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Global Cancer Genetic Testing Access Unequal: Lancet Commission Reveals Stark Disparities
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News18•25-09-2026, 08:45
Global Cancer Genetic Testing Access Unequal: Lancet Commission Reveals Stark Disparities
- •A new Lancet Oncology commission highlights profound global inequalities in access to genomic testing and matched cancer treatments, particularly impacting low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
- •Only 2% of biomarker-based cancer trials are conducted in LMICs, compared to 81% in high-income countries, revealing substantial research disparities.
- •The commission warns of a ‘paradox of success,’ where rapid expansion of precision oncology increases costs and complexity faster than population-level benefits.
- •Global spending on cancer medicines is projected to reach USD 441 billion by 2029, up from USD 252 billion in 2024, reflecting a 75% increase over five years.
- •An estimated 7-8 million cancer patients annually require standard-of-care molecular testing, but coverage remains low, especially in LMICs, with many eligible patients not receiving crucial tests like BRCA testing for ovarian cancer.
Key Questions Answered
The Lancet Commission reported that only 2 percent of biomarker-based cancer trials are conducted in low- and middle-income countries, whereas nearly 81 percent take place in high-income countries.
Researchers estimate that between seven to eight million (70 to 80 lakh) cancer patients worldwide need standard-of-care molecular testing every year.
The commission proposed a prioritization framework for molecular tests and therapies, a system-readiness assessment tool, a workforce-competency framework, responsible data-sharing principles, 10 core recommendations, and a phased implementation roadmap for equitable precision oncology.
