|Articles|January 12, 2016

First insurer covers whole genome sequencing for cancer

Independence reaches a deal with NantHealth to cover next-generation whole genome sequences for a variety of cancers.

Independence Blue Cross has entered into an agreement with NantHealth to cover next-generation whole genome sequencing for a variety of cancers. Independence is the first insurer to cover whole genome sequencing, which fully sequences thousands of genes in a single test, detecting DNA mutations that may serve as markers that inform decisions about optimal cancer therapy.

In addition, Independence has joined the National Immunotherapy Coalition-the nation’s most comprehensive cancer collaborative initiative, focused on accelerating the potential of combination immunotherapy as the next-generation standard of care in cancer patients. The coalition and its members will design, initiate and complete the Cancer Moon Shot 2020 Program, a series of randomized phase 2 trials in 20,000 patients at all stages of disease in 20 tumor types within the next 24 to 36 months.

Hilferty

“The science around genomics and immunotherapy and their potential to advance cancer care is evolving,” says Managed Heathcare Executive Editorial Advisor Daniel J. Hilferty, president and CEO, Independence Blue Cross. “Entering into a relationship with NantHealth, and supporting the Cancer Moon Shot 2020 Program, are two ways that we are responsibly contributing to the evidence-base and-potentially-helping to advance cancer care.”

Independence’s agreement with NantHealth involves a very specific and complex lab study related to cancer, next-generation whole genomic sequencing of tumor DNA, and related proteomic testing, for certain types of cancer, according to Hilferty.

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