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Advancements in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Care Through ASCP Grants

In the United States, more than 150,000 new cases of colorectal cancer are identified each year, positioning metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) as a critical area that requires enhanced medical attention. To tackle these challenges, the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) has partnered with Pfizer and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) to roll out the Quality Improvement (QI) Grant Program. This initiative aims to optimize biomarker testing and treatment selection for patients battling mCRC.

Grant Recipients and Funding Details

The ASCP has chosen six esteemed organizations to receive grant funding ranging from $185,000 to $250,000. The selected organizations are:

• - MAWD Pathology Group
• - Northwell Health / Feinstein Institutes
• - PanOncology Research Foundation / Pan American Center for Oncology Trials (Puerto Rico)
• - TriHealth Cancer Institute
• - Tufts Medical Center
• - University of Chicago Medicine

These organizations will embark on innovative projects designed to refine biomarker testing pathways and facilitate frontline treatment decision-making for individuals diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer.

Addressing Unmet Needs in mCRC

The grants are part of a strategic initiative announced through a Request for Proposals (RFP) issued by ASCP in January 2026. The primary focus is to close existing gaps in molecular testing, improve communication within cancer care teams, and streamline care coordination. The funded projects cover a wide spectrum of innovative aims, such as:

• - Refining molecular testing pathways
• - Enhancing biomarker testing practices
• - Implementing system-wide precision oncology
• - Fostering equity initiatives related to diagnostic excellence

Enhancing Patient Outcomes

Dr. Ali Brown, Interim CEO of ASCP, expressed enthusiasm for the grant recipients, highlighting their commitment to advancing precision medicine and improving outcomes for mCRC patients. He stated, “These projects will strengthen biomarker testing pathways and ensure that patients receive timely, guideline-concordant care.”

The role of precision medicine is pivotal in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer, which increasingly relies on accurate biomarker testing to determine the most effective therapy. The initiative aligns with the National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) guidelines and aims to enhance the testing practices for vital biomarkers, including RAS (KRAS/NRAS) mutations, BRAF mutations, HER2 amplification, and microsatellite instability (MSI) or mismatch repair (MMR) status.

Collaborations for Comprehensive Care

These QI projects will be implemented across multidisciplinary health systems, explicitly prioritizing community-based care environments. A coordinated approach is essential; thus, cancer care teams comprising pathologists, laboratory professionals, oncologists, and surgeons will collaborate to identify barriers, optimize workflows, and enhance communication across care stages.

Utilizing ASCP's Performance and Diagnostic Insights (PDI) platform, participating organizations will gain access to real-time data analytics designed to bolster performance measurement and inform evidence-based decision-making.

Program Objectives and Desired Impact

Key goals include:

• - Analyzing current biomarker testing practices and identifying discrepancies in test-ordering protocols.
• - Evaluating timeframes, reporting workflows, and operational efficiency.
• - Bridging communication gaps to ensure prompt sharing of biomarker results.
• - Establishing rapid molecular diagnostic pathways to guide treatment choices.
• - Elevating patient safety by aligning testing and therapy with established guidelines.
• - Strengthening the capabilities of healthcare teams through enhanced tools and communication methods.

By driving measurable improvements within their institutions, these initiatives will yield practical insights and best practices applicable nationwide, advancing biomarker testing and precision oncology care. The overall aim is to foster sustainable changes that support timely diagnosis, personalized treatment strategies, and better health outcomes for patients facing metastatic colorectal cancer.

About ASCP

Founded in 1922 in Chicago, the ASCP represents a medical professional society with over 100,000 board-certified anatomic and clinical pathologists, pathology residents and fellows, laboratory professionals, and students. ASCP emphasizes excellence in education, certification, and advocacy on behalf of patients, pathologists, and laboratory professionals. To learn more about their impactful mission, visit ASCP's website.