Transcription

• Nancy Johnson

  Scientists now have a powerful new tool to study blood cancers, speeding discoveries that could save lives. And breast cancer testing for uninsured women under 35. How a Missouri foundation is making it possible. This is Path News Network Daily Edition from the College of American Pathologists. I'm Nancy Johnson. It's Monday, April 13th. A powerful new data platform is bringing together genomic, gene expression, and clinical data from nearly 6,000 blood cancer patients, offering researchers an unprecedented view of these diseases. Developed by teams at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and partners like the American Society of Hematology, the tool allows scientists to analyze complex data sets in one place and uncover patterns that were previously hidden. The effort includes leadership from the College of American Pathologists, Dr. Charles Mulligan, alongside fellow pathologists at St. Jude, working to advance understanding of cancer biology and patient outcomes. Now publicly available, the platform is expected to speed discoveries and help guide more precise treatments. for patients with blood cancers. While new tools are helping researchers unlock cancer's genetic secrets, a new study featured in Stat News shows many patients still aren't benefiting from that progress. Research published in JAMA Network Open finds that roughly half of patients with certain metastatic cancers never received genomic testing, a key step in identifying targeted treatments. Experts say barriers like cost concerns, insurance coverage issues, and limited access to testing all play a role, especially for lower-income patients and some minority groups. Without that testing, doctors may miss critical mutations, and patients can miss the window for therapies designed to target them. Stronger state societies can mean stronger advocacy, and that's the idea behind a featured session at the CAP's House of Delegates and Pathologists Leadership Summit. It's happening Sunday, April 26 in Washington, D.C., bringing state pathology leaders together to talk candidly about what's working and what's not when it comes to building stronger state societies. They all share real-world wins and challenges. dive into new CAP data, and swap ideas in breakout discussions. The goal is simple, give pathologists practical strategies they can take home to strengthen connections, raise visibility, and boost advocacy in their states. And finally, a Missouri non-profit is helping younger women get critical breast cancer testing they might otherwise go without. In a KY3 news report out of Springfield, the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks provides financial assistance for women under 35, covering mammograms, ultrasounds, and biopsies when insurance falls short. The organization was founded in 1999 by nurse and philanthropist Mary Beth O'Reilly. She died last month after a decades-long battle with breast cancer. and leaves behind a legacy that has helped thousands of families. The CAP's Dr. Jami Skrade is a breast pathologist at Cox Health. It's heartbreaking to make that diagnosis. But through her work supporting the foundation and the Ozarks and helping guide where assistance is needed most, Dr. Skrade says the impact has been profound.

• Dr. Jami Skrade

  It turned out to be some of the most gratifying work. I had ever done.

• Nancy Johnson

  The CAP Foundation's See, Test and Treat program is expanding that kind of access nationwide, offering free cervical and breast cancer screenings with same day results for women in underserved communities. That's all for the Daily Edition. Be sure to check the show notes for more information on today's stories. We're back tomorrow at 5am Eastern for another episode. of The Daily Edition. I'm Nancy Johnson. Have a great day.