Understanding the Challenges of Universal Biomarker Testing: A Regional Pilot for NSCLC
07/10/2024
With increasing therapeutic opportunities for patients, biomarker testing has become an essential tool for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer patients and their healthcare teams to determine the best path for treatment. Communication, education, and access to biomarker testing are crucial to successful care conversations, but many patients receive this information after a diagnosis. This is particularly true for individuals encountering barriers to accessing healthcare, especially when these barriers intersect. Using the diverse healthcare ecosystem of North Carolina as a model, we spoke to patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers to learn more about persistent challenges in biomarker testing access and logistics, to help improve access to biomarker testing, and to support successful patient outcomes for Lung Cancer communities.
We welcome you to join us for a conversation between healthcare providers and patients regarding the importance of collaboration, best practices, and how lived experiences, specifically in underserved communities, drive improved patient outcomes.
MODERATOR
Dave Bjork
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Dave Bjork
Lung Cancer Survivor & SVP Empowerment at Gryt Health
Dave Bjork is a lung cancer patient advocate and research evangelist with more than 25 years of progressive experience in community-building, nonprofit fundraising, and research advocacy. He is currently Senior Vice President of Empowerment for GRYT Health, working in partnership with pharmaceutical clients to co-create meaningful initiatives in healthcare equity and access to care to help better address patient needs. Dave is host of the Research Evangelist Podcast where he interviews leaders in lung cancer research and care, and the Dinner with Dave Podcast where he shares lung cancer patient stories of inspiration and courage. In addition, he is an advisor to Medidata Solutions where he serves on the Patient Insights Board team to bring the patient voice to the clinical trial experience. Previously Dave spent 8 years leading nonprofit fundraising and advocacy teams.
Dave has made it his life mission to connect patients, biopharma companies, academic institutions, and other key influencers to forge strong partnerships to focus on cancer research and care. He proudly serves on the Advisory Board of the Cancer Epigenetics Institute at Fox Chase Cancer Center. Dave earned a BS in Economics and Finance from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
SPEAKERS
Richard O’Hara (Opening Remarks)
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Richard O’Hara (Opening Remarks)
Medical Director, Oncology Medical Affairs, EMD Serono, Inc.
Richard M. O’Hara, Jr. is currently a Medical Director in Oncology at EMD Serono. He received his PhD in Immunology from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. His doctoral research focused on immune regulation. He continued study in that field while a postdoctoral fellow in the Pathology Department at Harvard Medical School.
Following his fellowship, Richard worked in biotech and pharma research, studying mechanisms of autoimmunity and transplantation graft rejection for more than 20 years. That work led to multiple publications and presentations and the issuance of 9 US Patents.
In 2007, Richard transitioned to Oncology Medical Affairs working in both liquid and solid tumors, covering diagnostic and therapeutic agents. In his current role, he has led the launch of tepotinib in MET-altered Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer and is actively involved in efforts to improve biomarker testing in oncogenic driver mutated NSCLC.
Dr. Sameer Batoo
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Dr. Sameer Batoo
East Carolina University
Dr. Batoo is an Associate Program Director for Oncology/Hematology Fellowship and Assistant Professor of Oncology/Hematology at East Carolina University. He is board-certified in internal medicine, oncology, and hematology, and has held appointments at East Carolina University (NC), Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science (WI), and Highlands Cancer Center (KY). Dr. Batoo completed his internal medicine residency at the University of Buffalo, Catholic Health System, Sisters of Charity Hospital, and his Fellowship in Hematology and Oncology at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University. Dr. Batoo holds a Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery (M.B.B.S) from the University of Kashmir, Government Medical College Srinagar in India.
Terri Conneran
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Terri Conneran
Survivor with KRAS Lung Cancer, Founder, KRAS Kickers
Starting the path to battle stage III lung cancer diagnosis in 2017, the second opinion that informed her of the KRAS G12D biomarker. With a desire to become an informed patient, the KRAS Kickers began in 2020. This is a global patient empowerment group, connecting people to KRAS Knowledge + Research + Advocacy = Survivorship for all KRAS cancers.
A community built with walking alongside of each other in learning, expert webinars, forums and alliances with existing organizations to learn about new developments and clinical trials. It takes us all to kick cancer’s KRAS!
Dr. Nagesh Jayaram
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Dr. Nagesh Jayaram
Southeastern Medical Oncology
Dr. Jayaram joined SMOC in August 2011. He is board-certified in oncology and hematology. Dr. Jayaram completed his internal medicine residency and hematology/oncology fellowship at Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis, Indiana. He received his medical degree from St. George’s University School of Medicine in St. George’s, Grenada. He holds a Bachelor of Pharmacy from Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana. SMOC is excited to have Dr. Jayaram as a full-time physician at our Jacksonville office.