Pharmacists’ Expanding Role in Precision Oncology as Younger Adults Face Rising cancer Rates

At the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, Thomas P. Slavin Jr., MD, MBA, FACMGG, DABMD, discussed how rising cancer incidence among younger adults is accelerating the integration of precision diagnostics – including circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) minimal residual disease (MRD) testing and hereditary cancer panels – into routine oncology care. He noted that younger, tech-savvy patients are increasingly engaged in these tools, creating a greater need for pharmacist involvement in education, interpretation, and therapy support.

Dr.Slavin highlighted that the demand for personalized, technology-driven care is rapidly advancing innovation in cancer diagnostics.Emerging platforms such as the Haystack MRD Test and multi-cancer early detection technologies are enabling earlier identification of molecular disease signals and more tailored treatment strategies.

Pharmacy Times: as cancer incidence rises among younger adults, how do you see pharmacists playing a more central role in guiding patients through precision diagnostics-such as ctDNA MRD testing and hereditary cancer panels-especially as these tools become more integrated into routine oncology workflows?

Thomas P. slavin Jr., MD, MBA, FACMGG, DABMD: It goes without saying that pharmacists play a crucial role in a cancer patient’s care team, and that will only continue to grow as cancer incidence rises among younger people. Younger people may have different expectations of how they will interact with their care team, such as potentially desiring more personalized touchbases, and may prove to be more up-to-speed on the latest diagnostic tests such as ctDNA MRD testing and hereditary cancer panels. While this is only conjecture, what’s clear is that different approaches will be required for different audiences, and pharmacists can help led the way by being the patient’s trusted medication resource. Whether inpatient, ambulatory, specialty, or in industry or academic settings, all pharmacists have a role to play in ctDNA MRD, which has potential to improve monitoring of patients during and following treatment for solid tumor cancers.

Pharmacy Times: You’ve spoken about how younger cancer patients are driving demand

Understanding Access to Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) Testing

Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) testing is becoming more importent in cancer treatment,but access isn’t always equal. Here’s a look at some key factors affecting who can get this testing:

• Cost and Financial Help: The cost of MRD testing can be high for some patients, especially if their insurance doesn’t cover it. many companies offer financial assistance programs for those who qualify.
• Global Availability: Access to MRD testing differs greatly around the world. Currently, the United States has more widespread testing available compared to other countries. Europe has been slower to adopt MRD tests, but is catching up.For example, Quest Diagnostics worked with a lab in Germany to offer MRD testing using their Haystack technology. Quest also provides access to testing through partner labs worldwide.

REFERENCES:

1. Haystack Oncology and Rutgers Cancer Institute Collaborate in a Clinical Study to Examine Haystack MRD as a Guide for Post-Surgical Treatment for Lung Cancer. Questdiagnostics.com. Published September 22, 2025. Accessed December 12, 2025. questdiagnostics.com