BCBS Kansas – Germline and Somatic Biomarker Testing (Including Liquid Biopsy) for Targeted Treatment and Immunotherapy in Breast Cancer

Original Effective Date: March 10, 2022

Description: Multiple biomarkers are being evaluated to predict response to targeted treatments and immunotherapy for patients with advanced or high-risk breast cancer. These include tissue-based testing as well as circulating tumor DNA and circulating tumor cell testing (known as liquid biopsy). The objective of this evidence review is to examine whether biomarker testing for BRCA variants, PIK3CA, NTRK gene fusions, PD-L1, MSI-H/dMMR, Ki-67, TMB, circulating tumor DNA, or circulating tumor cells improves the net health outcome in patients with breast cancer who are considering targeted therapy or immunotherapy. 

Objective: The objective of this evidence review is to determine whether biomarker testing using tissue biopsy, circulating tumor DNA testing, or circulating tumor cells improves the net health outcome in patients with breast cancer.

Source: https://www.bcbsks.com/medical-policies/germline-and-somatic-biomarker-testing-including-liquid-biopsy-targeted-treatment