MRF Joins ACS CAN in Advancing Equitable Access to Pharmacogenomic Testing

Last month, the MRF was proud to be among thirteen organizations endorsing the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network’s (ACS CAN) recently released consensus recommendations for improving equitable access to pharmacogenomics in cancer patients. Pharmacogenomics is the study of how inherited genomic variation is associated with the clinical effectiveness or toxicity of drugs.

 “Groundbreaking advances have been made in the treatment of melanoma over the past decade; however, not all patients benefit and treatments often come with side effects. Pharmacogenomics has the potential to offer melanoma patients the ability to have treatments and dosages that are tailored to their own particular genetic makeup to help minimize side effects and maximize therapeutic benefit. The MRF is proud to partner with ACS CAN to help ensure that all patients participate in the identification of and access to pharmacogenetic testing," said MRF CEO, Kyleigh LiPira.

The recommendations include diversity in oncology research participants, improved databases, and improved coverage of pharmacogenomic testing. You can find the full list of recommendations here.

FDA Advances Tanning Bed Ban for Minors

Since it was first proposed in 2015 during the Obama Administration, the MRF has encouraged the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to finalize a rule that would prohibit people under the age of 18 from using indoor tanning beds. Last month, the FDA took an important step to finalize the proposed rule by including the proposed rule in the June Unified Agenda with an anticipated final ruling due in December. This marks the first significant action that the FDA has taken on this issue in several years.

Melanoma is the most common form of cancer for young adults ages 25-29 and the second most common form of cancer for adolescents and young adults 15-25 years old. Exposure to UV radiation from tanning beds at young ages contributes to the development of skin cancer, including the potentially deadly melanoma, in young people. Each year, more than 419,000 cases of skin cancer, including both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers, are linked to indoor tanning in the U.S. alone. Other studies have found a 59 percent increase in the risk of melanoma in those who have been exposed to UV radiation from indoor tanning, and the risk increases with each use. Even a single indoor tanning session can increase users’ risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma by 67 percent and basal cell carcinoma by 29 percent. Despite these significant risks, approximately 7.8 million adults in the United States still engage in indoor tanning.

Previously, the MRF has encouraged members of Congress to write the FDA and encourage them to finalize the proposed rule, sent letters to the FDA, and last fall, met with FDA officials on this issue. The MRF will continue to track the progress of the proposed rule and engage regulatory officials to ensure the complete passage of this important regulation.