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ASCP and Pfizer Collaborate to Advance Cancer Care

On January 26, 2026, the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) joined forces with Pfizer to announce a significant initiative aimed at improving biomarker testing in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). This program is structured around a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Quality Improvement (QI) projects with funding available for up to $250,000 per initiative. The goal is to enhance frontline treatment selection by addressing ongoing challenges in biomarker testing practices.

The RFP and its Objectives

This multi-year program encourages healthcare institutions to identify and implement best practices for biomarker testing related to mCRC. Specifically, the QI projects will focus on evaluating biomarkers such as RAS mutations (KRAS/NRAS), BRAF mutations, HER2 amplification, and microsatellite instability (MSI)/mismatch repair (MMR) status. These markers are critical for making informed treatment decisions and align with National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) guidelines.

ASCP will administer the program, setting forth a structured approach to enhance the quality of care through improved biomarker evaluation and reporting practices. The initiative is targeted primarily at community healthcare institutions, ensuring that the advancements reach frontline facilities where they are most needed.

Addressing Healthcare Gaps

Despite advancements in oncology, persistent gaps in molecular testing and care coordination still impact treatment outcomes for mCRC patients. This program seeks to bridge these gaps through collaboration among various healthcare professionals, including pathologists, oncologists, and laboratory experts. By fostering a multidisciplinary approach, the initiative aims to enhance communication and coordination in cancer care, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.

Ali Brown, Interim CEO of ASCP, stated, “By investing in pathology-led quality improvement, we are strengthening the entire cancer care team.” This sentiment echoes the program's overarching aim to equip healthcare institutions with the necessary tools, workflows, and partnerships to ensure effective biomarker testing, which is essential for enabling oncologists to make well-informed treatment choices.

Utilizing Data for Improvement

Funded projects will leverage ASCP's Performance and Diagnostic Insights (PDI) platform, which is designed for real-time data aggregation and analysis to support performance measurement. Participating institutions will be tasked with assessing current biomarker testing practices, identifying variations in workflows, and implementing targeted improvements to streamline processes.

The initiative will also focus on key objective metrics, including:

• - Understanding current practices: Analyze existing biomarker testing protocols and identify inconsistencies.
• - Improving turnaround times: Assess reporting workflows to enhance operational efficiency.
• - Enhancing communication: Close the gaps in communication to guarantee timely results for care teams.
• - Accelerating diagnostics: Establish faster pathways for molecular testing that support optimal treatment decisions.
• - Patient safety: Ensure adherence to testing guidelines and appropriate therapy selections.

Sharing Best Practices

One critical aspect of the program is not only driving improvements within participating institutions but also disseminating lessons learned and best practices across the wider oncology community. By sharing insights from the funded QI projects, ASCP and Pfizer aim to promote scalable and sustainable quality enhancements in mCRC care.

How to Participate

Organizations interested in participating in this initiative are encouraged to review the comprehensive RFP for further details on eligibility requirements, application processes, and submission timelines. More information is available on the official channels of ASCP and Pfizer, aimed at fostering a collaborative effort toward improving cancer care globally.

In summary, the ASCP and Pfizer partnership marks a pivotal step in enhancing the quality of biomarker testing essential for informing treatment decisions in metastatic colorectal cancer. With a focus on collaboration among healthcare professionals and a commitment to excellence, this initiative seeks to ultimately improve patient outcomes in this challenging domain of cancer care.