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Outcomes4Me and Labcorp's Study on HER2-low Awareness

Introduction

In a significant development for metastatic breast cancer patients, Outcomes4Me Inc. has collaborated with Labcorp to research digital education's impact on awareness regarding HER2-low status. Their findings, scheduled for presentation at the upcoming San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS) on December 13, 2024, highlight the critical role of patient education in improving health outcomes.

The Importance of HER2-low Status

The HER2 biomarker is pivotal in breast cancer treatment, particularly post the DESTINY-BREAST04 trial results presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology in 2022. As Maya R. Said, Sc.D., CEO of Outcomes4Me, explains, understanding HER2-low status is essential for patients with metastatic breast cancer. However, there are notable delays in translating recent research findings into everyday clinical practices, potentially leaving patients uninformed about their treatment options.

The Study and Findings

Outcomes4Me's study aimed to address this gap through a patient-centric education program, combining their unique digital platform with Labcorp's expertise in laboratory services. The program includes a doctor-patient discussion guide, live and archived webinars, and patient-friendly content focused on HER2 testing.

A preliminary survey highlighted the issue: 41.9% of patients who knew their HER2 status were largely unaware of the HER2-low classification, and over half of the HER2-negative patients did not recall discussions about HER2-low with their oncologists. These findings suggest a stark need for improved communication regarding HER2 testing.

Notably, after engaging with Outcomes4Me's educational resources, 60.9% of patients with an unknown HER2 status indicated they were more likely to discuss testing with their oncologist.

A Direct-to-Patient Approach

Both Outcomes4Me and Labcorp emphasize the importance of empowering patients through knowledge. Dr. Rebecca Previs of Labcorp stated, "Self-advocacy is crucial for patients to access the right treatments, and our collaboration with Outcomes4Me was an excellent opportunity to connect with patients effectively."

This initiative showcases how digital education can bridge the gap between clinical research and real-world application. By providing patients with the tools needed to initiate meaningful conversations about their treatment options, the collaboration aims to facilitate earlier interventions and improved care.

The Significance of Collaboration

The study demonstrates the considerable benefits of partnerships between digital health platforms and diagnostic service providers. These collaborations not only enhance patient awareness but also improve testing rates and ultimately patient outcomes, aligning with the goal of translating scientific research into timely clinical practices.

Future Directions

The complete findings of this study will be available for public viewing at the SABCS poster session on December 13, showcasing how digital health initiatives can directly impact patient care. As Outcomes4Me continues its mission to democratize healthcare, it also supports health equity by providing patients with personalized and validated information.

Outcomes4Me is not only recognized for its innovative platform but is also committed to addressing the clinical and emotional needs of cancer patients at every stage of their journey. Based in Boston, Massachusetts, it is a woman-led organization with a wealth of expertise in healthcare.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the collaboration between Outcomes4Me and Labcorp, highlighted by their study on HER2-low awareness, sheds light on the transformative potential of digital education in cancer care. As the healthcare landscape evolves, initiatives like these are crucial in ensuring that patients are informed and empowered to participate actively in their treatment decisions.

For more information about Outcomes4Me and their initiatives, visit www.outcomes4me.com.