Cancer is the second biggest cause of death worldwide1, and its incidence is rising.2 As an experienced leader in oncology, Roche is at the forefront of the battle against cancer, bringing together expertise and investment to enhance cancer care and fund innovative research. Our extensive portfolio of diagnostic solutions across testing disciplines such as immunochemistry, molecular testing, sequencing, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization and digital insights, ensures laboratories and healthcare professionals have the tools they need to give patients the care they deserve.3
As a sustainable and collaborative partner to the oncology community, we are committed to optimizing and future-proofing our partners' oncology capabilities so that they can continue the global fight against cancer.
In 2022 the number of cancer-related deaths reached almost 10 million4 and the incidence of cancer is rising.2 By 2040, it is predicted we will see 28.7 million new cancer cases globally, a rise of 44% from 2022.1 This will put further pressure on oncology services which are already suffering from staff shortages, increasing financial pressures and rising costs.5
As a result of rising numbers, the global economic cost of cancers between 2020 and 2050 is estimated to be $25.2 trillion in international dollars. This is equal to an annual tax of 0.55% on global gross domestic product.6 However, direct medical costs only tell part of the story. The life-altering impact of cancer extends beyond the individual, affecting immediate and extended family, friends, colleagues, employers and others.
Our understanding of cancer has increased dramatically and continues to evolve. Recent years have seen notable progress in the ability to manage the disease and diagnostics play a critical role, however as the incidence of cancer grows and more testing is required, healthcare providers face pressure to adapt and evolve.3
Conventional diagnostic techniques such as in situ hybridization (ISH), fluorescent ISH (FISH), and single-gene testing require biomarkers to be pre-specified in some cases in order to be tested. With the number of relevant biomarkers increasing year to year, healthcare providers are unable to test for them all and are therefore facing an incomplete picture when diagnosing.7 Added to this, the growing amount of data points available to healthcare professionals makes it increasingly complex to make reliable clinical decisions. For example, in Europe in 2019 more than 12,000 clinical trials were initiated.8,9
We have also seen substantial changes in the way patients with cancer are managed, from a “one-size-fits-all” approach to increasing focus on precision medicine which brings additional complexity to healthcare professionals and disparities in access.7 A study from 2022 on the access and quality of biomarker testing for precision oncology in Europe showed that there are high variations regarding the implementation of precision oncology, based on factors such as limited awareness, a lack of diagnostic laboratory infrastructure, inefficient organization, and/or insufficient public reimbursement.10
A lack of access to affordable, high-quality diagnosis and treatment and resulting late- stage diagnosis, means that the greatest increases in cancer-related mortality will be in low- and middle-income countries.11 For example, in breast cancer an early diagnosis significantly improves survival rates, and the stage at diagnosis varies widely across different countries and regions. Late-stage diagnosis occurs in around 6% of United States women compared with 75% of sub-Saharan African women, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis strategies.12
Helping to improve access to timely, accurate screening and diagnosis for people all over the world, especially in resource-limited regions, is more important than ever. That’s why we are working closely with governments and policy makers, to improve access and ensure Roche creates long-term impact not only for patients, but society as a whole.13
A broad range of different biomarkers and diagnostic solutions to uncover the holistic image of the lung cancer patient.
At Roche, we relentlessly work to push the standards of excellence higher. We bring together expertise and investment to solve problems in oncology and fund innovative research:
Oncology diagnostic solutions can be complex, fragmented, and inconsistent. Roche provides a breadth of solutions across testing disciplines - immunochemistry, molecular testing, sequencing, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization and digital insights - to support healthcare professionals to make life-changing decisions.3 Oncology teams need diagnostic certainty. Our aim is to simplify and optimize processes to enable the best possible care decisions for every patient by:
At Roche we are focused on helping our partners improve labs and lives through flexible, sustainable solutions and close collaboration with the global oncology community through:
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