CVS Health has launched a genomic testing-based precision medicine strategy for personalized cancer care, the company announced Dec. 12.
Transform Oncology Care launched in partnership with artificial intelligence-enabled precision medicine startup Tempus. Through the program, oncologists will develop precise treatment regimens based on patients' clinical and genetic profiles, including the results of Tempus' broad-panel gene sequencing tests. Treatment plans developed from those tests will automatically receive prior authorization approval.
The new program will also match eligible patients to appropriate local clinical trials, based on their genomic testing results.
"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," said Alan Lotvin, MD, executive vice president and chief transformation officer of CVS Health. "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."
The program, which is integrated into payers' existing programs, is available to health plans outside of CVS Health. It is currently available to Aetna's fully insured commercial populations and will be rolled out over time to participating provider networks in 12 states.