key Biomarkers | RAS, BRAF, and MSI/dMMR are crucial for treatment decisions, especially in metastatic colorectal cancer. | Nationwide |
| Impact on Treatment | Guides the selection of the most effective and appropriate therapies, leading to improved patient outcomes. | Nationwide |