New cancer treatment program benefits self-funded employers

Over the next decade, the number of cancer survivors is expected to increase by 30%, according to the latest data from the American Cancer Society. Improvements in both detection and treatment have led cancer to become, in some cases, more of a chronic condition than a terminal illness. And for employers, cancer is a leading cause of long-term disability.

IT company MolecularHealth, which uses advanced information technologies to understand the role genetics and other molecular changes play in both illness and treatment, has launched a new oncology program for self-funded employers. SAP will make the program available to its employees in the third quarter of 2014.

“Given the continued pressures on self-funded employer groups globally and the evolution of cancer as a chronic condition, we felt the initial opportunity was with the employer group community,” says Laura Housman, chief commercial officer, MolecularHealth.

Also see: 6 tips for managing the cost of cancer care

The core of the program, called MolecularHealth Corporate Oncology Program For Employers, or COPE, is the company’s TreatmentMAP process. Through TreatmentMAP, cancer tumors are analyzed to determine their genes and biomarkers and the program then creates an actionable report for the treating physician to get the patient “on the best treatment for them at that time with their particular disease,” explains Housman. “And if a treatment is not available, work with them to find what clinical trial options are available with that particular disease. So it’s really personalized to that patient’s particular tumor.”

Safety and efficacy data of the suggested therapies is also incorporated into the treatment map, which carries a list price of $5,000.

“The employer will pay the cost of the treatment map for the employee if the insurance is not paying for it for them,” says Housman. “If there is a time when the insurance is paying for it, then there would be some cost-sharing between the employer and insurer.”

Also see: Cancer drugs too expensive for patients, doctors say

MolecularHealth isn’t partnering with any insurers at the moment but “insurers can certainly work with us and we’re starting some conversations there,” says Housman.